Translation and Meaning of: 詩 - shi

The Japanese word 詩[し] is a fascinating term that carries with it a cultural and linguistic richness. If you are learning Japanese or simply interested in the language, understanding its meaning, origin, and usage can enrich your knowledge. In this article, we will explore what this word represents, how it is used in everyday life, and some curiosities that make it special.

In addition to being a common word in literary contexts, 詩[し] also appears in expressions and phrases that reflect Japanese artistic sensitivity. If you've ever wondered how to memorize it or why it is so relevant, keep reading to discover all this and much more.

Meaning and Origin of the Word 詩[し]

The word 詩[し] means "poetry" in Japanese. It is used to refer to literary compositions that express emotions, ideas, or narratives artistically, often with specific rhythm and meter. The kanji 詩 is composed of two elements: the radical 言 (which relates to speech or language) and the component 寺 (which originally meant "temple"). This combination suggests a connection between elevated language and a sacred space, reflecting the cultural importance of poetry in Japan.

The use of this word dates back to the Chinese influence on Japanese culture, as the kanji was borrowed from classical Chinese. In Japan, poetry has a millennia-old tradition, with forms like haiku and tanka being widely celebrated. Thus, 詩[し] is not just a word, but a concept deeply rooted in the artistic expression of the country.

Everyday Lies and Cultural Context

In everyday life, 詩[し] can appear in different situations, from discussions about literature to references to famous poems. For example, someone might say "この詩は美しい" (kono shi wa utsukushii - "This poem is beautiful") when admiring a poetic work. The word is also common in book titles, cultural events, and even in songs that allude to the art of writing.

It is worth noting that, although Western poetry is often associated with romantic themes, in Japan it encompasses a wider variety of subjects, including nature, everyday life, and even philosophical reflections. This makes 詩[し] a versatile word, present in both formal and informal contexts.

Tips for Memorizing and Curiosities

If you are trying to memorize this word, a useful tip is to associate the kanji 詩 with the idea of "elevated language," as it combines the radical for speech (言) with a component that refers to something sacred (寺). Another strategy is to practice with simple phrases, such as "詩を書く" (shi o kaku - "to write a poem"), to solidify the meaning in a contextualized way.

An interesting fact is that, in Japan, traditional poetry like haiku is still highly valued, including in competitions and annual festivals. Moreover, many Japanese people have the habit of writing short poems on special occasions, showing how 詩[し] remains alive in contemporary culture.

Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with related words:

Synonyms and similar words

• 歌 (Uta) - Canzone
• 和歌 (Waka) - Traditional Japanese poetry
• 短歌 (Tanka) - Short poetry, traditionally 31 syllables
• 俳句 (Haiku) - Haiku, a very short poem, traditionally 17 syllables.
• 詩歌 (Shika) - Poetry, generally in a broader context
• 詩文 (Shibun) - Poetic text or poetic prose
• 詩人 (Shijin) - poet
• 詩士 (Shishi) - Poet, with a more formal or historical sense.
• 詩集 (Shishū) - Collection of poems
• 詩的 (Shiteki) - Poetic, related to poetry
• 詩的表現 (Shiteki hyōgen) - Poetic expression
• 詩的言語 (Shiteki gengo) - Poetic language

詩

Romaji: shi
Kana: し
Type: noun
L: jlpt-n3

Translation / Meaning: poem; verse of poetry

Meaning in English: poem;verse of poetry

Definition: A form of literature that is an artistic expression of emotion or thought.

Example Sentences - (詩) shi

See below some example sentences:

描写は小説や詩において非常に重要な要素です。

Miyashou wa shousetsu ya shi ni oite hijou ni juuyou na youso desu

The description is a very important element in novels and poems.

Description is a very important factor in novels and poems.

• 描写 (byousha) - Description
• 小説 (shousetsu) - romance, fiction
• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• において (ni oite) - in, within
• 非常に (hijou ni) - extremely
• 重要な (juuyou na) - important
• 要素 (yousu) - element
• です (desu) - is

この詩には佳句がたくさんあります。

Kono shi ni wa kaku ku ga takusan arimasu

This poem has many beautiful phrases.

This poem has many good lines.

• この - demonstrative pronoun that means "this"
• 詩 - noun meaning "poem"
• には - particle indicating the existence of something in a certain place or situation
• 佳句 - noun meaning "beautiful phrase" or "beautiful verse"
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• たくさん - adverb meaning "very" or "many"
• あります - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have"

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 - expression
• 素晴らしい - amazing
• 詩形 - poetic form

詩人は美しい言葉を紡ぎ出す。

Shijin wa utsukushii kotoba wo tsumugidasu

The poet spins beautiful words.

• 詩人 - poet
• は - Topic particle
• 美しい - Beautiful, lovely
• 言葉 - word
• を - direct object particle
• 紡ぎ出す - weave, create, produce

詩を書くことは私の人生の喜びです。

Shi wo kaku koto wa watashi no jinsei no yorokobi desu

Writing poetry is the joy of my life.

• 詩 (shi) - poetry
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 書く (kaku) - write
• こと (koto) - noun maker
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 私 (watashi) - I
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 人生 (jinsei) - life
• の (no) - Possession particle
• 喜び (yorokobi) - joy
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar