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.
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.
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.
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.
Creating a temporary fix or solution using available resources.
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.
He improvised a poem on the spot.
The guitar solo was completely ad-libbed.
I went to see an improv show.
Jazz musicians are skilled at improvisation.
The actor's improvisation saved the scene.
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.
Literally 'without rehearsal, straight into the real thing'. Used when doing something without practice or preparation.
The presentation was done without any rehearsal.
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.