Translation guide
The state of being extremely poor; destitution. This is a formal, literary word in English. In Japanese, the most natural way to express this concept depends on context, ranging from formal terms for poverty to more colloquial expressions for being broke.
Describing a severe lack of money or resources, often in a formal or literary context.
The most direct and common term for 'poverty' in a serious, often societal sense. Used in news, reports, and formal discussion.
Expressing a temporary or personal state of having no money, often in casual conversation.
The simplest and most common way to say 'I have no money' or 'I'm broke'. Not as strong as 'penury', but often the most natural equivalent in everyday speech.
今月はもうお金がない。
I'm already in penury this month.
English 'penury' is a formal, literary word. In most everyday situations, Japanese speakers would not use formal terms like 赤貧. Instead, they would simply say お金がない or use a colloquial phrase like すっからかん. Reserve 貧困 and similar terms for serious discussions about societal poverty.
彼は職を失い、貧困に陥った。
He fell into penury after losing his job.
その家族は何年も困窮した生活を送った。
The family lived in penury for years.
その国では多くの人が貧困に苦しんでいる。
Many people in that country suffer from penury.
Literally 'red poverty', meaning extreme destitution, utter poverty. More literary and emphatic than 貧困.
彼は赤貧の生活を強いられた。
He was forced into a life of penury.
Hardship, destitution. Often used in formal contexts to describe financial distress or impoverishment.
長引く不況で多くの家庭が困窮している。
Due to the prolonged recession, many households are in penury.
Extreme poverty, often used in economic or sociological contexts. Similar to 'abject poverty'.
極貧層への支援が必要だ。
Support for those in penury is necessary.
Colloquial expression meaning completely broke, cleaned out. Emphasizes total lack of money.
給料日前で財布がすっからかんだ。
It's just before payday and my wallet is completely empty (I'm in penury).
Literally 'without a mon (old currency unit)', meaning penniless. Slightly old-fashioned but still understood.
ギャンブルですってんてん、文無しになった。
I lost everything gambling and ended up penniless.