1.
waka; classical Japanese poetry
Traditional Japanese poetry, especially the 31-syllable tanka form (5-7-5-7-7), distinguished from Chinese poetry.
万葉集には多くの和歌が収められている。
The Man'yoshu contains many waka poems.
和歌を詠む。
To compose a waka poem.
平安時代に和歌は盛んだった。
Waka poetry flourished in the Heian period.
和歌 literally means 'Japanese song/poem' (和 = Japanese, 歌 = song). It refers to traditional Japanese poetry as distinct from 漢詩 (Chinese poetry).
FORMS:
- 短歌 (5-7-5-7-7): the most common form, often simply called 和歌
- 長歌: longer poems with alternating 5-7 mora patterns
FAMOUS COLLECTIONS:
- 万葉集: oldest anthology (8th century)
- 古今和歌集: compiled 905 CE
- 百人一首: 100 famous poems, still used in card games
COMMON EXPRESSIONS:
- 和歌を詠む: to compose a waka poem
- 和歌集: waka anthology
Note: 俳句 (haiku, 5-7-5) developed later as a separate genre and is not classified as 和歌.
Related Words
Related:
短歌 (31-syllable form)
Related:
俳句 (haiku (5-7-5))
Contrast:
漢詩 (Chinese poetry)