In Japanese haiku, a "kireji", or cutting word, typically appears at the end of one of the verse's three phrases. A "kireji" fills a role analogous to that of a "caesura" in classical western poetry or to a volta in sonnets. Depending on which cutting word is chosen, and its position within the verse, it may briefly cut the stream of thought, suggesting a parallel between the preceding and following phrases, or it may provide a dignified ending, concluding the verse with a heightened sense of closure.