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Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy

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DOI: 10.22713/JT2019001

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Original Article Journal of Tango, Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019, pp.7~17 ISSN 2636-1663 01

Journal of Tango
Official Journal of Korea Tango Therapy Association (KTTA) 01
Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy

Youngsoon Koh1, Yoonchul Hur2*, Geunwoong Noh3**

1. Medical Tango, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province,
2. Tango School, Seoul,
3. Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, Cheju Halla General Hospital, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Korea
* Corresponding author: Yoonchul Hur, Tango School (Hongdae), Tae Jeon B/D B1, Donggyo-ro 210, Mapo-gu, Seoul Korea E-mail:
neohan3@hanmail.net
** Co-Corresponding author: Geunwoong Noh, Department of Allergy, Allergy and Clinical Immunology Center, Cheju Halla General Hospital,
Doreongno 65, Jeju-si Jeju Special Self-Governing Province 63127, Korea, Tel: +82-64-740-5064; Fax: +82-64-743-3110; E-mail:
admyth@naver.com

ABSTRACT KEYWORDS
Tango (Argentine tango) is applied clinically for therapeutic purposes. Not only does tango, as a Tango Terminology,
kind of dance, involve complex whole body movements synchronized to music but tango Tango, Tango Therapy,
Dance Therapy
movements seem to be complicated and have many unique postures. For the systemic application of
tango therapy, the systemic analysis of tango movements and figures are absolutely necessary. For
therapeutic purposes, tango therapy should be prescribed based on a common scientific description.
To describe tango movements more scientifically and systemically, a uniform systematic standard
ACCEPTANCE INFO
terminology should be determined and defined. However, the determination and definition of the
terminology for tango should be performed for the research of tango movements. In this article, the Received Feb 26, 2019
Accepted Mar 15, 2019
unique terminology of Argentine tango is listed and defined according to the original meaning in
Spanish as the first step toward for the systemic standardization of tango 10.22713/JT2019001

1. Introduction is the determination and definition of the terminology for

Tango (Argentine tango) is applied clinically for
therapeutic purposes in the context of neurological
diseases such as Parkinson’s disease [1, 2]. Not only
does tango, as a kind of dance, involve complex whole
body movements synchronized to music but tango
movements seem to be complicated and have many
unique postures [3, 4]. Therefore, to increases the
effectiveness of tango therapy, the systemic analysis of
tango movements and posture are absolutely necessary
[5]. For therapeutic purposes, tango therapy should be
prescribed based on a common scientific description.
To describe tango movements more scientifically and
systemically, a uniform systematic standard terminology
should be determined and defined. Therefore, the first step
tango. Unfortunately, there has been no internationally
standard terminology of tango until now. For scientific
description and therapeutic use, tango terminology should
be determined and defined precisely. In this article, the
unique terminology of Argentine tango is listed and
defined according to the Spanish original meaning as the
first step toward the standardization of tango terminology.
2. Materials and Methods
1) Literature Review and Collection of
Tango Terminology
The tango terminology is listed on the basis of an

