Translation guide
In Japanese, referring to 'the poor' as a group is often done with set phrases or descriptive terms. The most common and neutral expression is 貧しい人々 (mazushii hitobito), literally 'poor people'. There are also more formal or literary terms, and some that carry negative connotations. This guide helps you choose the right expression based on context and nuance.
Referring to poor people as a group in a neutral or descriptive way.
The most straightforward and neutral way to say 'the poor' or 'poor people'. Suitable for most contexts.
貧しい人々を助けるために寄付をした。
I donated to help the poor.
その政策は貧しい人々に大きな影響を与えた。
That policy had a big impact on the poor.
A more formal, sociological term meaning 'the poor' or 'the impoverished class'. Often used in news or academic writing.
貧困層の生活水準を向上させる必要がある。
We need to improve the living standards of the poor.
A somewhat dated or literary term for 'poor people'. Can sound blunt or even derogatory in modern usage. Use with caution.
May carry negative or condescending connotations. Prefer 貧しい人々 in most situations.
かつてこの地域は貧民街と呼ばれていた。
This area used to be called a slum (poor people's district).
Referring to the poor in a formal, economic, or policy context.
Literally 'low-income group'. A common, neutral term in economic and policy discussions.
低所得者層への支援を拡充する。
Expand support for the poor (low-income group).
Refers to 'poor households'. Used in statistics and social welfare contexts.
貧困世帯の子供たちに教育の機会を。
Educational opportunities for children from poor households.
Referring to 'the poor' in a religious or philosophical context, such as 'blessed are the poor'.
Even in religious contexts, the standard phrase is used. In the Bible, 'the poor' is translated as 貧しい人々.
心の貧しい人々は幸いである。
Blessed are the poor in spirit.
English uses 'the poor' as a collective noun, but Japanese does not have a direct equivalent. Using 貧乏 (binbou) or 貧乏人 (binbounin) can sound rude or blunt. Stick to 貧しい人々 or context-appropriate terms.
貧乏人はいつも損をする。
Poor people always lose out. (sounds harsh)
貧乏 (binbou) is a noun meaning 'poverty' or 'being poor', and 貧乏人 (binbounin) means 'poor person'. These can sound derogatory. 貧しい (mazushii) is an adjective meaning 'poor', and 貧しい人 (mazushii hito) is a neutral way to say 'poor person'.
貧しい人々はますます貧しくなっている。
The poor are getting poorer.
私たちは貧しい人々を助けなければならない。
We must help the poor.