Translation guide
A highly skilled or revered poet, often with a sense of mastery or authority in the art of poetry.
To refer to a poet who has achieved mastery, often used in literary or historical contexts.
Literally 'saint of poetry', used for a great poet, especially in the waka tradition. Conveys high reverence.
Kakinomoto no Hitomaro is revered as a master poet.
Literally 'saint of poetry', used for a great poet, especially in Chinese-style poetry (kanshi) or world literature. Similar to 歌聖 but for non-waka poetry.
Du Fu is called the master poet of China.
Literally 'great poet'. A straightforward term for a major poet, less reverential than 詩聖/歌聖.
He is known as a great poet of our time.
Literally 'famous poet'. Emphasizes renown rather than mastery. Less common.
The works of that famous poet are still loved today.
To specify a poet who excels in a particular genre, such as haiku or tanka.
Literally 'saint of haiku'. Used for the greatest haiku poets, especially Matsuo Bashō.
Matsuo Bashō is respected as the master of haiku.
Literally 'poet' (specifically of waka/tanka). Can be modified with 大家 (たいか) to mean 'master poet': 大家の歌人.
Literally 'haiku poet'. Can be combined with 巨匠 (きょしょう) to mean 'master haiku poet': 俳壇の巨匠.
To use a title that conveys the highest respect, often in traditional contexts.
Originally a term for a master in arts like tea ceremony or poetry. Can refer to a master poet who teaches and leads a school.
The master poet trained many disciples.
A title for a licensed master or instructor in traditional arts, including poetry. Less specific to poetry alone.
歌聖 is used for masters of Japanese waka poetry, while 詩聖 is used for masters of Chinese-style poetry or general world poetry. Use the appropriate term based on the poetic tradition.
Saigyō is a master of waka, Du Fu is a master of Chinese poetry.
You can add 大家 (たいか) before a poet type to emphasize mastery, e.g., 大家の詩人 (a master poet). This is a flexible way to express 'master' without a specific title.
She is a master tanka poet representing the modern era.
彼は俳壇の巨匠と呼ばれている。
He is called a master of the haiku world.
He is recognized as a master instructor of the way of poetry.