Definition

1. Verb:

   • To improvise, to extemporize: To speak, recite, or compose something spontaneously without prior preparation or a written script.

2. Adjective:

   • Extempore, extemporaneous: Describes speech, poetry, or a performance that is created or delivered on the spot, without advance planning.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Nhà thơ ứng khẩu một bài thơ tại buổi lễ. (The poet improvised a poem at the ceremony.)
  • Ông ấy không có bài phát biểu soạn sẵn, chỉ hoàn toàn ứng khẩu. (He didn't have a prepared speech; he spoke entirely off the cuff.)

• Adjective:

  • Đó là một bài diễn văn ứng khẩu rất cảm động. (That was a very moving extemporaneous speech.)
  • Tài ứng khẩu của cô ấy thật đáng ngưỡng mộ. (Her extemporaneous speaking skill is truly admirable.)

Advanced Usage

• The term "ứng khẩu" is often used in formal or literary contexts related to public speaking, poetry recitals, or musical performance. It implies a degree of skill and quick wit.
• It can describe the act of creating verse, answering questions, or giving a talk directly from one's thoughts at that moment.

Variants and Related Words

• Ứng tác (v): To improvise, often used more broadly for artistic improvisation (e.g., in music, theater).
• Ứng biến (v): To adapt or react flexibly to a situation, which can include verbal improvisation.
• Nói ứng khẩu (verb phrase): To speak extemporaneously.

Synonyms

• Improvise: To create and perform spontaneously.
• Extemporize: To compose or perform with little or no preparation.
• Ad-lib: To speak or act without preparation.

Related Idioms

• "Ứng khẩu thành thơ": To improvise a poem on the spot. This idiom highlights the ability to create structured, artistic verse spontaneously.
  • Trong cuộc thi, thí sinh phải ứng khẩu thành thơ theo chủ đề cho sẵn. (In the contest, the contestant had to improvise a poem based on a given theme.)

verb

1. to improvise, to extemporize

adj

1. extempore, extemporaneous