What is the syllable pattern of a traditional haiku?

What is the syllable pattern of a traditional haiku?

• A. 5-7-5
• B. 3-5-3
• C. 4-6-4
• D. 6-8-6

Answer: (A)

Haiku follows a three-line rhythm with a 5-7-5 pattern. In Japanese, the unit is morae, not exactly syllables, but when written in English we usually aim for 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. A classic example shows this clearly: An old silent pond (5), a frog jumps into the pond (7), the sound of water (5). This precise line-length pattern is what defines a traditional haiku’s musical shape.

Haiku follows a three-line rhythm with a 5-7-5 pattern. In Japanese, the unit is morae, not exactly syllables, but when written in English we usually aim for 5 syllables in the first line, 7 in the second, and 5 in the third. A classic example shows this clearly: An old silent pond (5), a frog jumps into the pond (7), the sound of water (5). This precise line-length pattern is what defines a traditional haiku’s musical shape.