Tanka Meaning in English
word
ˈtæŋkə
TANG-kuh
ˈtaŋkə
TANG-kuh
Definition
A tanka is a traditional Japanese poem with five lines and a set pattern of syllables (5-7-5-7-7). It often expresses emotion or describes nature.
Usage & Nuances
A 'tanka' is always a poetic form, closely related to the haiku but slightly longer. Used mainly in literary, academic, or creative contexts. The word is not pluralized ('tankas' is rare). Not to be confused with 'tank' (vehicle).
Spanish: tankaPortuguese (BR): tankaPortuguese (PT): tancaChinese (Simplified): 短歌Chinese (Traditional): 短歌Hindi: तान्काArabic: تانكا (شعر ياباني)Bengali: তাঙ্কা (কবিতার ধরন)Russian: танка (стихотворная форма)Japanese: 短歌Vietnamese: tanka (thơ kiểu Nhật)Korean: 탄카 (시의 한 형태)Turkish: tanka (Japon şiir biçimi)Urdu: تانکا (جاپانی شاعری کی صنف)Indonesian: tanka (bentuk puisi Jepang)
Example Sentences
I wrote a tanka in my notebook.
basic
A tanka has five lines.
basic
My teacher asked me to read a Japanese tanka aloud.
basic
Unlike a haiku, a tanka lets you express a more detailed feeling.
natural
Some writers use the tanka to capture moments in nature.
natural
She was inspired to write a tanka after visiting the cherry blossoms.
natural