How many syllables are in a haiku?
A traditional haiku has 17 syllables in three lines, with 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second and 5 in the third. Japanese haiku count sound units called on, which are not exactly the same as English syllables.
Haiku is a form of Japanese poetry that developed in the 1600s. Traditional haiku focus on nature and a moment in time and often include a seasonal word, called kigo. They also use a cutting word, or kireji, to create a pause or contrast between two images.
Matsuo Bashō, who lived from 1644 to 1694, is the most famous haiku poet. His poem about an old pond and a frog jumping into the water is one of the best-known poems in Japan. Other masters include Yosa Buson and Kobayashi Issa.
Haiku in English
When haiku became popular in English, poets adopted the 5-7-5 pattern. Because Japanese sound units are shorter than English syllables, many modern poets write English haiku with fewer than 17 syllables to capture the same brief feel. Haiku is often taught in schools to help students think about words and rhythm.
Did You Know?
A related form called senryu follows the same pattern as haiku but focuses on human nature, often with humor, rather than nature.