In terms of its formal structure, it follows the renga form, beginning with a three-line verse (ku) of five, seven, and five syllables respectively, followed by a succession of two-line verses of seven syllables each, until a length of 36 verses (kasen), 50 verses (goju-in), or 100 verses (hyaku-in) is reached.
形としては連歌の様式を踏襲し、五七五の句の後に七七の句を交互に付けていき、三十六句（歌仙）、五十句（五十韻）、百句（百韻）等よりなる。