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.
この詩はとても感動的だ。
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.
彼は詩歌に造詣が深い。
He is well-versed in poetry.
Loanword from English, often used for modern, free-verse, or Western-style poetry, sometimes with a slightly trendy or casual feel.
彼女のポエムは若者の間で人気だ。
Her poems are popular among young people.
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.
彼は毎日俳句を詠んでいる。
He composes a haiku every day.
この俳句は芭蕉の代表作です。
This haiku is one of Basho's masterpieces.
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.
彼女は短歌を詠むのが趣味だ。
Her hobby is composing tanka poems.
この短歌は万葉集に収められている。
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.
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.
彼は漢詩を朗読した。
He recited a Chinese-style poem.
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.
彼は自由詩の詩人として知られている。
He is known as a free verse poet.
Means 'contemporary poetry', often overlapping with free verse but emphasizing the modern period.
A longer narrative or lyrical poem, not common in classical Japanese but found in modern works.
Literally 'long poem', used for extended poetic works.
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.
Simple, often rhyming poems for children.
Refers to traditional or composed songs/poems for children, similar to nursery rhymes.
この童謡は誰でも知っている。
Everyone knows this children's poem.
Traditional children's songs or chants, often passed down orally.
The loanword ポエム is not used for traditional Japanese poetry like haiku or tanka. Use the specific terms instead.
俳句はポエムの一種です。
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.
海についての詩を書きました。
I wrote a poem about the sea.
詩を読むのは好きですか。
Do you like reading poems?
The tradition of waka poetry has continued for over a thousand years.
現代詩は難解なものが多い。
Much contemporary poetry is difficult to understand.
'The Tale of the Heike' has elements of an epic poem.
わらべうたで遊びましょう。
Let's play with traditional children's songs.