improvisar
“improvisar” means “to improvise” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to improvise
Also: to ad-lib, to wing it
📝 In Action
Si olvidas tus líneas en la obra, simplemente improvisa.
A2If you forget your lines in the play, just improvise.
El pianista empezó a improvisar una melodía hermosa.
B1The pianist started to improvise a beautiful melody.
No tenía un discurso preparado, así que tuve que improvisar.
B1I didn't have a speech prepared, so I had to wing it.
to make do
Also: to throw together
📝 In Action
Tuvimos que improvisar una cama con mantas en el suelo.
B1We had to make a temporary bed with blankets on the floor.
Improvisé una cena rápida con lo que había en la nevera.
B2I threw together a quick dinner with whatever was in the fridge.
Como no había puente, improvisaron una balsa.
C1Since there was no bridge, they put together a makeshift raft.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: improvisar
Question 1 of 3
What is the best translation for 'improvisar una cena'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin 'improvisus,' which combines 'in-' (not) and 'provisus' (foreseen). It literally describes something that wasn't seen coming.
First recorded: 17th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does improvisar mean 'to improve'?
No! This is a common mistake. 'To improve' is 'mejorar.' 'Improvisar' only means to do something without a plan.
Is it a regular verb?
Yes, it is perfectly regular in all its forms, following the standard -ar verb pattern.
Is 'improvisar' common in business?
Absolutely. It's often used when talking about handling unexpected crises or 'thinking on your feet' during a presentation.