Pronunciation: [t͡ʃɛɹˈiːtə] (IPA) 
The word "Cherita" is a modern form of a Japanese form of poetry. It is spelled with the letter "C" instead of the more traditional "S" because it is a variation of the word "haiku." The IPA phonetic transcription of Cherita is /ʃɛrɪtə/. The "sh" sound is represented by the "s" and "h" phonemes. The vowel sounds are "e," which is pronounced "eh," and "i," which is pronounced "ee." The final "a" is pronounced "uh."
Cherita is a poetic form with roots in Malaysia that consists of a specific structure and narrative style. The word "Cherita" itself means "story" in Malay, reflecting the essence of this poetic form. This genre is relatively new and was introduced in the late 1990s by ai li, a Malaysian poet.
The Cherita is a six-line poem, composed of three stanzas, with each stanza containing a couplet. Each couplet consists of a one-line verse followed by a two-line verse. Thus, the complete poem has a pattern of 1-2-3-1-2-3 lines.
In terms of content, Cherita focuses on storytelling, painting vivid images, and expressing emotions within the limited space provided by its structure. It typically describes a fleeting moment or a specific event, allowing readers to connect with the narrative. The Cherita often evokes a sense of wonder, mystery, or nostalgia, making it an effective tool for capturing the essence of experience through concise poetic language.
Due to its brevity and simplicity, Cherita is accessible to both experienced poets and those new to the art form. It encourages imagination and creativity within the boundaries of its structure. The Cherita form has gained popularity worldwide and is frequently used in various poetic communities and competitions.
Overall, the Cherita is a stylized and structured form of poetry that tells a story through a concise framework. Its limited lines challenge poets to carefully choose and arrange their words, resulting in a brief yet impactful narrative that captivates readers.
The word Cherita does not have a widely accepted etymology since it is a relatively new term. It was coined in the early 21st century by a poet named Ai Li. Cherita is derived from the Malay word cerita, which means story or tale. Ai Li combined the words cherry and story to create a term that represents a short form of storytelling poetry with a specific syllable pattern. As such, Cherita is a combination of the English word cherry and the Malay word cerita.
