詩(し)

詩(し) refers to poetry or poems—literary works expressing emotions and ideas through rhythmic language and imagery.

Usage

詩(し) typically refers to free verse or Western-style poetry. Traditional Japanese forms have their own terms.

Types

• 俳句(はいく): haiku (17 syllables)
• 短歌(たんか): tanka (31 syllables)
• 川柳(せんりゅう): senryū (humorous haiku-like form)
• 漢詩(かんし): Chinese-style poetry
• 現代詩(げんだいし): modern free verse

Common expressions

• 詩(し)を書(か)く: to write poetry
• 詩(し)を読(よ)む: to read poetry
• 詩(し)を詠(よ)む: to compose/recite poetry (literary)
• 詩的(してき)な: poetic

Related words

• 詩人(しじん): poet
• 詩集(ししゅう): poetry collection
• 詩歌(しいか): poetry (broader term, includes songs)
• 韻(いん): rhyme