tanka Definition
a Japanese poem consisting of five lines, the first and third having five syllables and the others seven, making 31 syllables in all and giving a complete picture of an event or mood.
Using tanka: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tanka" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
She wrote a beautiful tanka about the cherry blossoms.
Example
Tanka is a traditional form of Japanese poetry.
Example
The tanka expresses a deep sense of longing.
Phrases with tanka
a traditional form of Japanese poetry that predates the tanka, consisting of five lines with a syllable count of 5-7-5-7-7
Example
Waka is considered the predecessor to the tanka.
a collaborative form of Japanese poetry that involves multiple poets taking turns composing linked verses, often with a syllable count of 5-7-5
Example
Renga is a popular form of poetry in Japan, often composed during social gatherings.
a form of Japanese poetry consisting of three lines, with a syllable count of 5-7-5, often focused on nature or a moment of insight
Example
Haiku is a well-known form of Japanese poetry, often taught in schools around the world.
Summary: tanka in Brief
A 'tanka' [ˈtæŋkə] is a traditional form of Japanese poetry consisting of five lines, with the first and third lines having five syllables and the other lines having seven syllables, for a total of 31 syllables. It is used to convey a complete picture of an event or mood, often expressing a deep sense of longing. Other forms of Japanese poetry include 'waka,' 'renga,' and 'haiku.'
