Translation guide
Describes a poem that has been created or written, often with care and skill. In Japanese, this is typically expressed using verbs like 作る or 詠む, or by describing the poem itself as 創作詩 or similar.
詩を作った
composed a poem
Expressing the action of composing a poem
The most general and common way to say 'compose a poem'. 詩 means 'poem' and 作る means 'to make/create'.
彼は美しい詩を作った。
He composed a beautiful poem.
Literally 'to write a poem', also very common. Slightly emphasizes the physical act of writing.
彼女は毎日詩を書いている。
She writes poems every day.
Used specifically for composing traditional Japanese poetry like haiku or tanka. 詠む implies a more artistic, meditative composition.
彼は美しい俳句を詠んだ。
He composed a beautiful haiku.
Referring to the resulting poem as a composed work
Means 'original poem' or 'creative poem', emphasizing that it was composed by someone.
これは彼の創作詩です。
This is a poem he composed.
Literally 'a poem (someone) made'. A simple, natural way to refer to a composed poem.
彼女が作った詩を読んだ。
I read the poem she composed.
Used for traditional poetry that was composed (詠む). Often implies a refined or classical context.
この歌は千年以上前に詠まれた詩です。
This is a poem composed over a thousand years ago.
作る (to make) is the most general verb for creating a poem. 書く (to write) is also common and natural. 詠む (to compose/recite) is used specifically for traditional forms like haiku and tanka, and carries a literary or artistic nuance.