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Haiku Syllable
Counter — 5·7·5
Paste your haiku and instantly see syllables per line, 5-7-5 pattern validation, and a word-by-word breakdown. Free forever, runs in your browser.
Validates classic 5-7-5 structure
Word-by-word syllable breakdown
100% private — text stays in browser
Haiku Syllable Counter
Check your 5-7-5
How to use
- Paste your haiku (3 lines) into the box
- See per-line syllable counts instantly
- Check 5-7-5 status — green = pass, red = fix
- Open breakdown to find tricky words
The 5-7-5 rule explained
What makes a perfect haiku?
Haiku is one of the most precise poetic forms — every syllable matters.
A traditional English haiku has exactly 17 syllables spread across three lines in a 5-7-5 pattern. The first and third lines have 5 syllables each, while the middle line carries the most weight with 7.
- Count carefully — words like "every" (3 syllables) and "poem" (2 syllables) are often miscounted. Use the word-by-word breakdown to verify.
- Seasonal reference (kigo) — traditional haiku include a seasonal word. Not required, but adds depth and authenticity.
- Cutting word (kireji) — a pause or contrast between two images. Often a dash or ellipsis in English haiku.
- Modern flexibility — many poets use looser counts. Turn off 5-7-5 validation if you prefer free-form haiku.
Example haiku
An old silent pond
5 syllables ✓
A frog jumps into the pond
7 syllables ✓
Splash! Silence again
5 syllables ✓
Total syllables
17 — Perfect 5-7-5 ✓
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers for haiku poets, teachers, and writers.
The classic English haiku uses three lines: 5 syllables in line 1, 7 syllables in line 2, and 5 syllables in line 3 — totalling 17 syllables. This tool validates that pattern instantly.
It uses English-focused heuristics — vowel-group counting with rules for silent 'e', '-le', '-ed/-es'. Accurate for most words. Use the word-by-word breakdown to check proper nouns or unusual words.
Traditional English haiku follow 5-7-5, but modern poets often use looser structures to match natural phrasing. Toggle off "Validate classic 5-7-5" to count syllables per line without forcing the pattern.
Syllables are based on pronunciation, which varies by dialect. Proper nouns, borrowed words, and contractions can differ between tools. The word-by-word breakdown helps you find which word is causing the difference.
No. All counting runs locally in your browser. Your haiku text never leaves your device — completely private.
Yes! Senryū follows the same 5-7-5 syllable structure as haiku. This tool works for any three-line poem where you want to verify syllable counts per line.
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