Translation guide
In Japanese, the concept of 'rhyme' is less central to poetry and song than in English. Traditional Japanese poetry relies on syllable count (morae) rather than end rhyme. However, there are words for rhyme as a poetic device, and rhyming is used in modern songs, rap, and wordplay.
The general concept of words having similar ending sounds, used in poetry or lyrics.
The standard term for 'rhyme' in the context of poetry and literature. Often used in compounds.
この詩には韻が踏まれている。
This poem has rhymes.
The act or technique of rhyming. More technical than 韻.
押韻は日本語の詩ではあまり重視されない。
Rhyming is not emphasized much in Japanese poetry.
Specifically 'end rhyme' (rhyme at the end of lines). A technical literary term.
脚韻を踏む詩は英語では一般的だ。
Poems with end rhymes are common in English.
The action of words having the same ending sound, or creating such words.
The most common way to say 'to rhyme'. Literally 'to step on a rhyme'.
「猫」と「子」は韻を踏んでいる。
'Neko' and 'ko' rhyme.
ラッパーは即興で韻を踏む。
Rappers rhyme on the spot.
To match rhymes; to make words rhyme. Slightly less common than 韻を踏む.
歌詞で韻を合わせるのは難しい。
It's difficult to make lyrics rhyme.
Rhyming as a key element in rap, hip-hop, or songwriting.
Loanword from English 'rhyme', commonly used in the context of rap and hip-hop.
彼のライムは最高だ。
His rhymes are the best.
Also used in rap contexts, but ライム is more specific to the genre.
A short traditional poem or song for children.
General term for children's songs or nursery rhymes. Not necessarily rhyming.
日本の童謡を歌う。
Sing Japanese nursery rhymes.
Traditional Japanese children's songs, often passed down orally. Similar to nursery rhymes.
Specifically 'Mother Goose' nursery rhymes from English tradition.
マザーグースの唄。
Mother Goose rhymes.
The idiom meaning something lacks sense or logic.
Common phrase meaning 'makes no sense'. Not a direct translation but conveys the idiomatic meaning.
彼の行動はわけがわからない。
His actions are without rhyme or reason.
Means 'illogical' or 'unreasonable'. Closer to 'without reason'.
その説明は理屈に合わない。
That explanation is without rhyme or reason.
Haiku and tanka do not use end rhyme; they rely on syllable patterns (5-7-5 etc.). Using 韻 to describe them may confuse native speakers.
Japanese 'rhyme' often involves matching final vowels or entire morae. For example, たべる (taberu) and ねる (neru) share the final る, but this is not considered a strong rhyme. True rhyme in Japanese is less common due to the limited number of possible endings.
To rhyme in a freestyle.
わらべ歌で遊ぶ。
Play with nursery rhymes.