Translation and Meaning of: 踊る - odoru

The Japanese word 踊る[おどる] is a verb that sparks curiosity both for its meaning and for its cultural use. If you are learning Japanese or are simply interested in the language, understanding how this word is used in everyday life can be quite helpful. In this article, we will explore its meaning, origin, writing in kanji, and practical examples, as well as interesting facts that make 踊る a fascinating word. Here at Suki Nihongo, our Japanese dictionary, you can find detailed information to enhance your studies.

Meaning and use of 踊る

踊る means "to dance" in Japanese, but its usage goes beyond the literal sense. While other verbs like ダンスする (to dance, from English "dance") are more generic, 踊る carries a more traditional or performative nuance. It is often associated with folk dances, festivals, and artistic performances, such as the bon odori (盆踊り), a traditional dance during Obon.

In everyday contexts, 踊る can appear in sentences like "彼は舞台で踊っている" (He is dancing on stage). The choice between 踊る and ダンスする often depends on the style of dance: the former tends to be used for more expressive forms, while the latter is common in modern contexts, such as ballads or dance classes.

Origin and writing of the kanji 踊

The kanji 踊 is composed of the radical 足 (ashi, "foot") and the component 甬 (yō, which suggests movement). This combination is not accidental: it reflects the idea of moving the feet rhythmically, something essential in dance. The etymology traces back to ancient Chinese, where the character already represented actions related to jumping or dancing.

It's worth noting that 踊る is a group 1 (godan) verb, which means its conjugation follows specific patterns. For example, in the negative form, it becomes 踊らない (odoranai). For Japanese students, associating the radical 足 with the act of dancing can be a helpful hint to memorize the kanji.

Cultural curiosities about 踊る

In Japan, dancing is not just entertainment, but an integral part of celebrations and rituals. The aforementioned bon odori, for example, is a dance in honor of ancestors during the Obon festival. Many cities have their own steps and songs, making 踊る a word loaded with regional significance.

Another interesting fact is the use of 踊る in idiomatic expressions. The phrase "人形のように踊る" (to dance like a puppet) can describe someone who follows orders without questioning, showing how the word transcends its physical meaning. This richness of uses makes 踊る a valuable term for those who want to immerse themselves in Japanese language and culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Verb conjugation of 踊る

• 踊る - informal dictionary form of dictionary
• 踊ります - Formal
• 踊ろう - imperative
• 踊って - Gerund form
• 踊った - simple past

Synonyms and similar words

• 踊り (Odori) - Dance in general
• 舞う (Mau) - Dance with grace, as in a traditional dance performance.
• 跳ねる (Haneru) - To skip or jump, usually with a feeling of joy.
• 躍る (OdorU) - To dance in an animated or lively manner, often in festive contexts.
• 跳舞う (Tobinau) - Dance with a light and fluid movement, emphasizing lightness.
• 舞踏する (Butō suru) - Dancing in a formal manner or in a dance presentation
• 踊り狂う (Odori kuruu) - Dancing frantically, in a state of intense joy or emotion
• 舞い踊る (Mai odoru) - Dancing in a majestic style, often associated with ceremonial dances.
• 踊り明かす (Odori akasu) - Dancing all night long, often celebrating or partying
• 踊り続ける (Odori tsuzukeru) - Keep dancing; the action of dancing without stopping.

踊る

Romaji: odoru
Kana: おどる
Type: verb
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: dance

Meaning in English: to dance

Definition: Move your body rhythmically to the beat of the music.

Example Sentences - (踊る) odoru

See below some example sentences:

踊ることは私の人生の喜びです。

Odoru koto wa watashi no jinsei no yorokobi desu

Dancing is the joy of my life.

Dancing is the joy of my life.

• 踊ることは - "Dançar é"
• 私の - "my"
• 人生の - "vida"
• 喜びです - "joy."

クラブで踊るのが好きです。

Kurabu de odoru no ga suki desu

I like to dance in clubs.

I like to dance in the club.

• クラブ (kurabu) - It means "club" in Japanese.
• で (de) - a particle in Japanese that indicates the location where the action takes place, in this case, "at the club"
• 踊る (odoru) - It means "dance" in Japanese.
• のが (noga) - a Japanese particle that indicates someone's preference or ability, in this case, "I like to dance"
• 好き (suki) - It means "taste" or "love" in Japanese
• です (desu) - a Japanese particle that indicates the polite form of ending a sentence, in this case, "is"

リズムに合わせて踊ろう。

Rizumu ni awasete odorou

Let's dance to the rhythm.

Let's dance according to the rhythm.

• リズム (rizumu) - rhythm
• に (ni) - particle that indicates action or direction
• 合わせて (awasete) - together with, in conjunction
• 踊ろう (odorou) - let's dance

彼女は踊りの振りが上手です。

Kanojo wa odori no furi ga jouzu desu

She is good at doing the dance moves.

She is good at dancing.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - She
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 踊り (odori) - dance
• の (no) - Possessive particle
• 振り (furi) - Movements
• が (ga) - Subject particle
• 上手 (jouzu) - Skill, skilled
• です (desu) - polite way of being

踊りが大好きです。

Odori ga daisuki desu

I love dancing.

• 踊り (odori) - dance
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 大好き (daisuki) - to love a lot, to like a lot
• です (desu) - verb to be in the polite form

輪になって踊ろう。

Rin ni natte odorou

Let's dance like a circle.

• 輪 (wa) - Círculo
• に (ni) - Particle that indicates the place where the action occurs
• なって (natte) - verb form indicating the action of becoming
• 踊ろう (odorou) - verb meaning "to dance" in the imperative