Translation guide
A traditional Japanese poem of 31 syllables in a 5-7-5-7-7 pattern. Refers specifically to the poetic form, not a container or military vehicle.
Referring to the classical or modern poetic form consisting of five lines with a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern.
She writes tanka every day. · We studied tanka in Japanese literature class.
The standard term for a 31-syllable Japanese poem. Used in both literary and everyday contexts when discussing this poetic form.
彼女は短歌を詠むのが趣味です。
Her hobby is composing tanka.
この短歌は万葉集に収められています。
This tanka is included in the Man'yōshū.
Literally 'Japanese poem', historically used for tanka and similar forms. Now often synonymous with tanka, but can have a classical nuance.
The English word 'tank' (container or armored vehicle) is タンク (tanku) in Japanese. Do not use 短歌 for those meanings.
The Hyakunin Isshu is a collection of famous waka.