How to write Haiku: A beginner’s guide

Rei Lim
3 min readFeb 20, 2023
Photo by lilartsy on Unsplash

Haiku is a traditional form of Japanese poetry that originated in Japan in the 17th century and has gained popularity all over the world. It is a short poem that captures a moment or an image in nature.

The Structure of Haiku

The structure of haiku is simple and straightforward. It typically consists of 17 syllables in 3 lines of 5–7–5. The first and third lines have 5 syllables, while the second line has 7 syllables. The syllable count is important because it helps to create the rhythm of the poem.

Tips for Writing Haiku

Writing haiku is a lot of fun, but it can be challenging to get started. Here are some tips to help you write your first haiku:

1. Focus on a moment in nature

Haiku is all about capturing a moment in nature. So, when you’re writing your haiku, focus on the natural world around you. Look for interesting sights, sounds, and smells that you can use in your poem.

“Over the Wintry” by Natsume Sōseki

Over the wintry
Forest, winds howl in rage
With no leaves to blow.

2. Keep it simple

Haiku is a simple form of poetry, and your poem should reflect that simplicity. Stick to basic…

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Rei Lim

Product designer & lyricist. I write about UXD, technology, self-development, financial literacy, food, and music.