Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Beggar'

English Word: Beggar

Key Russian Translations:

• нищий [ˈnʲiɕːɪj] - [Formal, Singular]
• попрошайка [pəprɐˈʂajkə] - [Informal, Slightly Derogatory]

Frequency: Medium

Difficulty: A2 (Beginner-Intermediate for both translations)

Pronunciation (Russian):

нищий: [ˈnʲiɕːɪj]

Note on нищий: The stress is on the first syllable, and the "щ" sound is a soft, prolonged "sh" sound, which can be tricky for non-native speakers.

попрошайка: [pəprɐˈʂajkə]

Note on попрошайка: The stress falls on the third syllable, and the "ш" sound is distinct from English "sh".

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. A person who asks for money or goods as charity

Translation(s) & Context:

• нищий - Commonly used in formal or neutral contexts to describe someone who is poor and begs for a living.
• попрошайка - Often used informally, with a slight negative connotation, implying annoyance or disdain.

Usage Examples:

• На улице стоял нищий и просил милостыню.

  A beggar stood on the street asking for alms.

• Этот нищий выглядит очень усталым.

  This beggar looks very tired.

• Попрошайки часто стоят у метро.

  Beggars often stand near the subway.

• Не давай деньги этому попрошайке, он обманывает людей.

  Don't give money to this beggar; he deceives people.

• Нищие в этом районе часто получают помощь от церкви.

  Beggars in this area often receive help from the church.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

нищий (Noun, Masculine Animate)

This noun follows the standard masculine declension pattern in Russian.

попрошайка (Noun, Masculine or Feminine Animate)

This noun can refer to both genders and follows a mixed declension pattern.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for нищий:

• бедняк (more emphasis on poverty)
• убогий (archaic, often with a pitiful connotation)

Synonyms for попрошайка:

• нахлебник (implies dependency or freeloading)

Antonyms:

• богач (rich person)
• миллионер (millionaire)

Related Phrases:

• нищий духом - "poor in spirit" (used in religious or metaphorical contexts)
• просить как нищий - "to beg like a beggar" (to ask desperately or humbly)
• жить как попрошайка - "to live like a beggar" (to live in extreme poverty or dependency)

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "нищий" in neutral or formal contexts to describe someone who begs due to poverty. Use "попрошайка" in informal settings or when implying annoyance or skepticism about the person's intentions.
• Register: "нищий" can also be used metaphorically (e.g., "нищий духом"), while "попрошайка" is rarely used in such contexts.
• Grammar: Pay attention to the animate accusative case for both nouns when they are direct objects (e.g., "вижу нищего", not "нищий").

Common Errors:

• Misusing register: English learners often use "попрошайка" in formal contexts, which can sound disrespectful. Correct: "На улице много нищих." Incorrect: "На улице много попрошаек." (sounds overly casual or derogatory in a formal report).
• Incorrect case usage: Failing to use the animate accusative for "нищий". Correct: "Я вижу нищего." Incorrect: "Я вижу нищий." (treats the noun as inanimate).

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, begging is often associated with historical poverty, especially in rural areas or during times of crisis. The term "нищий" can evoke sympathy, while "попрошайка" might suggest distrust, reflecting a cultural skepticism toward those perceived as exploiting charity. In Orthodox Christian contexts, helping the "нищий" is seen as a virtuous act.

Related Concepts:

• милостыня (alms)
• бедность (poverty)
• бездомный (homeless person)