7
 Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy
authoritative book in this field [6]. Additionally, the
terminology was collected from tango lecturers.
Argentine tango was born in Argentinae. The unique
terms for tango was originally developed in Spanish
but they have been translated into Korean and English.
2) Listing of the Terminology
The possible terminology was fist listed. The tango
terminology is listed alphabetically. Thereafter, the
terminology is listed concisely according to use and is
also rearranged for the context of tango therapy.
Thereafter, the basic essential terms that are absolutely
necessary for the description of tango movements and
posture are listed.
3) Consensus of the Terminology and
Definition
To reach a consensus, the tango terminology was
discussed with three tango masters who studied and
learned tango in Argentina and three lecturers who
have been teaching tango professionally for more than
10 years. Terms that were confusing were excluded
from the list of terminology.
3. Results
The terminology of Argentine tango is listed in
alphabetical order below. The terms are described as the
term (Korean Pronunciation): Korean; English.
A barrida
Abajo(아바호): 아래로; Down
Abdomen(아브도멘): (인체)배; Abdomen
Abrazo(아브라쏘): 안기, 두 사람의 가슴 사이의 거리에 따
라 크게 세 가지로 나눈다; Hug, There are three main
categories depending on the distance between the two
dancers’ chests.
⦁Abrazo abierto(아브라소 아비에르또): 열린 안기, 셋
중 가장 거리가 멀다; Open hug, being the most
furthest apart among the three
⦁Abrazo cercano(아브라소 세르까노): 가까운 안기, 세
8 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
라도와 아비에르또의 사이; Semi-close hug, the
middle distance between Cerrado and Abierto
⦁Abrazo cerrado(아브라소 세라도): 닫힌 안기, 가슴을
밀착한 상태. 가장 가까움; Closed embrace, the
closest embrace among the three.
Acá(아까): 여기, 이쪽 (=Aquí 아끼); Here
Acento(악센토): 강세, 액센트; Accent
Adelante(아델란떼): 앞으로; Ahead, forward
Adorno(아도르노): 꾸미기, 장식; Ornament
Aguja(아구하): 바늘, 발끝으로 바닥을 찍는 동작; Needle,
the motion of stomping on the floor with the tiptoe
Ahí(아이): 거기, 그쪽; There
Ahora(아오라): 지금; Now
Allá(아샤): 저기, 저쪽; There
Alto, ta(알또, 따): 높은, 키가 큰; High
Amague(아마게): ~ 하는 척함, 어떤 동작을 하려다 다른
동작을 하는 것 ; Faint, To pretend to do something but
to do something different
Americana(아메리카나): 두 사람이 같은 방향을 바라보며
걷는 동작; The movement of two people walking in
the same direction
Ancho, cha(안초, 차): 넓음; wide
Angosto, ta(앙고스토, 타): 좁은; Narrow
Antiguo, gua(안띠구오, 구아): 오랜; Old
Arriba(아리바): 위로; Upward
Aquí(아끼): 여기; Here
Arrabal(아라발): 도시의 빈민가; The slums of the city
Arrastre(아라스뜨레): 끌기, 상대의 발을 끄는 동작.
(=Barrida); Drag, to drag the partner’s feet, same as
Arriba(아리바): 위로; Above
Atras(아뜨라스): 뒤로; Behind, backward
Avanzado(아반싸도): 고급; Advanced
B
Bailar(바일라): 춤추다, 춤추기; Dance
Bailarín(바일라린): 댄서; Dancer
Baile(바일레): 춤; Dance, dancing
Bajo, ja(바호, 하): 낮은, 키가 작은; Low, short
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
Bandera(반데라): 기, 깃발. 볼레오를 앞뒤로 반복하는 동
작; Flag, the action of repeating the boleo back and
forth
Barrida(바리다): (바닥을)씀, 질질 끔. (=Arrastre); Sweep,
the same action as Arrastre
Barrio(바리오): 지역; Neighborhood, suburb
Basico, ca(바시꼬, 까): 기본의, 기초의; Basic, primary
Beso(베쏘): 입맞춤, 인사로 볼을 맞대고 ‘쪽’ 소리를 내는
것. 아르헨티나는 한번. 나라에 따라 2번이나 3번 하는 곳
도 있다; Kiss, to lightly kiss with one's cheek in
greeting, which is performed once in Argentiinae and
twice or three times in other countries
Boleo(볼레오): 다리를 위로 날리는 동작; A motion that
sweeps one's legs upward
Baldosa(발도사): 타일, 사각 모양의 6스텝으로 이루어진
피겨; Tile, a movement consisting of six steps in a
square shape
Bicicleta(비시클레타): 자전거, 발을 자전거 페달 밟는 모
양으로 하는 동작; Bike, an action in which the feet
perform a motion similar to pedaling a bicycle
Bien(비엔): 잘, 바르게; Right!, All right
Brazo(브라쏘): 팔, Arm
Bueno, na(부에노, 부에나): 좋은, 남성 단수 명사 앞에서
는 Buen이 된다; Good, Well!
C Cantante(깐딴떼): 가수; Singer
Cabeceo(까베세오): 머릿짓. 머리를 살짝 움직이는 행위.
춤 신청과 수락을 할 때 사용한다.; Nodding, an action
that is used to ask and accept dance the proposition
to dance together
Cabeza(까베싸): 머리; Head
Cadena(까데나): 사슬, 남녀가 교차하며 돌아가는 동작;
Chain, the movements of men and women crossing
each other one by one
Cadera(까데라): 골반; hip
Cadencia(까덴시아): 선율, 땅고의 특유의 느낌, 땅고 음악
의 선율을 표현하는 것, 특정 동작으로 말하는 이도 있다;
Cadence, a tango-specific feeling, expressing the
melody of tango music in which someone specifies a
specific movement
Caida(까이다): 넘어진, 바로선 자세가 아닌 넘어지듯이 중
심을 기울이며 하는 동작; Fall, collapse, an action in the
position is not upright due to tilting the axis
Calesita(깔레시따): 회전목마, 중심 축을 기준으로 회전목
마 처럼 상대가 돌면서 하는 동작; Merry-go-round, the
motion of the partner as he or she rotates around the
centre axis like merry-go-round
Cambio(깜비오): 변경, 교환; Change
⦁Cambio de direccion(깜비오 데 디렉씨온): 방향 전
환; A change of direction
⦁Cambio de frente(깜비오 데 프렌떼): 정면 전환;
Frontal transition
⦁Cambio de pareja(깜비오 데 빠레하): 춤 상대 바꿈;
Change your dancing partner
⦁Cambio de peso(깜비오 데 뻬소): 체중 옮김; Weight
transfer
Caminar(까미나르): 걷기; Walk
Caminata(까미나타): 산책; Walking
Canción(깐시온): 노래; Song,
Candombe(깐돔베): 아프리카 흑인 노예들에 의해 남아메
리카, 특히 아르헨티나 부에노스 아이레스와 우루과이 몬테
비데오 일대에 전파된 춤과 음악; Dance and music
propagated by African black slaves throughout South
America, especially Buenos Aires, Argentina and
Montevideo, Uruguay
Canyengue(깐젠게): 초기 땅고의 모습 중 하나; One of
the early tango postures
Cara(카라): 얼굴; Face
Caricia(까리시아): 애무, 상대를 부드럽게 터치하는 동작;
Caress, action of softly touching one’s partner
Castigada(까스띠가다): 체벌한, 앞 볼레오 같이 몸을 채찍
으로 체벌하는 듯한 동작; Punished, gesture of
chastising the body with a whip, as in the front boleo
Chico, ca(치꼬, 까): 작은, 어린이; Boy, small
Cintura(씬뚜라): 허리; Waist
Codo(코도): 팔꿈치; Elbow
Colgada(꼴까다): 매달린, 하나의 축에서 서로가 등 쪽으로
당기면서 하는 동작; Hung, dangle
9
 Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy

