riff
riff — 名詞
- riffsingular
- riffsplural
1. a short, recognisable pattern of notes that repeats through a section of a jazz,
反覆樂句
爵士音樂中簡短重複的旋律
a short, recognisable pattern of notes that repeats through a section of a jazz, rock, or pop song, giving other musicians a base to improvise over.
Kenji learned the opening guitar riff from his favourite rock song after weeks of practice.
Kenji 花了數週練習，終於學會了他最喜歡的搖滾歌曲的開場吉他反覆樂句。
guitar riff — common collocation for instrument-specific phrase
The DJ sampled a classic jazz riff and built an electronic dance track around it.
那位 DJ 取樣了一段經典爵士反覆樂句，並以此為基礎創作出電子舞曲。
Sofia's fingers danced across the keys as she played the same riff repeatedly.
Sofia 的手指在鋼琴鍵上快速移動，一遍又一遍地彈奏著同樣的反覆樂句。
That simple bass riff became the most recognisable part of the whole song.
那段簡單的貝斯反覆樂句成了整首歌中最令人難忘的部分。
- lick
a short, casual musical phrase, used especially in jazz and blues; less formal than riff
- ostinato
a constantly repeated musical phrase, often in classical music; more formal and less associated with improvisation
- hook
a catchy musical idea designed to grab the listener's attention, often the chorus; a hook can be a riff, but a riff is not always a hook
文法句型
guitar riff / piano riff / bass riff
play + a riff
riff + on + [instrument]
用法筆記
Often paired with the name of the instrument: guitar riff, bass riff, piano riff. Also used with a style label: blues riff, jazz riff.
常見錯誤
2. a version of something that keeps the basic character of the original but adds n
變體
與常見形式略有不同的版本
a version of something that keeps the basic character of the original but adds new or different elements.
The designer's latest collection offers a modern riff on traditional Japanese clothing.
這位設計師的最新系列是對傳統日本服裝的現代變體。
a riff on — prepositional pattern indicating the source being varied
Aisha's painting presents an unexpected riff on the classic still-life arrangement.
Aisha 的畫作對經典靜物構圖進行了出人意料的變體創作。
The film is a clever riff on the vampire legend, moving the story to modern Taipei.
這部電影是吸血鬼傳說的巧妙變體，將故事場景搬到現代台北。
Wei created a new riff on the original recipe by adding Thai spices and coconut milk.
Wei 在原始食譜中加入泰國香料和椰奶，創造出全新的變體版本。
文法句型
a riff on + [noun phrase]
a new riff on + [something familiar]
用法筆記
Typically followed by 'on' to indicate the original thing being reworked. Common in discussions of art, fashion, food, and entertainment.
常見錯誤
riff — 動詞
- riffpresent simple I / you / we / they
- riffshe / she / it
- riffedpast simple
- riffing-ing form
1. when a musician performs a short, catchy note pattern several times, especially
即興演奏
演奏重複的短樂句
when a musician performs a short, catchy note pattern several times, especially in jazz or pop music, so that other players can build their solos over it.
The bass player riffed on a simple two-note pattern for the whole chorus.
貝斯手在整段副歌中即興演奏一個簡單的雙音模式。
riffed on — verb + preposition for musical base
Chidi loves to riff on his guitar whenever the band takes a short break.
Chidi 喜歡趁樂團短暫休息時用吉他即興彈奏幾段樂句。
The pianist riffed for several minutes while the drummer kept a steady beat.
鋼琴手即興演奏了幾分鐘，鼓手則穩穩地維持著節拍。
Jiro spent the afternoon riffing over blues chord changes with his saxophone.
Jiro 整個下午都在用薩克斯風在藍調和弦進行上即興演奏。
文法句型
riff + on + [musical element]
riff + over + [chord progression]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by 'on' (the musical element being used) or 'over' (the harmonic progression supporting the riff). The subject is always a musician.
2. to talk for an extended period about a subject in a lively, humorous, or freely
即興暢談
長時間幽默地談論某事
to talk for an extended period about a subject in a lively, humorous, or freely improvised manner, often without a fixed plan.
During the late-night show, the comedian riffed on the absurdities of daily life for twenty minutes.
在深夜節目中，這位喜劇演員針對日常生活的荒謬之處即興暢談了二十分鐘。
riffed on [topic] — prepositional pattern for subject matter
Elena riffed about her bicycle journey across Southeast Asia, keeping everyone at the dinner party amused.
Elena 即興聊起她騎腳踏車穿越東南亞的旅程，讓晚餐聚會上的每個人都聽得津津有味。
The podcast host riffed on the week's news stories, adding his own humorous take to each item.
那位播客主持人針對本週的新聞一一即興發揮，加入自己幽默的評論。
Nalini riffed for the whole car ride about why she thinks cats are smarter than dogs.
Nalini 在整趟車程中即興暢談她為何認為貓比狗聰明。
- hold forth
similar meaning but slightly more formal and can imply the speaker is being self-important
- improvise
broader; riffing is a specific kind of spoken improvisation with a playful, extended quality
文法句型
riff on + [topic]
riff about + [topic]
riff + for + [duration]
用法筆記
Used informally. The speaker is usually entertaining and creative, not simply rambling. Often followed by 'on' (topic) or 'about' (topic).