字じ足たらず

noun

insufficient syllables in waka or haiku

Technical term in traditional Japanese poetry, referring to a line or poem that has fewer syllables than the standard meter requires. Often contrasted with 字余り (excess syllables).

See also: 字余り

• この俳はい句くは字じ足たらずで、五ご七しち五ごになっていない。

  This haiku is syllable-deficient and does not follow the 5-7-5 pattern.

• 字じ足たらずの歌うたは、時ときに味あじわい深ぶかいと評ひょう価かされることもある。

  A waka with insufficient syllables is sometimes praised for its evocative quality.