haiku
C1formal, literary, academic
Definition
Meaning
A traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable structure, often referencing nature or the seasons.
Any poem composed in imitation of the traditional haiku form, sometimes loosened in structure or subject matter outside its original Japanese context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly associated with a specific poetic tradition; its use outside this context often carries connotations of minimalism, precision, and a connection to the natural world.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage.
Connotations
Similar connotations of artistry, minimalism, and Japanese culture in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in academic/literary contexts in both regions, with no notable regional variation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N (about N)N (by N)N (in the style of N)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in metaphorical use for concise communication ('Think of the report as a business haiku').
Academic
Common in literature and poetry studies, often analysed for form and cultural significance.
Everyday
Used when discussing poetry, writing, or Japanese culture.
Technical
Specific to literary criticism and poetry workshops, with focus on meter and tradition.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The workshop challenged us to haiku our thoughts on the autumn leaf.
American English
- She likes to haiku her daily observations in a small notebook.
adverb
British English
- He wrote haiku, capturing moments concisely.
American English
- She spoke almost haiku, in carefully measured phrases.
adjective
British English
- His reporting had a haiku-like brevity.
American English
- She appreciated his haiku style of presentation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I read a short haiku in my book.
- We learned how to write a haiku in our poetry class.
- The poet's latest collection features several haikus that deftly blend traditional form with contemporary themes.
- His critique focused on the dissolution of the seasonal reference, or 'kigo', in modernist adaptations of the haiku.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
HIGH-COO: Think of a bird singing a very HIGH, beautiful COO, but in just three short lines.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONCISE EXPRESSION IS A HAIKU (e.g., 'His tweet was a haiku of wit').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation attempts that ignore the 5-7-5 syllabic structure, which is central to the definition. The Russian cultural equivalent is not a 'стихотворение' but specifically a 'хокку'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'haiku' as a plural (plural is 'haiku' or 'haikus'); mispronouncing as /heɪˈkuː/; applying the term to any short poem without the specific structure.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining structural feature of a classic haiku?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both are accepted, though 'haiku' is often used as both singular and plural, especially in literary contexts.
Traditionally, yes, with a seasonal reference ('kigo'). Modern and Western haiku often deviate from this, focusing more on the concise form than the subject.
Rhyme is not a feature of traditional Japanese haiku. In English, some poets may use rhyme, but it is not required and can sometimes detract from the form's essence.
Both share the 5-7-5 structure, but a senryū typically focuses on human nature, humour, or irony, while a haiku centres on nature and seasons.