Have you ever wondered, "Is this a Haiku"? Well, now you can find out.
To get started, type 3 lines of text into the textbox above.
Haiku poems follow a 5-7-5 format. The first line of a Haiku has to be 5 syllables, the second line 7 syllables and the third line has to be 5 syllables.
There are three syllable count boxes above the textbox that will display the syllable count of each of the three lines in real-time and let you know if you go over the syllable or line limit.
To copy the contents of the haiku checker, or also known as a haiku syllable counter, simply click the "copy text" button and it will copy all the text within the textarea.
The Haiku Checker is an easy but highly valuable tool developed for poets trying to generate excellent Haikus. Whether you're an experienced writer or just beginning, this tool automatically counts syllables in each line, ensuring your poetry matches with the standard 5-7-5 style. It’s a must-have for anybody interested in learning this literary genre.
Our Haiku Checker is more than simply a syllable counter. It’s your own poetic helper. With real-time feedback, you can check that every line follows the conventional pattern without second-guessing yourself. It’s really simple to use, and works flawlessly across both desktop and mobile platforms, so you can improve your Haikus on the move.
Writing a Haiku is all about simplicity and mindfulness. Begin by watching nature or a fleeting moment, then record it in words. Stick to the 5-7-5 structure: 5 syllables for the first line, 7 syllables for the second, and 5 for the third. Keep your wording clear, but vivid, to create feelings or ideas. And when you’re done, our Haiku Checker will check your poem follows the traditional format to perfection.
At the core of Haiku poetry is the 5-7-5 syllable rule. This form generates a rhythm that promotes brevity and clarity, enabling you to express rich meaning in only a few words. Our Haiku Checker guarantees your poem complies to this fundamental rule, making it simple to concentrate on the art of poetry without worrying about syllable counts.
Writing Haiku may be tough, especially when it comes to the syllable count. Beginners sometimes add unnecessary syllables or omit out important ones. Another problem is not staying true to Haiku's core, capturing a moment in nature or reflecting on the seasons. Rhyme is likewise unneeded & should be avoided in a true Haiku. Our Checker helps you bypass these typical faults, enabling you to write balanced, real Haikus.
A great Haiku is more than just a structured poem. It’s a powerful reflection of a moment. To produce an excellent Haiku, focus on clarity, vivid imagery, and a connection to nature. Keep it basic, avoid overcomplicating your vocabulary, and allow your words to flow naturally. With our Haiku Checker, you can ensure the technical structure is right while leaving the creativity of your poem intact.
While a haiku is traditionally defined as a three-line, 17-syllable poem (5-7-5), there’s a lot more to learn to write one well. These extra tips and facts will deepen your haiku practice and help you make the most of our Haiku Checker tool.
In English, syllable counting can be tricky – silent letters and unusual word breaks often confuse poets (and computers!). Our Haiku Checker displays each line’s syllable count in real time so you can catch errors. It uses a dictionary plus a formula-based program to estimate counts; if a word looks wrong, the tool even shows you how it’s counted. (For example, a silent “e” at the end of “fire” might or might not count as a syllable.) This lets you edit lines instantly: type or paste three lines into the box and watch each line’s count update. If a line goes over 5 or 7, you’ll see a warning so you can rewrite it. In short, use the checker as a safety net for syllables – it flags anomalies so you can make the final call on tricky words.
Tip: English has many exceptions (like “haiku” has two syllables, “cinnamon” three, etc.), so double-check any surprising counts the tool shows.
Beyond syllables, great haiku grab the imagination with clear imagery. Haiku poets emphasize concrete senses over abstract ideas. In other words, show, don’t tell – paint a picture with precise images. For example, instead of writing “The weather is sad,” you might write “Gray clouds drift over bare fields” to let the image evoke mood. The Haiku Society notes that haiku often contrast images from different senses (sight vs. sound, etc.). Try mixing elements (e.g. sight and sound) or using a slight surprise or shift in the last line to give your poem a punch.
Be minimal: Every word must pull its weight. Haiku have no room for filler. Aim to “make every word count” by choosing the most vivid noun or verb.
Use the present tense: Haiku usually capture a single, immediate moment. Write as if you’re right there.
Avoid clichés: Steer clear of overused images (like “falling leaves” or “full moon”). Also avoid putting human feelings into nature (“the tree weeps,” etc.). The Haiku Society lists such “faults” in beginner haiku: trying to sound too philosophical, using anthropomorphic phrases, or relying on trite seasonal words.
Revise, revise, revise: Haiku are rewritten many times. Don’t be afraid to edit lines for better rhythm or imagery. As one guide says, “revision is the heart of haiku”. Often your first attempt is just raw material – shaping it carefully will strengthen the poem.
If you want to branch out, haiku has some close cousins. A senryu looks just like a haiku (3 lines, 5-7-5 syllables) but focuses on human nature or humor instead of nature. It doesn’t need a season word, and it often has a witty or ironic twist. For example, a senryu might gently poke fun at modern life or relationships. Our checker works for senryu too, since the syllable rule is the same.
Haiku’s longer cousin is the tanka, a five-line Japanese form (syllable pattern 5-7-5-7-7). There’s also the haibun, which pairs a short prose description with a haiku. (These forms aren’t directly checked by a 3-line haiku tool, but it’s fun to know them!) Reading senryu or tanka can spark ideas – for instance, jotting a two-line setup and three-line punchline (senryu style) or adding a reflective couplet at the end (tanka style).
As you write, our Haiku Checker is your real-time assistant. Just enter your three lines and watch the syllable counters to the side – each line’s count updates instantly. If you exceed 5 or 7, the counter turns red to let you know. You can then edit your line right in the box (delete a word, change a phrase) and see the count adjust immediately. Once all lines meet the target, the checker confirms your 5-7-5 format. When you’re happy, click “Copy Text” to grab your haiku (complete with the correct line breaks) for pasting anywhere. This instant feedback loop makes experimenting easy. You can try different wordings until everything flows just right, without manually counting or losing track.
Haiku is enjoyed worldwide, not just in class. In fact, April 17th is International Haiku Poetry Day – a day when people everywhere write and share haiku. On that day (and anytime!), you can join haiku contests, share on social media with #haiku, or simply read famous examples for inspiration. (For example, Matsuo Bashō’s famous haiku is:
An old silent pond…
A frog jumps into the pond—
Splash! Silence again.
Notice how it uses simple imagery and a surprising action to create a moment.)
Besides formal celebrations, try reading collections of haiku or joining local poetry groups. Haiku communities on the web, in libraries, or in newsletters often welcome beginners. The more you immerse yourself – by writing daily, listening for a “haiku moment” in nature or life, and sharing your lines – the better your haiku will become.
Keep exploring! Haiku may be small, but there’s a world of creativity in those 17 syllables. Use the Haiku Checker to master the form, and use these tips to make each syllable count. Happy writing!