Translation guide
The art of writing poems, or poems as a genre. In Japanese, the word 詩 (shi) covers both, but context and compounds distinguish the art form from specific poems.
Referring to the literary art of poetry in general, or poetry as a category of literature.
The most common word for poetry as an art form or genre. Can also mean a specific poem, but context usually makes it clear.
彼は詩を愛している。
He loves poetry.
Poetry is the art of words.
Loanword from English, used in modern or casual contexts, often for Western-style poetry or as a trendy term.
I've been into poetry lately.
Technical term for verse or poetry as opposed to prose (散文). Used in literary criticism or academic contexts.
This work is written in verse.
Referring to one or more individual poems, or a book of poetry.
Can mean a single poem. Plurality is often inferred from context; use counters like 一篇 (いっぺん) for one poem, or say 詩集 (ししゅう) for a collection.
This poem is very beautiful.
She wrote three poems.
A collection of poems, a poetry book.
Loanword for 'poem', often used for modern or free-verse poems, or in casual speech.
Referring specifically to classical Japanese poetic forms like haiku, tanka, etc.
Classical Japanese poetry, especially tanka (31-syllable poems). Often used in historical or traditional contexts.
Hyakunin Isshu is a famous anthology of waka poetry.
Haiku, a 17-syllable poem in 5-7-5 pattern. Internationally recognized, but specifically Japanese.
Tanka, a 31-syllable poem (5-7-5-7-7). The main form of waka.
Senryū, similar to haiku in form but humorous or satirical, focusing on human nature rather than seasons.
Describing something as having a lyrical, evocative, or aesthetically pleasing quality like poetry.
Poetic sentiment or feeling; the quality of being poetic. Often used in phrases like 詩情豊か (rich in poetic sentiment).
The scenery is full of poetic beauty.
Adjectival phrase meaning 'poetic' or 'lyrical'. Used to describe art, language, or moments.
His words are very poetic.
詩 (shi) is the standard word for both 'poem' and 'poetry'. ポエム (poemu) is a casual loanword for 'poem', often implying modern free verse. ポエトリー (poetorii) is a loanword for 'poetry' as a genre or activity, used in trendy or Western contexts. In formal or academic writing, stick to 詩.
詩歌 is a broader term encompassing both 詩 (Chinese-style poetry) and 歌 (Japanese-style poetry like waka). It's not a general word for 'poetry' in the English sense.
This poetry collection was published last year.
His poems are a bit dark, aren't they?
Writing haiku is difficult but fun.
Tanka is composed in a 5-7-5-7-7 rhythm.
川柳は風刺が効いていて面白い。
Senryū is interesting because of its sharp satire.