アドリブ

あどりぶ
noun, na-adjective
ad-lib; improvisation
1. ad-lib; improvisation
Speaking or performing spontaneously without preparation or a script. Common in music, comedy, and acting.
このシーンはアドリブで(えん)じた。
This scene was performed ad-lib.
ジャズはアドリブが重要(じゅうよう)だ。
Improvisation is important in jazz.
(かれ)はアドリブが得意(とくい)だ。
He's good at improvising.

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(えん)じる: to perform ad-lib
  • アドリブが()く: to be good at improvising
  • アドリブを()れる: to throw in an ad-lib
  • アドリブ演奏(えんそう): improvised performance

USAGE:
Most commonly heard in entertainment contexts: jazz improvisation, comedy (漫才(まんざい), 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(たいおう) (an improvised response).

CONTRAST:

  • 即興(そっきょう): improvisation (more formal/literary, used in music and art)
  • 台本(だいほん)なし: without a script (descriptive phrase)