Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of a stanza in poetry is expressed using specific terms that distinguish between traditional Japanese forms and Western-style poetry. The most common and useful term for learners is 連 (ren), which refers to a stanza or verse paragraph in modern poetry.
To refer to a stanza or verse paragraph in a poem, especially in modern or Western-style poetry.
The standard term for a stanza in modern Japanese poetry. It can be used for both Japanese and Western poetry.
This poem consists of four stanzas.
第一連を暗唱してください。
Please recite the first stanza.
Loanword from English, used especially in academic or literary contexts when discussing Western poetry. Less common than 連.
このスタンザの韻律を分析しよう。
Let's analyze the meter of this stanza.
To refer to a stanza or verse unit in classical Japanese poetic forms, where the structure differs from Western stanzas.
In traditional forms like renga or haikai, a stanza is often called 句 (ku), meaning 'verse' or 'phrase'. It can refer to a single 5-7-5 or 7-7 unit.
連歌では、長句と短句を交互に詠む。
In renga, long stanzas and short stanzas are composed alternately.
発句は連歌の最初の句です。
The hokku is the first stanza of a renga.
Counter for waka or tanka poems, but can sometimes be used to refer to a complete poem as a stanza within a sequence. Not a direct equivalent of 'stanza' but relevant in context.
この歌集には百首の和歌が収められている。
This anthology contains one hundred waka poems.
To refer to a verse or stanza in a song or ballad.
Used as a counter for stanzas or verses in songs, e.g., 一番 (first verse), 二番 (second verse).
この歌の二番を歌ってください。
Please sing the second verse of this song.
Can mean 'verse' or 'stanza' in songs, but also 'paragraph' or 'passage'. Less specific than 番 for song verses.
この節はとても覚えやすい。
This verse is very easy to remember.
連 is the general term for stanza in modern poetry. 句 is used for traditional Japanese poetic forms like haiku or renga, where a stanza is a 5-7-5 or 7-7 unit. 番 is the counter for verses in songs. Avoid using 連 for song lyrics; use 番 instead.
While スタンザ is understood, it sounds academic and is not commonly used in everyday conversation about poetry. Stick to 連 for most situations.