Enter your three lines below to check the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Each line is analyzed instantly.
A traditional haiku follows a 5-7-5 syllable pattern across three lines. The first line has 5 syllables, the second line has 7 syllables, and the third line has 5 syllables, for a total of 17 syllables. This structure originated in Japanese poetry and remains the most widely recognized haiku form in English.
Start by choosing a subject, traditionally a moment in nature or a seasonal observation. Write three lines following the 5-7-5 syllable pattern. Focus on concrete imagery rather than abstract ideas. A haiku often captures a single, vivid moment and may include a "kireji" (cutting word) that creates a pause or shift between two juxtaposed images.