Columna(꼴룸나): 기둥, 몸에서 ‘Columna’라고 하면 척 Direccion(디렉시온): 방향; Direction

추를 지칭한다.; Column Disociación(디소시아시온): 분리; Dissociation
Columna vertebral(꼴룸나 베르떼브랄): 척추; Spine Dramático, ca(드라마티꼬, 까): 극적인; Dramatic
Compas(꼼파스): 박자, 리듬; Beat, pulse Duro, ra(두로, 라): 딱딱한, 단단한; Hard
Competencia(꼼페텐시아): 시합, 대회; Competition
Contra(꼰뜨라): 반대; Against, contra
Contraer(꼰뜨라에르): 수축시키다; Contract E
Corazón(꼬라손): 심장, 마음; Heart
Eje(에헤): 축; Axis
Coreografía(꼬레오그라피아): 안무; Choreography
Empujar(엠뿌하르): 밀다, 밀기; Push
Corrida(꼬리다): 달리기, 달리는 듯한 동작; Run
Enganche(엔간체): 갈고리, 훅. 상대에게 다리로 고리 모
Corte(꼬르떼): 끊기; Cut
양을 만드는 동작; Hook, action of hooking each other’s
Corto, ta(꼬르또, 따): 짧은; Short
lower limbs
Cortina(꼬르띠나): 커튼, 막, Tanda와 Tanda사이를 구분
Enrosque(엔로스께): 칭칭 감긴, 나선 모양으로 트위스트
하는 것, 주로 탱고가 아닌 음악이 짧게 나온다; Curtain,
하는 동작; Curl, screw, coil, twisting motion in a
to distinguish from tanda, music is usually short and
spiral shape
not like tango.
Ensayo(엔사쇼): 연습; Practice
Cruce(끄루쎄): 횡단, 교차, 엇갈림을 만드는 동작들; Crossing,
Entrada(엔뜨라다): 입구, 어떤 동작의 시작 부분; Entry,
Cross
the beginning of a movement
Cruzada, do(끄루사다, 도): Cruce된; Crossed
Entrenamiento(엔뜨레나미엔또): 훈련; Training
Cuarto,ta(꾸아르또, 따): 1/4의; Quarter
Equilibrio(에뀔리브리오): 균형, 조화; Balance, equilibrium
Cuello(꾸에쇼): 목; Neck
Escenario(에세나리오): 무대; Stage
Cuerpo(꾸에르뽀): 몸; Body
Escuela(에스꾸엘라): 학교; School
Culo(꿀로): 엉덩이; Behind, ass
Espalda(에스팔다): 등; Back
Cunita(꾸니따): 작은 유아용 침대, 좌우로 흔드는 동작,
Espejo(에스뻬호): 거울; Mirror
Hamaca와 같음; Cradle, rocking motion from side to
Espiración(에스피라시온): 날숨; Expiration
side
Estirar(에스띠라르): 늘리다, 늘리기; Stretch, stretching
Estómago(에스토마고): (인체)위; Stomach
Extensión(엑스텐시온): 확장; Extension
D
Danza(단싸): 춤; Dance
Danzarín(단싸린): 댄서; Dancer F
Dedo(데도): 손가락; Finger
Falda(팔다): 치마; Skirt
Delgado, da(델가도, 다): 여윈, 얇은; Thin, slim
Figura(피구라): 피겨; Figure
Derecha(데레차): 오른쪽; Right
Flexión(플렉시온): 굴절, 굴신; Flexion
⦁A la derecho(알 라 데레차): 오른쪽으로; To the right
Frente(프렌떼): 정면, 이마; Front, forehead, brow
Derecho(데레초): 똑바로, 직선의; Straight
Fuerte(푸에르떼): 강하게; Strong
Debil(데빌): 약한; Weak
Fuerza(푸에르싸): 힘; Force
Después(데스뿌에스): 뒤에, 다음에; After
Doble(도블레): 두 배; Double
Diagonal(디아고날): 대각의; Diagonal

