1.
ad-lib; improvisation
Speaking or performing spontaneously without preparation or a script. Common in music, comedy, and acting.
アドリブ refers to spontaneous, unscripted performance or speech. Borrowed from Latin "ad libitum" (at pleasure), via English.
Common patterns
- アドリブで演じる: to perform ad-lib
- アドリブが利く: to be good at improvising
- アドリブを入れる: to throw in an ad-lib
- アドリブ演奏: improvised performance
Usage
Most commonly heard in entertainment contexts: ジャズ improvisation, comedy (漫才, variety shows), theater, and film. Also used more broadly for any unscripted speaking, such as presentations or interviews. As a な-adjective: アドリブな対応 (an improvised response).