Translation guide
An epigram is a short, witty, and often satirical poem or saying. In Japanese, the concept can be expressed through specific poetic forms like senryū, or more generally as a witty remark or aphorism.
A concise, clever, and often humorous or satirical poem, typically with a twist ending.
A Japanese poetic form similar to haiku in structure (5-7-5 syllables) but humorous, satirical, or about human nature rather than nature. This is the closest equivalent to the Western epigram as a short witty poem.
He is good at composing satirical senryū.
A comic or satirical tanka (31-syllable poem). Less common than senryū but historically used for witty, parodic verse.
Kyōka were popular in the Edo period.
Literally 'epigrammatic poem'. A descriptive phrase that directly conveys the idea of a short, witty poem, but it is not a standard term.
His work is praised as epigrammatic poetry.
A concise, clever, and memorable statement expressing a general truth or observation.
The direct translation for 'epigram' in the sense of a witty or pointed saying. It is used in literary contexts.
Oscar Wilde left behind many epigrams.
A famous saying or well-known quote. While broader than 'epigram', it can be used for witty, memorable statements.
A golden saying or maxim; a wise, pithy statement. Often used for proverbs or moral aphorisms rather than witty epigrams.
A witty or clever remark. This is a more colloquial way to describe an epigrammatic statement in conversation.
警句 refers to a witty saying or aphorism, often in prose, while 川柳 is a specific poetic form with a 5-7-5 syllable structure. Use 川柳 when referring to a short, humorous poem, and 警句 for a clever statement or quote.
His speech was full of epigrams.
This senryū satirizes modern society.
The loanword エピグラム exists but is rarely used and may not be understood. It is better to use the native terms above depending on context.
この名言は深い意味を持っている。
This famous saying has a deep meaning.
祖母はよく古い金言を口にした。
My grandmother often quoted old maxims.
He always makes people laugh with his witty remarks.