1.
to compose a poem, to write verse
To create a poem, especially traditional Japanese poetry such as waka, tanka, or haiku. This is the primary meaning and is distinct from 読む (to read).
俳句を詠む。
To compose a haiku.
彼女は季節の移り変わりを詠んだ。
She composed a poem about the changing of the seasons.
万葉集には恋を詠んだ歌が数多く収められている。
The Man'yoshu contains a great many poems composed about love.
2.
to recite, to chant (a poem)
To recite or chant a poem aloud, especially in a formal or ceremonial context.
声に出して歌を詠む。
To recite a poem aloud.
歌会で和歌を詠む。
To recite waka at a poetry gathering.
新年の歌会始で天皇が詠まれた歌が発表された。
The poem composed by the Emperor at the New Year's poetry ceremony was announced.
PARTICLE PATTERNS:
- ～を詠む: to compose/recite (a poem)
- ～を詠んだ歌: a poem composed about ~
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 俳句を詠む: to compose a haiku
- 和歌を詠む: to compose a waka
- 短歌を詠む: to compose a tanka
- 歌を詠む: to compose a poem
SIMILAR WORDS:
Do not confuse with 読む (to read). 詠む specifically means composing or reciting poetry, while 読む is the general verb for reading. The kanji 詠 contains the 言 radical (speech) plus 永 (eternal), suggesting words that endure — fitting for poetry.