भिखारी
bhikhārī/bʱɪ.kʰɑː.ɾiː/masculine
The English word 'beggar' is translated into Hindi as भिखारी (bhikhārī). Wiktionary also lists याचक (yācak) and भिक्षुक (bhikṣuk).
Meaning: person who begs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Hindi | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| भिखारी | bhikhārī | /bʱɪ.kʰɑː.ɾiː/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| याचक | yācak | /jɑː.t͡ʃək/ (Hindi, Standard) | masculine |
| भिक्षुक | bhikṣuk | masculine | |
| भिखमंगा | bhikhmaṅgā | masculine | |
| भिखारिन | bhikhārin | feminine |
The term refers to a person who begs.
Which one should you use?
The word you choose depends on the specific context of the person begging. भिखारी is the most common, everyday term for a beggar. भिक्षुक is a formal term used for a mendicant or someone in a religious context, such as a monk who lives on alms. याचक is a highly formal or literary term used for a petitioner or someone making a formal request. Conversely, भिखमंगा is a derogatory or insulting way to refer to a beggar.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word भिखारी is a masculine noun. To refer specifically to a female beggar, use the feminine form भिखारिन.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced bhikhārī (/bʱɪ.kʰɑː.ɾiː/). It has three syllables.
Did you know?
- The word भिखमंगा is frequently used as a general insult to imply that someone is desperate or has no self-respect, even if they are wealthy.
- While भिखारी is the standard term, using the term भिक्षा (alms) instead of 'money' when giving to a beggar elevates the act to a charitable religious duty.
- The common word भिखारी evolved from the Sanskrit भिक्षाचर, which literally means 'one who wanders for alms'.
Examples in context
- वह एक भिखारी है।vah ek bhikari hai.He is a beggar.
- भिखारी सड़क पर बैठा है।bhikari sadak par baitha hai.The beggar is sitting on the road.
- क्या आपने उस भिखारी को देखा?kya aapne us bhikari ko dekha?Did you see that beggar?
Example conversation
Two friends are walking through a busy street market.
- अंजलि Anjaliअमित, देखो वह भिखारी चिल्ला रहा है।Amit, dekho vah bhikari chilla raha hai.Amit, look, that beggar is shouting.
- अमित Amitहाँ, वह बहुत परेशान लग रहा है।haan, vah bahut pareshan lag raha hai.Yes, he looks very troubled.
- अंजलि Anjaliक्या हमें उस भिखारी को कुछ देना चाहिए?kya humein us bhikari ko kuch dena chahiye?Should we give something to that beggar?
- अमित Amitहाँ, चलो उसे कुछ खाने को देते हैं।haan, chalo use kuch khaane ko dete hain.Yes, let's give him something to eat.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beggar” translations and entries भिखारी, याचक, भिक्षुक, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries भिक्षुक, भिखारी, याचक, CC BY-SA 4.0.
