乞丐
qǐ gài HSK 6

English Meaning

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📚 Example Sentences

那个乞丐在街头乞讨。
Nàge qǐgài zài jiētóu qǐtǎo.
That beggar is begging on the street.
他同情乞丐,给了钱。
Tā tóngqíng qǐgài, gěi le qián.
He sympathized with the beggar and gave money.
乞丐的生活很艰难。
Qǐgài de shēnghuó hěn jiānnán.
The life of a beggar is very difficult.
乞丐在路边。
Qǐgài zài lùbiān.
The beggar is on the roadside.
乞丐很可怜。
Qǐgài hěn kělián.
The beggar is very pitiful.

💡 Memory Tip

Break down the characters: 乞 (qǐ) means 'to beg' or 'to request,' and 丐 (gài) also relates to 'begging' or 'alms.' Think of it as doubling the begging action to remember it means 'beggar.'

📝 Usage Notes

This word is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, including spoken and written Chinese. It commonly appears in discussions about social issues, poverty, or urban life, such as in news reports or descriptive narratives.

📖 Grammar Points

As a noun, 乞丐 can function as a subject or object in sentences. It is often modified by adjectives or other nouns, e.g., 可怜的乞丐 (pitiful beggar) or 城市里的乞丐 (beggars in the city).

🏯 Cultural Notes

In Chinese culture, begging has historical roots and is sometimes associated with social stigma or compassion, depending on context. In modern times, it's a topic in discussions about social welfare and urbanization, with some beggars being viewed as part of organized groups.

🔄 Similar Words

Similar words include 流浪汉 (liúlànghàn, 'homeless person' or 'tramp'), which emphasizes homelessness without necessarily begging, and 穷人 (qióngrén, 'poor person'), a general term for impoverished individuals. 乞丐 specifically implies the act of begging for alms.

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