Translation guide
In Japanese, 'modern poetry' can refer to several distinct literary categories. The most common term is 現代詩 (gendai-shi), which broadly covers contemporary poetry. However, depending on context, you may need to distinguish between modern free-verse poetry (新体詩, 口語詩) and traditional forms like haiku or tanka. This guide helps you choose the right term based on what you mean by 'modern' and 'poetry'.
Refers to poetry written in the modern era, typically from the Meiji period onward, often in free verse and using contemporary language.
The standard term for modern poetry, encompassing various styles from the 20th century to the present. It contrasts with classical poetry like waka and haiku.
He held a reading of modern poetry.
A more academic term that explicitly includes both modern and contemporary poetry, often used in literary studies.
This class covers modern and contemporary poetry.
Emphasizes poetry that breaks from traditional meter and form, written in colloquial language.
Literally 'colloquial poetry', this refers to modern poetry written in everyday spoken language, as opposed to classical literary language. It emerged in the early 20th century.
Colloquial poetry differs from traditional fixed-form poetry.
Means 'free verse', emphasizing the lack of fixed meter or rhyme. It is a subset of modern poetry but can also refer to free verse in other languages.
A historical term for 'new-style poetry' that emerged in the Meiji era, marking the transition from classical to modern forms. It is now mainly used in literary history contexts.
Refers to the academic or artistic field of modern poetry.
Refers to a book or collection of modern poems.
The word 詩 (し) alone can mean 'poetry' in general, including classical forms. To specifically mean 'modern poetry', use 現代詩. If the context is clear, 詩 may be sufficient, but 現代詩 avoids ambiguity.
write poetry (could be any kind)
write modern poetry
In English, 'modern poetry' is an uncountable concept. If you want to say 'a modern poem', use 現代詩の詩 (げんだいしのし) or simply 現代詩 (which can also mean a modern poem in context). However, 現代詩一篇 (げんだいし いっぺん) explicitly means 'one modern poem'.
彼女は自由詩を書くのが好きだ。
She likes writing free verse.
New-style poetry was born in the Meiji period.
She does research on modern poetry at the university.
The latest modern poetry anthology has been published.