10 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019

 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh

G L
Gancho(간초): 갈고리. 상대의 다리 사이로 내 다리가 갈
고리 모양으로 치고 나오는 동작; Hook, action hooking
one’s legs on the lower limbs of one’s partner
Garganta(가르간따): 목젖; Uvula, Adam’s apple
Gato(가또): 고양이, 아르헨티나 전통 춤의 한 종류; Cat,
a kind of traditional Argentine dance
Gaucho(가우초): 대부분 에스파냐와 남미 인디언의 혼혈로
아르헨티나, 우루과이, 브라질의 초원에서 유목 생활을 하
던 목동. 18세기 중반에서 19세기 중반까지 번성했다;
Cowman
Giro(히로): 회전; Turn
Gordo, da(고르도, 다): 뚱뚱한, 두꺼운, 굵은; Fat
Grande(그란데): 큰, 단수 명사 앞에 오면 ‘Gran(그란)’이
된다; Big
Grave(그라베): 무거운(=Pesado); Heavy, serious, grave
H Mano(마노): 손; Hand
Hamaca(아마까): 해먹, 좌우로 흔드는 동작, Cunita와 같
음; Hammock, a swaying motion that is the same as
Cunita
Hombre(옴브레): 남자; Man
Hombro(옴브로): 어깨; Shoulder
Hueso(우에소): 뼈; Bone
I Milonga(밀롱가): 땅고를 추는 장소, 빠른 2/4박자의 땅고
Inspiración(인스피라시온): 들숨, 영감; Inspiration
Intermedio(인떼르메디오): 중급; Intermediate
Izquierdo, da(이스끼에르도, 다): 왼쪽; Left
⦁A la izquierda(알 라 이쓰끼에르다): 왼쪽으로; To the
left
J man or a woman who enjoys a milonga
Junto, ta(훈또, 따): 함께, 모인; Together
Lado(라도): 옆; Side
⦁De lado(데 라도): 옆으로; Sideways, sideward
Lapiz(라삐스): 연필, 다리로 바닥에 원을 그리는 동작;
Pencil, the motion of drawing a circle on the floor
with the foot
Largo, ga(라르고, 가): 긴; Long
Lateral(라떼랄): 옆의, 측면; Lateral, side
Lento, ta(렌또, 따): 느리게; Slow
Liso, sa(리소, 사): 편편한, 매끄러운; Smooth, flat
Liviano, na(리비아노, 나): 가벼운; Light
Luna(루나): 달; Moon
Lunfardo(룬파르도): 부에노스 아이레스에서 사용하는 속
어; Slang, slang used in Buenos Aires
M
Magnífico, ca(마그니피코, 카): 장엄한; magnificent
Marca(마르까): 신호, 리드; Mark, make, lead
Medio, dia(메디오, 디아): 절반의; Medium
⦁Media luna(메디아 루나): 반달, 아르헨티나인이 주로
아침으로 먹는 빵. 메디오 히로의 한 종류; Half
Moon, bread eaten mainly by the Argentine for
breakfast, a kind of medio giro
⦁Medio giro(메디오 히로): 반 히로; Half of Giro
Melodía(멜로디아): 멜로디; Melody
곡; A place to dance tango together, A style of tango
music with a two-quarters beat
Milonguero, ra(밀롱게로, 라):
1. 1900년대 초중반의 땅고 애호가. 거의 밀롱가에서 사는
사람으로 땅고에 대한 자부심이 높다.; Tango lover
from the early 1900s. Someone who lives near the
Milonga, and has high self-esteem about tango
2. 밀롱가를 좋아하고 즐기는 남자, 여자를 의미한다.; A
3. 부정적인 의미로 일하지 않고 매일 땅고만 추고 술 마
시며 노는 사람; A person who does not work in

