yakuza member; gangster; professional gambler
Refers specifically to a member of a yakuza organization, often involved in gambling and other illegal activities. The term carries a strong underworld connotation.
See also: やくざ
He is rumored to be a yakuza member.
It's best to stay away from shops run by gangsters.
good-for-nothing; hoodlum; ruffian
Used more broadly for a worthless person or a thug, not necessarily a formal yakuza member. Often carries a derogatory tone.
Stop associating with that good-for-nothing.
The local hoodlums were making noise late at night.
Standard spelling with katakana for ヤクザ and kanji for 者.
Hiragana variant; less common but still encountered.
Compound of ヤクザ (yakuza, from a losing hand in a card game, later extended to mean 'good-for-nothing' or 'gangster') and 者 (もの, person).