Translation guide
In Japanese, 'Chinese poem' most commonly refers to 漢詩 (kanshi), poetry written in classical Chinese by Japanese poets, or 唐詩 (tōshi), poetry of the Tang dynasty. The general term 中国の詩 (chūgoku no shi) is also used but less common in traditional contexts.
The most common and culturally specific meaning: poetry written in classical Chinese, often composed by Japanese poets following Chinese forms.
The standard term for classical Chinese-style poetry, especially as practiced in Japan. It encompasses various forms like 絶句 (zekku, quatrain) and 律詩 (risshi, regulated verse).
彼は漢詩を詠むのが趣味です。
His hobby is composing Chinese-style poems.
この漢詩は李白の作品です。
This Chinese poem is a work by Li Bai.
Specifically refers to poetry from the Tang dynasty, often studied as the pinnacle of Chinese poetry. Frequently used in educational contexts.
唐詩を暗唱できるようになりたい。
I want to be able to recite Tang poems from memory.
A more descriptive phrase meaning 'classical Chinese poetry,' useful when distinguishing from modern Chinese poetry.
中国の古典詩には漢詩や唐詩が含まれます。
Classical Chinese poetry includes kanshi and Tang poetry.
Poetry written in modern Chinese, typically free verse, by contemporary Chinese poets.
The standard term for modern Chinese poetry. Use this to avoid confusion with classical forms.
彼女は中国の現代詩を翻訳している。
She translates modern Chinese poetry.
A general term for 'Chinese poetry' that can refer to both classical and modern, but context usually clarifies. Less specific than 漢詩 or 現代詩.
中国の詩に興味があります。
I'm interested in Chinese poetry.
Referring to a single poem, often by title or author, without specifying classical or modern.
When talking about a particular poem, this phrase works naturally. Add the title or author for clarity.
この中国の詩はとても美しい。
This Chinese poem is very beautiful.
If the poem is classical Chinese-style, 漢詩 is appropriate even for a single piece.
あの漢詩の意味を教えてください。
Please tell me the meaning of that Chinese poem.
漢詩 (kanshi) is the broadest term for classical Chinese-style poetry, including works by Japanese poets. 唐詩 (tōshi) specifically denotes Tang dynasty poetry. 中国の詩 (chūgoku no shi) is a general term for any Chinese poetry, but may sound too vague in traditional contexts. Use 漢詩 for classical forms unless you need to emphasize the Tang period.
日本人が作った漢詩もたくさんあります。
There are also many Chinese-style poems written by Japanese people.
While 中国の詩 is grammatically correct, it can sound unnatural or overly broad in contexts where a specific term like 漢詩 or 唐詩 is expected. When discussing classical poetry, default to 漢詩 unless you have a reason to use a more specific or general term.
古典の授業で漢詩を勉強しています。
I'm studying Chinese poems in my classical literature class.
好きな漢詩はありますか？
Do you have a favorite Chinese poem?