11
 Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy

a negative sense, but only burps and drinks every Orquesta(오르께스타): 오케스트라, 악단; Orchestra
day Otra(오뜨라): 다른, 앵콜; Other, Encore!
Mina(미나): 여자란 의미의 룬파르도; Woman Otra Vez(오뜨라 베스): 한 번 더; Again, once again
Moderno, na(모데르노, 나): 현대의; Modern
Mordida(모르디다): 깎아낸, 깨문; Bite
1. 발과 발이 마찰하며 깎아 내는 듯한 동작; A motion P
that looks like both feet are rubbing together
Pantalón(판탈론): 바지; Trousers, pants
2. Sanguchito처럼 상대의 발을 두발로 감싸는 동작; A
Pantorrilla(판토리샤): 종아리; Calf
movement in which one wraps or surrounds their
Panza(빤싸): (인체)배; Abdomen
partner’s foot with two feet, as in Sanguchito
Pareja(빠레하): 짝, 파트너; Partner, couple
Movido(모비도): 움직임이 많은, 바쁜; Busy in movement,
Para(빠라): ~를 위하여; For
active, restless
Parada(파라다): 멈춘. 움직임 중에 멈추는 듯한 동작들;
Movimiento(모비미엔또): 움직임; Movement
Stop, movements that seem to stop in motion
Mujer(무헤르): 여자; Woman
Paralelo, la(빠라렐로, 라): 평행의; Parallel
Muñeca(무녜까): 손목, 인형; Doll, wrist
Parar(빠라르): 멈추다, 멈추기; Stop, Halt
Muslo(무슬로): 허벅지; Thigh
Pareja(빠레하): 파트너; Partner
Música(무씨까): 음악; Music
Pasada(빠사다): 지나간, 상대의 다리를 건너거나 지나는
Músico(무씨꼬): 음악가; Musician
동작; Pass, a movement that crosses or passes a partner's leg
Músculo(무스꿀로): 근육; Muscle
Paso(빠소): 걸음, 스텝; Step, Walk, Gait.
Muy(무이): 매우, 대단히; Very, highly
⦁Paso básico(빠소 바시꼬): 기본 스텝, 8 Step으로 이
루어진 기본 Figure; Basic step
Patada(빠따다): 발차기, 허공에 발을 차는 듯한 동작들;
N Kick, movements such as flying a foot into the air,
Niño, ña(니뇨, 냐): 어린이; Boy, child such as kicking
Nivel(니벨): 레벨; Level Pausa(빠우사): 쉼, 움직임 중에 쉬어주는 행위; Pause,
Nuevo, va(누에보, 바): 새로운; New the action of relaxing during a movement
Número(누메로): 숫자; Number Pecho(뻬초): 가슴; Chest
Pelo(뻴로): 머리카락; Hair
Pesado, da(뻬사도, 다): 무거운(=Grave); Heavy, weighty
O Peso(뻬쏘): 체중; Weight
Pie(삐에): 발; Foot
Ocho(오초): 8, 피벗을 하면서 걷는 동작으로 숫자 8 모양
Piel(삐엘): 피부; Skin
을 만든다.; Eight, Walking movement that makes the
Pierna(삐에르나): 다리; Leg
shape of an 8 by pivoting
Piso(삐쏘): 바닥; Floor
⦁Ocho adelante(오초 아델란떼): 앞 오초; Ocho forward
Pista(삐스타): 댄스 플로워, 운동 경주의 트랙. 밀롱가의
⦁Ocho atras(오초 아뜨라스): 뒤 오초; Ocho backward
춤 동선; Track, dance Floor
⦁Ocho Cortado(오초 꼬르따도): 오초 동작을 중간에
Pivot(피봇): 한 점을 축으로 회전하는 동작; Pivot, the
끊는 동작; An action that cuts the ocho movement
rotating motion around an axis
midway through
Planeo(플라네오): 활공, 서로가 당기는 에너지를 발생시켜
Ojo(오호): 눈; Eye
체중이 없는 다리가 바닥에서 뜨는 듯한 움직임을 만들면서

