Translation guide
A couplet is a pair of successive lines in poetry, typically rhyming and of equal length. In Japanese poetry, the concept is less rigid, but similar structures appear in various forms.
To refer to a pair of lines in poetry, especially in Western or Chinese-influenced contexts.
The most direct translation for 'couplet' in a poetic sense, referring to a pair of lines that are parallel in structure or meaning. Common in discussions of Chinese poetry and Japanese poetry influenced by Chinese forms.
In Chinese poetry, couplets are often used.
Literally 'two-line stanza', used for Western poetic couplets. More technical and less common than 対句.
Shakespeare's sonnets end with a couplet.
To specifically refer to a pair of rhyming lines in English or other Western poetry.
To describe a two-line unit within traditional Japanese poetry, though not a formal couplet.
Japanese poetry like haiku and tanka does not use couplets in the Western sense. Instead, describe the structure, e.g., 'two lines that form a unit'.
In haiku, there is a part consisting of two lines.
To refer to Chinese antithetical couplets (duilian), often seen on doorways or during New Year.
Traditional Japanese poetry (waka, haiku) does not have a direct equivalent of the Western couplet. Use 対句 for Chinese-influenced forms or descriptive phrases for Western poetry.
Rhyming couplets are common in English poetry.
This couplet is pasted on the gate.