七五調(しちごちょう)

しちごちょう
noun
seven-five rhythm; 7-5 syllabic meter
culture
1. seven-five meter; alternating 7- and 5-syllable rhythmic pattern
A traditional Japanese rhythmic pattern alternating phrases of 7 and 5 syllables. Fundamental to waka poetry, enka lyrics, folk songs, and many traditional chants. Feels natural and melodious to Japanese speakers.
和歌(わか)は七五調(しちごちょう)のリズムで詠(よ)まれる。
Waka poetry is composed in a seven-five rhythm.
演歌(えんか)の歌詞(かし)には七五調(しちごちょう)のパターンが多(おお)く使(つか)われる。
The lyrics of enka songs frequently use the seven-five syllabic pattern.
七五調(しちごちょう)のフレーズはリズムがよく、記憶(きおく)に残(のこ)りやすいため、広告(こうこく)にも使(つか)われる。
Seven-five phrases have a pleasing rhythm and are easy to remember, so they are also used in advertising.

七(しち) (seven) + 五(ご) (five) + 調(ちょう) (rhythm, meter). One of the defining rhythmic structures of Japanese literature and music.

Cultural note

Waka poetry (including tanka) follows a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern, while haiku uses 5-7-5. The broader 7-5 unit (七五調(しちごちょう)) is also prominent in:

The reverse pattern 五七調(ごしちちょう) (5-7) also exists but is less common in modern contexts.

Related Words

Compare: 五七調(ごしっちょう) (five-seven meter)
general
Added 2026.6.12 6:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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