A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Would you like to dance" in French
The classic, polite way to ask someone to dance in French, perfect for formal settings or when you don't know them well.
Voudriez-vous danser avec moi ?
voo-dree-ay voo dahn-SAY ah-VEHK mwahformal
French TTS · 0:01
This is your go-to phrase for asking someone to dance at a wedding, a formal party, or a ball. It's suitable when you want to be respectful and make a good impression.
Alternatives
- Tu veux danser avec moi ?Use this more casual version with friends or someone your age you know well.
- On danse ?A very short, informal invitation, often used among friends or in a lively party atmosphere.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing the 'd' in 'voudriez'
The 'd' at the end of 'voudriez' is silent; don't pronounce it.
Forgetting the 'r' sound
French 'r' is guttural, made in the back of the throat, not rolled like in Spanish.
Using 'tu' too soon
Starting with 'tu' with a stranger can be seen as overly familiar or even rude; 'vous' is safer.
A small cultural note
While the formal 'Voudriez-vous...' is always correct, younger generations might use the more direct 'Tu veux...' even in slightly more formal settings than English speakers might expect.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
What if they say no to dancing?
A simple 'D'accord, merci quand même' (Okay, thanks anyway) is polite. Don't take it personally; there are many reasons someone might decline.
Can I use this outside of a dance?
While it specifically means 'to dance', the polite structure 'Voudriez-vous...?' can be adapted for other invitations, like 'Voudriez-vous vous asseoir ?' (Would you like to sit down?).
How do I respond if someone asks me to dance?
If you accept, say 'Oui, avec plaisir !' (Yes, with pleasure!). If you decline, 'Non, merci, peut-être une autre fois' (No, thank you, maybe another time) is polite.
