1.
5-7-5 syllable pattern; the metrical structure of haiku
The syllable pattern of 5-7-5 morae that forms the basis of haiku and the opening verse of renga. Also used loosely to refer to haiku or haiku-like composition.
俳句は五七五で詠む。
Haiku are composed in a 5-7-5 pattern.
五七五の音数に合わせてみよう。
Let's try matching the 5-7-5 syllable count.
子供たちが五七五のリズムで俳句を作る授業が行われた。
A class was held where children composed haiku in the 5-7-5 rhythm.
Refers to the pattern of 5, 7, and 5 morae (sound units) that defines the structure of haiku, the world's shortest poetic form. This same pattern forms the first three lines of tanka (短歌), which follows a 五七五七七 pattern.
RELATED FORMS:
- 五七五七七: 5-7-5-7-7, the tanka meter
- 七五調: 7-5 rhythm, common in traditional Japanese verse
- 五七調: 5-7 rhythm
CULTURAL NOTE:
In Japan, 五七五 is taught in elementary school as part of the national language curriculum. Composing haiku is a popular pastime, and TV programs like NHK俳句 regularly feature amateur and professional poets. The term is widely understood even by people with no special interest in poetry.