Three lines. Seventeen syllables. 5-7-5. That's the haiku formula most people know. But the Japanese haiku tradition involves more: a seasonal reference (kigo), a cutting word (kireji), and a moment of arrested attention. Here's how haiku actually works.
The 5-7-5 Rule
Traditional Japanese haiku: 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, 5 in the third. In English, poets often adapt — English syllables work differently. Some stick to 5-7-5; others prioritize the spirit of brevity over the strict count.
Key Elements
Kigo (season word): A word that implies the season — cherry blossoms (spring), fireflies (summer), moon (autumn), snow (winter). The haiku grounds itself in the natural world.
Kireji (cutting word): A pause or break — often between two images. The haiku presents two elements; the cut creates the spark.
Moment: Haiku captures a single moment — not a narrative, but a flash of perception.
Famous Examples
An old silent pond
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.
— Bashō (translated)
In the twilight rain
these brilliant-hued hibiscus—
A lovely sunset.
— Buson
Common Mistakes
- Forcing 5-7-5 in English when it sounds unnatural
- Adding a title — traditional haiku have none
- Explaining the moment — haiku shows, doesn't tell
Analyze Haiku — or Any Short Form
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