Translation guide
The English word "poem" can refer to various forms of Japanese poetry, from classical forms like haiku and tanka to modern free verse. The most common general term is 詩 (shi), but specific traditional forms have their own names.
The broadest, most common way to refer to a poem in Japanese, covering both Western-style and modern Japanese poetry.
The most general word for 'poem'. It can refer to poetry in general or a specific poem, especially modern or Western-style poetry.
He wrote a beautiful poem.
This poem is very moving.
A slightly more formal or literary term encompassing both Chinese-style poetry (詩) and Japanese-style poetry (歌). Often used in academic or artistic contexts.
Loanword from English, often used for modern, free-verse, or Western-style poetry, sometimes with a slightly trendy or casual feel.
A specific traditional Japanese poetic form consisting of 17 morae in a 5-7-5 pattern, often with a seasonal reference.
The standard term for haiku. Note that in English, 'haiku' is used, but in Japanese it's always 俳句.
A classical Japanese poetic form with 31 morae in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern, often expressing personal emotions.
The standard term for tanka. Historically also called 和歌 (waka), but 短歌 is more specific to the 31-mora form.
Poetry written in classical Chinese by Japanese poets, following Chinese prosody.
Refers specifically to poems composed in classical Chinese, a major genre in pre-modern Japanese literature.
Poetry that does not follow traditional fixed forms, common in modern Japanese literature.
Literally 'free verse', used for modern poetry without fixed meter or rhyme.
A longer narrative or lyrical poem, not common in classical Japanese but found in modern works.
Literally 'long poem', used for extended poetic works.
Simple, often rhyming poems for children.
Refers to traditional or composed songs/poems for children, similar to nursery rhymes.
The loanword ポエム is not used for traditional Japanese poetry like haiku or tanka. Use the specific terms instead.
Haiku is a type of poem.
詩 (shi) generally refers to poetry in the Chinese or Western tradition, while 歌 (uta/ka) refers to Japanese-style poetry. 詩歌 (shiika) combines both. In modern usage, 詩 is the default for 'poem' unless a specific form is meant.
I wrote a poem about the sea.
He is well-versed in poetry.
Her poems are popular among young people.
He composes a haiku every day.
This haiku is one of Basho's masterpieces.
Her hobby is composing tanka poems.
This tanka is included in the Manyoshu.
Literally 'Japanese poem', often used interchangeably with 短歌 in classical contexts, but can also refer to other traditional forms.
The tradition of waka poetry has continued for over a thousand years.
He recited a Chinese-style poem.
He is known as a free verse poet.
Means 'contemporary poetry', often overlapping with free verse but emphasizing the modern period.
Much contemporary poetry is difficult to understand.
彼は叙事詩的な長詩を発表した。
He published a long epic-like poem.
Means 'epic poem' or 'narrative poem', used for works like the Iliad or Japanese epics.
'The Tale of the Heike' has elements of an epic poem.
Everyone knows this children's poem.
Traditional children's songs or chants, often passed down orally.
Let's play with traditional children's songs.
Do you like reading poems?