哀歌

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 哀歌, read あいか, means a song or poem expressing sorrow.
• Basic usage: It is used for a poem mourning a lost homeland or for the character of a sorrowful piece of music.
  • 詩人は失われた故郷への哀歌をつづった。

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• A work versus a feeling: 哀愁
  • 哀歌 refers to a work expressing sorrow, while 哀愁 refers to a feeling of melancholy.