Refers to the act of reciting or chanting a poem, especially in a classical or formal style. Often used in contexts like 詩吟 (shigin, recitation of Chinese poetry).
Can refer to the act of composing a poem or the poem itself. Often seen in compound words like 吟行 (ginkō, poetry-writing trip) or 吟社 (ginsha, poetry society).
classical Chinese poetry form
Used as a suffix in names of classical Chinese poetry forms, such as 絶句吟 (zekkugin) or 律詩吟 (risshigin). Also appears in the word 吟詠 (gin'ei).
stress of sound in noh song
A technical term in Noh theater referring to a particular vocal emphasis or melodic stress in singing. Rare outside specialized contexts.
He performed a recitation of a Chinese poem.
On a poetry-writing trip, I composed a haiku at the temple I visited.
The character 吟 is used as a suffix to indicate a form of Chinese poetry.
In Noh music, the technique of gin deepens the expression of the chant.
minstrel; troubadour
recitation of Chinese poems (in Japanese)
close examination; careful scrutiny; thorough investigation · criminal investigation; inquiry into guilt · winner of a full hanafuda game · reciting and appreciating traditional poetry
quiet recitation; humming
impromptu poem
improvisation of a poem; improvising a poem
humming to oneself
excellent poem; famous poem · superb rendition of a poem
recitation; chanting; recital
poetic excursion; going to scenic spots for poetic inspiration · composing poetry while walking
recitation; chanting; singing (of a poem) · composition (of a poem); composed poem
moaning; groaning
The kanji 吟 originally means 'to chant' or 'to recite' in Chinese. In Japanese, it is used primarily in compound words related to poetry recitation and composition. The Noh theater usage is a specialized extension.