Translation guide
In Japanese, expressing that a poem is excellent depends on the type of poem (e.g., waka, haiku, modern free verse) and the aspect being praised (e.g., beauty, skill, emotional impact). The most common and versatile word is 名詩 (meishi), meaning 'famous/excellent poem'. For traditional forms, specific terms like 秀歌 (shūka) for waka and 秀句 (shūku) for haiku are used. More general praise can use 素晴らしい詩 (subarashii shi) or 優れた詩 (sugureta shi).
To refer to a poem that is excellent, famous, or masterful in a general sense, without specifying the poetic form.
Literally 'famous poem', this is the most direct and common way to say 'excellent poem' in Japanese. It can be used for any type of poem and implies both quality and renown.
彼は多くの名詩を残した。
He left behind many excellent poems.
この詩集には名詩がたくさん収められている。
This poetry collection contains many excellent poems.
A straightforward phrase meaning 'wonderful poem'. It is natural and can be used in both spoken and written contexts. It emphasizes the speaker's admiration.
なんて素晴らしい詩なんだろう。
What an excellent poem this is!
Means 'superior/excellent poem'. It is slightly more formal and objective than 素晴らしい詩, often used in critical or academic contexts.
これは技術的に優れた詩だ。
This is a technically excellent poem.
Means 'masterpiece'. While not specific to poetry, it can be used for an outstanding poem, especially when emphasizing its status as a great work of art.
この詩は彼の傑作と見なされている。
This poem is considered his masterpiece.
To praise a traditional Japanese waka (31-syllable poem) as excellent.
Specifically means 'excellent waka'. This is the standard term used in classical poetry anthologies and criticism.
この一首は古今集の中でも特に秀歌とされる。
This poem is considered an especially excellent waka even within the Kokinshū.
Means 'famous waka'. It is similar to 秀歌 but emphasizes fame and popularity rather than purely artistic merit.
To praise a haiku as excellent.
Specifically means 'excellent haiku' (or sometimes excellent verse in general). It is the standard term in haiku circles.
この句は芭蕉の秀句の一つだ。
This haiku is one of Bashō's excellent verses.
Means 'famous haiku'. Like 名歌, it emphasizes fame and is commonly used for well-known haiku.
この名句は日本人なら誰でも知っている。
Every Japanese person knows this famous haiku.
To praise a poem written in classical Chinese by a Japanese poet (kanshi) as excellent.
Means 'famous piece of writing', often used for outstanding Chinese-style poems or prose. It is a literary term.
この詩は彼の名編の一つに数えられる。
This poem is counted among his excellent works.
名詩 (meishi) is the general term for any excellent poem. 秀歌 (shūka) is specifically for excellent waka (tanka), and 秀句 (shūku) is for excellent haiku. Using the specific terms shows knowledge of Japanese poetic traditions, but 名詩 is safer if you are unsure of the form.
この名詩は現代詩の傑作だ。
This excellent poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry.
この秀歌は万葉集に収められている。
This excellent waka is included in the Man'yōshū.
While 優秀な詩 (yūshū na shi) is grammatically correct, it sounds unnatural and overly analytical. Stick to the established terms like 名詩 or 素晴らしい詩 for natural expression.
The Hyakunin Isshu contains many famous waka.