Translation and Meaning of: 俳句 - haiku

The Japanese word 「俳句」 (romaji: haiku) is a traditional form of poetry that has a specific structure, composed of three lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5. The etymology of 「俳句」 traces back to the combination of two Kanji: 「俳」 (hai) meaning "verse" or "comic actor" and 「句」 (ku) meaning "phrase" or "expression." Originally, the haiku developed from an older form of poetry called 「連歌」 (renga), in which two or more poets collaborated to create a sequence of short verses.

The definition of haiku is characterized by its brevity and simplicity, capturing a moment or a natural image in a succinct and evocative way. The presence of a 「季語」 (kigo), a word that indicates the season of the year, is essential in traditional haikus. This gives the poetry a deep connection with nature and the seasons. Moreover, a haiku often contains a 「切れ字」 (kireji), a cutting word that introduces a pause or an emotional emphasis between the parts of the poem.

The haiku emerged during the Edo period (1603-1868), but its global popularity only grew in the 20th century when Western poets began to take an interest in this minimalist poetic form. One of the most famous masters of haiku is Matsuo Bashō, whose works helped define the style. The simplicity and depth of haikus make them a popular meditative practice, leading many to reflect on the meaning of life and the ephemeral beauty of the natural world. This poetic form continues to be studied and appreciated globally, being translated into countless languages while preserving its essential characteristics.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 俳諧 (haikai) - Japanese poetry, a form of short poetry that generally addresses nature and humor, differentiating it from haiku.
• はいく (haiku) - A type of traditional Japanese poetry composed of three lines, with a syllable count of 5-7-5, focusing on themes of nature.
• はいかい (haikai) - It can refer to the light and humorous style of poetry, which is a broader form that includes haiku and other poetic variations.

俳句

Romaji: haiku
Kana: はいく
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n2

Translation / Meaning: Haiku poetry (17 syllable poem usually in 3 lines of 5 7 and 5 syllables)

Meaning in English: haiku poetry (17-syllable poem usually in 3 lines of 5 7 and 5 syllables)

Definition: A small Japanese poem that uses seasonal words to express the sense of the season and is written in a 17-syllable rhythm, 5-7-5.

Example Sentences - (俳句) haiku

See below some example sentences:

俳句は季節感を表現する素晴らしい詩形です。

Haiku wa kisetsukan wo hyōgen suru subarashii shikei desu

Haiku is a wonderful poetic form that expresses the feeling of the season.

Haiku is wonderful poetry that expresses the seasonal feeling.

• 俳句 - Japanese three-line poem
• 季節感 - feeling of the season
• 表現 - expressão
• 素晴らしい - maravilhoso
• 詩形 - poetic form