12 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019

 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
하는 동작; Glide, soaring, the action in which a
weightless leg floats off the floor using energy that is
created by pulling each other
Porteño, ña(뽀르떼뇨, 냐): 항구 도시 사람, 부에노스 아이
레스에서 태어난 사람을 말한다. Port city dweller, a
person born in Buenos Aires
Pose(뽀세): 포즈, 주로 멋있는 정지 동작을 말한다; Pose,
usually a cool stop motion
Postura(뽀스뚜라): 자세, 주로 서 있는 모양을 말한다.;
Posture, usually refers to a standing position
Práctica(쁘락띠까): 연습, 실습, 밀롱가 보다 격식이 덜한
연습 밀롱가를 말한다., 한국에서 생각하는 연습은 ensayo
라 한다.; Practice, Praxis, It is a less formal milonga
for exercise, in Korea it is referred to as Enayo
Principiante(프린시삐안떼): 초급; Beginner
Q man shifts his weight and goes out on his left
Quebrada(께브라다): 깨진; Ravine
R 한다.; The concept of entrance and exit means the
Rápido, da(라피도, 다): 빠른; Quick
Relajar(렐라하르): 부드럽게 하다, 이완하다(릴렉스);
Relax
Resbaloso(레스발로소): (아주)미끄러운; Slippery
Respiración(레스피라시온): 호흡; Breathing, respiration
Ritmo(리트모): 리듬; Rhythm
Rodilla(로디샤): 무릎; Knee
Ronda(론다): 밀롱가에서 원형의 댄스 라인, 경기에서 라
운드; Round, a circular line of dance in the milonga
Ropa(로빠): 옷; Clothing
Rulo(룰로): 롤러, 발끝으로 작은 원을 그리는 동작;
Roller, a motion that draws a small circle using the
tiptoe
S
Sacada(사까다): 상대방의 다리 밑으로 본인의 다리를 넣
으면서 걷어 내는듯한 동작; Take, take out, a kick-off
motion performed by putting one's legs between and
under the other's legs
Saco(사코): 남자 양복의 상의; Coat
Salida(살리다): 출발, 출구; Exit
1. 일반적으로 8개로 이루어진 피구라 빠소 바시꼬를 말
한다., 살리다 바시카 줄여서 그냥 살리다라고 한다.;
Generally, an eight-piece Figura paso basica is
abbreviated Salida.
⦁Salida basica, Salida normal(살리다 바시까, 살리다
노르말): 일반 살리다; Normal salida
⦁Salida cruzada(살리다 끄루싸다): 살리다 노르말에서
3번째 스텝에서 남자만 체중을 바꾸어 왼발로 나간다.;
In the third step of the normal Salida, only the
foot.
⦁Salida americana(살리다 아메리카나)
⦁Salida sincopada(살리다 신코빠다)
2. 입구와 출구의 개념으로 피구라의 시작과 마무리를 뜻
beginning and end of the position
Sanguchito(상구치또): 샌드위치. 한 사람의 양발로 상대의
한쪽 발을 감싸는 동작(=Sándwich); A motion that
surrounds the partner’s foot with one's two feet
Salto(살또): 뛰기. 위로 뛰는 듯한 동작; Jump
Sentada(센따다): 앉기. 앉는 듯한 동작; Sitting
Señor, ra(쎄뇨르, 라): 신사, 숙녀; Sir, gentleman, mrs,
lady
Simple(심쁘레): 단순한, 간단한; Simple
Siempre(시엠쁘레): 언제나; Forever, always
Sistema(시스테마): 시스템; System
⦁Sistema cruzado(시스테마 끄루싸도): 상대와 엇갈린
다리로 걷거나 동작을 하는 시스템; A system of
walking or crossing legs with one's partner
⦁Sistema paralelo(시스테마 빠라렐로): 상대와 마주보
는 다리로 걷거나 동작을 하는 시스템. A system of
walking or moving on opposite legs
Sobre(소브레): ~ 관하여; On, about
13
 Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy

Soltada(솔따다): 놓은, 푼, 아브라소를 푸는 행위; Released, to the other leg.

