Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a 'great poet' is typically expressed through specific compound nouns or descriptive phrases. The most common and neutral term is 大詩人, but other options exist depending on the era, style, or level of formality.
To refer to a poet of high acclaim or skill, in a general sense.
The most direct and common translation for 'great poet'. It is a neutral, standard term used for both modern and classical poets.
彼は日本を代表する大詩人だ。
He is a great poet representing Japan.
A slightly more emphatic phrase meaning 'great poet', emphasizing the poet's greatness or historical importance.
彼女は20世紀の偉大な詩人の一人です。
She is one of the great poets of the 20th century.
Means 'famous poet' or 'renowned poet'. Less common than 大詩人, but used in literary contexts.
その名詩人の作品は今も愛されている。
The works of that great poet are still loved today.
To specify a great poet within a particular Japanese poetic tradition.
Literally 'haiku sage', used for the greatest haiku poets, especially Matsuo Bashō. It conveys a level of mastery beyond just 'great'.
松尾芭蕉は俳聖として知られている。
Matsuo Bashō is known as the great haiku poet.
Literally 'poetry sage', used for the greatest waka/tanka poets, such as Kakinomoto no Hitomaro.
柿本人麻呂は歌聖と称えられる。
Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is praised as a great poet of waka.
A more general phrase for a great haiku poet, without the sage-like connotation of 俳聖.
彼は現代の偉大な俳人だ。
He is a great contemporary haiku poet.
A general phrase for a great tanka poet.
彼女は平安時代の偉大な歌人です。
She is a great tanka poet of the Heian period.
To refer to a great poet in the context of kanshi (Japanese poetry written in classical Chinese).
Also used for great poets of Chinese-style poetry. Context usually clarifies the tradition.
菅原道真は優れた大詩人でもあった。
Sugawara no Michizane was also a great poet (of Chinese-style poetry).
大詩人 is a compound noun and sounds more like a title or established category. 偉大な詩人 is a descriptive phrase and can feel slightly more personal or emphatic. Both are natural, but 大詩人 is more common in concise references.
In Japanese, simply saying 詩人 (poet) often implies a certain level of respect. Adding 大 or 偉大な explicitly marks them as 'great'. If the context already implies greatness, 詩人 alone may suffice.