Asked • 05/28/19

Why are haiku usually of 17 syllables?

One of the characteristics of Haiku is that the poems are usually of 17 syllables (5-7-5). Exceptions exist, of course, but 17 is the norm.\n\nWhy 17? How did the originators of Haiku come to settle on 17? How does it contribute to a haiku's aesthetics?

Adedeji R.

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11/06/20

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Bethany S. answered • 07/28/19

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The syllabic cadence of a Haiku poem has more to do with the polysyllabic structure of the Japanese language. Haiku's are traditional Japanese nature poems that at based on a 5-7-5 pattern using the Japanese language. The nature of the English language does not always lead to a smooth translation of a Haiku and thus can seem "choppy" or disjointed.

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