the action of releasing a hold
Suave(수아베): 부드럽게; Soft
U
Uña(우냐): 손톱, 발톱; nail
T
Taco(따꼬): 굽, 힐; tampion
Tanda(딴다): 밀롱가에서 3~5곡의 비슷한 분위기의 음악 V
을 묶어서 내보내는 것; A bundle of 3-5 tango songs
Vals(발스): 월츠. 본래 의미는 3/4박자의 월츠풍의 곡을
used to dance tango with a partner in a milonga
말한다. 땅고에서 3/4박자의 발스는 일반 발스 보다 템포가
Tango(땅고): 탄생의 기원부터 발생지, 어원 까지 논란이
빠르다.; Waltz, The original meaning is a waltz-style
많다. 1970~80년대에 문헌에 등장. 1950년대부터 서서히
song with a three-quarter beat. In the tango, a vals
발생했을 것이라는 의견이 최근 생김. 박자는 초기 2/4박자
with a three-quarters beat is faster than a normal vals.
에서 4/8박자(일부)를 사용하다 현재 4/4박자를 사용.
Vestuario(베스뚜아리오): 의상, 무대의상; Dressing room,
Tanguero, ra(땅게로, 라):
locker room
1. 땅고 세계에서 명성을 인정받는 남자, 여자; Original
Vez(베쓰): 번, 회; Time, occasion
master of tango
Vida(비다): 인생; Lifetime
2. (폭넓게)땅고를 하는 남자, 여자; A term widely used
Viejo, ja(비에호, 하): 늙은, 낡은; Old
for the men and women who dance tango
Volcada(볼까다): 엎어진, 무게 축을 앞으로 기울게 만들어
Tangueros(땅게로스): 땅고를 하는 사람들; people who
서로 기댄 채로 하는 동작; Overturned, the action of
enjoy dancing tango
leaning the weight axis forward and leaning against
Tensar(텐사르): 긴장하게 하다; Tension
each other
Tiempo(띠엠뽀): 박자, 템포; Time, tempo
Tirar(띠라르): (자기 앞으로)당기다, 당기기; Pull
Tobillo(토비쇼): 발목, 복사뼈; Ankle
Torción(또르시온): 비틀기; Torsion
Y
Torso(또르소): 상반신; Upper body Y(이): 그리고, ~와; and
Tradición(뜨라디시온): 전통; Tradition
Tranquilo, la(뜨란끨로, 라): 조용한; Quiet
Traspié(뜨라스삐에): 발을 헛디딤; Stumble, slip Z
1. 일반적으로 밀롱가 리듬에 더블 비트에 트리플 스텝(내
Zapato(싸빠또): 구두; Shoe
딛음-모음-내딛음)을 의미; Generally, a triple step to
a double beat according to the milonga rhythm
Número(누메로): 숫자; Number
2. 발 모을 때 앞이나 뒤로 끄루사다(크로스)가 되야 한다고
0: Cero(쎄로): Zero
주장하기도 함; Some insist it refer to forward or
1: Un, Uno(운, 우노): One
backward Crusada (cross) that is done with both
2: Dos(도스): Two
legs joined.
3: Tres(뜨레스): Three
3. 당김음에 트리플 스텝을 넘어지듯이 하는 것이라고 주
4: Cuatro(꾸아뜨로): Four
장하기도 함; Some insist that is refers to an action
5: Cinco(씬꼬): Five
such as stumbling when drawing one leg to join
6: Seis(세이스): Six

