Translation guide
The act of creating or performing something spontaneously without preparation, especially in music, theater, or speech.
Creating or performing music spontaneously, often within a given structure.
The standard term for musical improvisation. Used for any spontaneous musical performance.
彼の即興演奏は素晴らしかった。
His improvisation was wonderful.
From 'ad lib', commonly used in jazz and popular music contexts. Can also be used as a verb with する.
A more general term for improvisation, often used as a prefix or in compound words. Can apply to music, speech, etc.
Performing drama or comedy without a script, often based on audience suggestions.
Specifically refers to improvisational theater or improv comedy.
彼らは即興劇のグループを結成した。
They formed an improvisational theater group.
Short for 'improvisation', commonly used in theater and comedy circles. Often used as a noun or with する.
週末にインプロのワークショップがある。
There's an improv workshop this weekend.
Also used in acting when a performer deviates from the script or fills a gap spontaneously.
Speaking or acting without prior preparation, often in a meeting, presentation, or daily situation.
To speak off the cuff or extemporaneously. Common in formal and informal settings.
会議で即興で話さなければならなかった。
I had to speak improvisationally at the meeting.
Literally 'without rehearsal, straight into the real thing'. Used when doing something without practice or preparation.
プレゼンはぶっつけ本番だった。
The presentation was done without any rehearsal.
Can be used for any spontaneous action or speech, not just performance.
Creating a temporary fix or solution using available resources.
A makeshift or stopgap measure. Implies a temporary solution done on the spot.
それはその場しのぎの解決策に過ぎない。
That's just an improvised solution.
Something made to serve for the time being, a stopgap. Often used for objects or arrangements.
即興 (そっきょう) is the most general term for improvisation and can be used in formal contexts. アドリブ is a loanword from 'ad lib' and is very common in music and acting, often implying a deviation from a set plan. インプロ is a newer loanword specifically for improvisational theater/comedy and is used in niche communities.
彼は即興で詩を作った。
He improvised a poem on the spot.
ギターソロは完全にアドリブだった。
The guitar solo was completely ad-libbed.
インプロの公演を見に行った。
I went to see an improv show.
ジャズミュージシャンは即興演奏が得意だ。
Jazz musicians are skilled at improvisation.
その俳優のアドリブがシーンを救った。
The actor's improvisation saved the scene.
枝で間に合わせのシェルターを作らなければならなかった。
We had to improvise a shelter from branches.
ジャズではアドリブが重要だ。
In jazz, improvisation is important.
彼は即興でピアノを弾いた。
He played the piano improvisationally.
彼はセリフを忘れてアドリブで切り抜けた。
He forgot his lines and got through it with improvisation.
彼のスピーチは全部アドリブだった。
His speech was entirely improvised.
間に合わせの道具で修理した。
I repaired it with improvised tools.