How to say "poetry" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 詩しnounThe default word for poetry, whether the art form or a single poem or verse. Use it in everyday contexts such as reading, writing, or studying poetry.
- 詩歌しいかnounA collective, somewhat formal term covering poetry and poems as a body of literary works, often contrasted with prose or other genres. Less suited for referring to a single poem.
Use 詩 for poetry and individual poems generally; use 詩歌 when speaking of poetry and poems as a collective category, often alongside other literary forms.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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