14 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019

 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh
7: Siete(시에떼): Seven
8: Ocho(오쵸): Eight
9: Nueve(누에베): Nine
10: Diez(디에스): Ten
11: Once(온쎄): Eleven
12: Doce(도쎄) Twelve
13: Trece(뜨레쎄): Thirteen
14: Catorce(까또르세): Fourteen
15: Quince(낀세): Fifteen
16: Dieciséis(디에시세이스): Sixteen
17: Diecisiete(디에시시에떼): Seventeen
18: Dieciocho(디에시오초): Eighteen
19: Diecinueve(디에시누에베): Nineteen
20: Veinte(베인떼): Twenty
100: Cien, Ciento(씨엔, 씨엔또): One hundred
1000: Mil(밀): Thousand
4. Discussion
The Argentine tango is a partner dance that
originated in Rio de la Plata, Argentina in the mid-19th
century [4]. The terminology of the Argentine tango
has been described in Spanish for more than 100
years. The Argentine tango was inscribed in 2009 as
a member of the representative list of the intangible
cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO (United
Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
[7]. Therefore, the essential terms are better preserved
in Spanish, although it is not necessary that all terms
should be used in Spanish. Additionally, it is very
ineffective to make new unfamiliar terminology for
tango movements. However, it is not easy to provide
the list of terms just at once. Thus, the terminology list
was made based on authoritative book in the field, and
terms that are generally used in tango lectures or
lessons were included.
The tango terminology, which is used in lectures,
was listed in Spanish and explained in Korean and
English. However, it is also difficult to use all terms
in Spanish for a person whose native language is not
Spanish. Thus, unique essential terms for tango should
be screened.
Terms are re-listed according to their use. For the
description of tango postures and positions for tango
therapy, terms are listed as Abrazo(Abrazo abierto,
Abrazo cercano, Abrazo cerado), Adorno, Aguja, Amague,
Americana, Arrastre, Bandera, Barrida, Boleo, Baldosa,
Bicicleta, Cabeceo, Cadena, Cadencia, Cambio(Cambio
de direccion, Cambio de frente, Cambio de pareja, Cambio
de peso), Caminar, Caminata, Caricia, Castigada, Colgada,
Corrida, Cruce (Cruzada, do), Cunita, Enganche, Enrosque,
Gancho, Giro, Hamaca, Lapiz, Media Luna, Medio
Giro, Milonga, Milonguero(, ra), Mordida, Ocho(Ocho
adelante, Ocho atras, Ocho Cortado), Parada, Paralelo,
Pasada, Paso, Paso básico, Patada, la Pausa, Pivot, Pista,
Planeo, Porteño(, ña), Pose, Postura, Práctica, Quebrada,
Ronda, Rulo, Sacada, Salida (Salida basica, Salida normal,
Salida cruzada, Salida Americana, Salida sincopada), Salto,
Sanguchito, Sentada, Sistema (Sistema cruzado, Sistema
Paralelo), Soltada, Tanda, Tanguero(, ra), Tangueros, Tiempo,
Traspié, Vals, and Volcada (Table 1).
Terms were re-listed in several other categories,
but these terms in these categories do not seem to be
impacted by their translation to a language other than
Spanish. For the description of direction, Abajo,
Adelante, Arriba, Atras, A la derecho, A la izquierda,
De lado, Derecho and Diagonal are listed. The terms
for the demonstrative pronoun are Acá, Aquí, Allá and
Ahí. Additionally, the terms for the names of body
parts are listed as Abdomen, Brazo, Cabeza, Cadera,
Cara, Cintura, Codo, Columna, Columna vertebral,
Corazón, Cuello, Cuerpo, Culo, Dedo, Eje, Equilibrio,
Espalda, Estómago, Frente, Garganta, Hombre, Hombro,
Hueso, , Mujer, Muñeca, Muslo, Músculo, Pantorrilla,
Panza, Pecho, Pelo, Peso, Pie, Piel, Pierna, Rodilla,
Tobillo, Torso and Uña. Also, terms for the description
of body status are listed as Alto(, ta), Bajo(, ja),
Chico(, ca), Delgado(, da), Gordo(, da), Grande, Grave
and Liviano(, na). Concerning respiration, the terms
are Rrespiración, Inspiración and Espiración. Objective
terms for length, space, thickness, weight, time and
velocity, are listed as Alto(, ta) vs Bajo(, ja), Ancho
(, cha) vs Angosto(, ta), Grande vs Chico(, ca), Largo
(, ga) vs Corto(, ta), Gordo(, da) vs Delgado(, da),
Grave (=Pesado) vs Liviano(, na), Antiguo(, gua) vs
Moderno(, na), Viejo(, ja) vs Nuevo(, va) and Lento
(, ta) vs Rápido(, da). The terms for actions are listed
as Contraer, Estirar, Empujar, Tirar, Relajar, Tensar,
Extensión and Flexión. Additionally, for the level, Principiante,
Intermedio and Avanzado are listed.
Tango therapy utilizes unique characteristics of
tango movements and postures to differentiate keep
tango therapy from dance therapy or exercise. Tango
therapy is performed using adapted tango [8-11]. The
15
 Terminology of Argentine Tango for Tango Therapy
scientific and medical analysis of unique elements of
tango movements or postures seems to be absolutely
necessary [12]. First, the establishment of standard
terminology is essential for scientific and systemic
research and the clinical application of tango therapy.
The provision of common tango terminology is a
substantial task, and this is the first step but remains
primitive. Due to its long history, the use and
definition of tango terminology is very confusing even
in Argentinae. Therefore, this is a very important
work. Further study and consensus are necessary to
establish tango therapy as scientific and systemic.
5. Conclusion
Tango terminology was listed for the first time for
the academic and therapeutic application of tango. For
the scientific and systematic analysis, application and
description of tango for therapy, this is essential work,
although it is still primitive and crude. Further study
and arrangement of the definitions of essential
terminology of tango may be necessary in the future.
16 Vol. 1, No. 1, Mar. 2019
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should we do to maximize the effectiveness of tango
therapy? J Clin Rev Case Rep 2019;4:1-4
 Youngsoon Koh⋅Yoonchul Hur⋅Geunwoong Noh

Table 1. Terminology of tango for tango therapy. Terms of tango

movements and postures are listed. Terms are described in the
format of Term(Korean pronunciation): Korean; English

17
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