切きれ字じ

noun

cutting word; kireji

A technical term in haiku and renga for a word that provides a pause or exclamation, such as や, かな, or けり. Used to create rhythm and emotional emphasis.

• 俳はい句くでは「切きれ字じ」が重じゅう要ような役やく割わりを果はたす。

  In haiku, the 'cutting word' plays an important role.

• 「古ふる池いけや蛙かわず飛とびこむ水みずの音おと」の「や」は切きれ字じの一ひとつだ。

  The 'ya' in 'The old pond — a frog jumps in, the sound of water' is one of the cutting words.