Translation guide
In Japanese, 'old poem' most commonly refers to classical poetry forms, especially waka (tanka) and haiku. The best translation depends on context: whether you mean a specific ancient poem, a classical genre, or simply a poem from the past.
Referring to a traditional Japanese poem from the classical period, typically a waka (31-syllable poem) or tanka.
Literally 'old poem,' this is the standard term for classical waka poems, especially those in imperial anthologies like the Kokinshū.
この古歌は古今和歌集に収められています。
This old poem is included in the Kokin Wakashū.
Means 'Japanese poem' and often implies classical waka. Use when the 'old' aspect is clear from context.
百人一首は百の古い和歌を集めたものです。
The Hyakunin Isshu is a collection of one hundred old poems.
Explicitly 'old waka.' Use when you need to emphasize the age.
この古い和歌は平安時代に詠まれました。
This old poem was composed in the Heian period.
Referring to a haiku from the Edo period or earlier, especially by masters like Bashō.
Specifically an old haiku. Less common than 古歌 but precise.
芭蕉の古俳句を鑑賞する。
Appreciate Bashō's old haiku.
Literally 'haiku of the past.' Natural in conversation.
昔の俳句には季語が必ず入っています。
Old haiku always include a seasonal word.
Referring to a classical Chinese poem composed by Japanese poets in the Chinese style.
Chinese-style poetry written by Japanese. Often old, but not exclusively; context clarifies age.
この漢詩は奈良時代のものです。
This old poem (kanshi) is from the Nara period.
Explicitly 'old Chinese poem.'
古い漢詩を読むのは難しい。
Reading old Chinese poems is difficult.
Referring to a poem that is simply old, without specifying genre.
General term for 'old poem.' 詩 can refer to modern free verse or classical poetry depending on context.
祖母が若い頃に書いた古い詩を見つけた。
I found an old poem my grandmother wrote when she was young.
Similar to 古い詩, slightly more nostalgic.
昔の詩を朗読する会に参加した。
I attended a recital of old poems.
古歌 (koka) specifically means classical waka, while 古い詩 (furui shi) is a general term for any old poem, including modern free verse. Use 古歌 for traditional Japanese poems from the Heian period or earlier.
The direct translation '古いポエム' (furui poemu) sounds unnatural. Use 詩 (shi) for poetry in general, or specific terms like 和歌 (waka) or 俳句 (haiku) when the genre is known.