Translation guide
A person of low social status or despicable character. In Japanese, the translation depends heavily on whether you mean a criminal/underworld figure, a morally contemptible person, or someone from a lower social class. Direct translations can sound unnatural; often a descriptive phrase is better.
A person involved in crime, gangs, or shady dealings; a thug or hoodlum.
A young, low-ranking hoodlum or punk, often associated with yakuza or street gangs. Carries a sense of being small-time and contemptible.
I got hassled by that low-life.
A ruffian, rogue, or good-for-nothing. Slightly old-fashioned but still used for a disreputable person, often implying criminal tendencies.
The town's low-lifes are hanging around.
A ruffian, hooligan, or street thug. Often used for someone who causes trouble or extorts money. Can sound a bit dated or literary.
I was shaken down by some low-life.
A person who is dishonest, mean, or lacking in morals; a scumbag or jerk.
Literally 'trash' or 'scum'. A very strong, derogatory term for a worthless person. Common in casual speech.
Don't hang out with a low-life like that.
A vulgar, low-minded person. Often used for someone who behaves in a sleazy or underhanded way. Common in online and casual contexts.
Kanji form of ゲス. More literary or emphatic. Means a vulgar, base person.
Someone from the lower classes, often with a nuance of being unrefined or poor.
A neutral, descriptive phrase meaning 'person of the lower class'. Avoids strong derogatory connotations.
He comes from a low-life background.
Poor people, the destitute. Can sound somewhat blunt or dated. Often used in historical or social contexts.
Historical term for outcasts or the lowest social class in feudal Japan. Very strong and offensive if used today. Avoid in modern conversation.
This term refers to historical discrimination and is highly offensive. Do not use casually.
There is no single Japanese word that covers all nuances of 'low-life'. Using a word like チンピラ when you mean a morally contemptible person will sound odd. Always consider the specific shade of meaning.
He's a low-life. (only if he's a thug)
He's a low-life. (if he's a scumbag)
クズ is a general insult for a worthless person, while チンピラ specifically refers to a low-ranking gangster or punk. Using チンピラ for a non-criminal just means 'punk' in a different sense, but may not convey moral contempt as strongly.
That guy is scum.
I was disgusted by his low-life behavior.
That's the height of low-life behavior.
貧民街で育った。
I grew up in a low-life neighborhood.
賤民扱いされた。
They were treated like low-lifes.
That guy is a hoodlum.