Translation guide
In Japanese, the most common and neutral word for a beggar is 乞食 (こじき), but it can be considered derogatory. More polite or descriptive terms like ホームレス (homeless person) or 物乞い (ものごい, one who begs) are often used instead. The concept of begging is expressed with phrases like お金を乞う (to beg for money).
Referring to someone who asks for money or food on the street
The most direct translation, but can be derogatory. Use with caution.
Can be offensive; often replaced with more polite terms.
A beggar is sitting in front of the station.
Literally 'thing-beggar', a more descriptive and slightly less derogatory term.
A beggar was asking for money on the roadside.
Means 'homeless person'. Often used euphemistically for beggars, as many beggars are homeless.
A homeless person is sleeping in the park.
Means 'vagrant' or 'wanderer'. Can imply homelessness and begging, but is somewhat dated and can be derogatory.
May carry negative connotations; not commonly used in polite conversation.
A vagrant was wandering the streets.
Describing the action of asking for money or food
Calling someone a beggar to emphasize their low status or desperation
While 乞食 (こじき) is the direct translation, it is often considered derogatory. In polite conversation, use ホームレスの人 (homeless person) or describe the situation with phrases like お金を乞う人 (a person begging for money).
乞食 is more common but can be offensive. 物乞い is more literal ('thing-beggar') and slightly less loaded, but still direct. ホームレス is the safest term when referring to homeless individuals who may beg.
She was begging at the station.
To beg for forgiveness.
He lost his fortune and was reduced to beggary.