How Do You Spell TANKA?

Pronunciation: [tˈaŋkə] (IPA)

Tanka is a Japanese form of poetry, consisting of unrhymed five-line stanzas with syllabic counts of 5-7-5-7-7. The spelling of the word "tanka" is straightforward, with each letter having a clear and distinct sound. The IPA phonetic transcription of "tanka" is /ˈtænkə/ , with the stressed syllable being the first one. The "a" sound is pronounced as in "cat", the "n" sound is nasal, and the final "ka" is pronounced with the same "a" sound as the first syllable.

TANKA Meaning and Definition

  1. Tanka is a form of traditional Japanese poetry originating in the Heian period (794-1185) which consists of five lines and a set total of 31 syllables. It is a lyrical and expressive form of verse, most commonly written in a 5-7-5-7-7 syllable pattern. The word "tanka" itself means "short song" or "short poem" in Japanese.

    Tanka poems often focus on themes related to nature, love, and the fleeting beauty of life. They typically encapsulate a moment or evoke emotions through vivid and sensory descriptions. This poetic form is known for its concise yet evocative language, often employing figurative and symbolic imagery to create a sense of atmospheric beauty and contemplation. Tanka often convey sentiments or emotions related to love, loss, desire, or spiritual yearning.

    Traditionally, tanka was composed by both men and women, serving as a vehicle for personal expression and communication between lovers. In the classical Japanese literary tradition, tanka was often linked with waka, another form of poetry, and were compiled together in anthologies. Tanka has also been adapted and embraced by poets outside of Japan, finding popularity as a form in English-language poetry, although it retains its distinct Japanese origins and characteristics.

    Overall, tanka is a concise and evocative form of poetry, deeply rooted in Japanese literary tradition, which skillfully captures fleeting moments, emotions, and the profound beauty of the world.

Common Misspellings for TANKA

Etymology of TANKA

The word "tanka" has its origin in the Japanese language and poetry tradition. The etymology of the word "tanka" can be traced back to the combination of two characters, "tan" (meaning short) and "ka" (meaning poem or song). When these two characters are combined, they form the term "tanka", which refers to a traditional form of unrhymed Japanese poetry. Tanka poems consist of five lines with a syllable pattern of 5-7-5-7-7.

Similar spelling words for TANKA

Plural form of TANKA is TANKA OR TANKAS

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