Haiku - Japanese and English-language Equivalents Haiku is an ancient form of Japanese poetry often containing (in English) a total of 17 syllables shared between three lines that are arranged in a pattern of 5-7-5. The fist line consists of 5 syllables, the second line 7, and the last line contains another 5 syllables. It is important to note that the original Japanese haiku was measured in sounds, or "breaths," not English syllables. The 5-7-5 approach was a rough approximation. Many ... Learn about haiku , a traditional Japanese poetic form that captures nature and emotion in three lines with a 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Explore famous haiku poems, modern variations, and the cultural significance of this form. Ever read a super short poem and felt like it perfectly captured a moment? That’s haiku (俳句)—Japan’s famous three-line poetry that say a lot with just a few words. It’s simple, deep, and all about capturing the beauty of everyday life. Definition and a list of examples of haiku . A haiku is a short poetic form from Japan characterized by juxtaposition, seasonal imagery, and brevity.