거지
geoji[ˈkɘ(ː)d͡ʑi]
The English word "beggar" translates to Korean as 거지 (geoji). Wiktionary also lists 걸개 (geolgae) and 걸인 (georin).
Meaning: person who begs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Korean | Romanization (Wiktionary) | IPA |
|---|---|---|
| 거지 | geoji | [ˈkɘ(ː)d͡ʑi] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 걸개 | geolgae | [kʌ̹ɭɡɛ] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) [kʌ̹ɭɡe̞] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
| 걸인 | georin | [kʌ̹ɾin] (SK Standard, Seoul, narrow) |
Which one should you use?
거지 is the common, everyday word, whereas 걸인 is used in more technical or official settings.
How do you pronounce it?
geoji
Did you know?
- The word 거지 originates from the Sino-Korean character 乞, which means 'to beg'.
Examples in context
- 길에 거지가 앉아 있었어요.gil-e geo-ji-ga an-ja it-eot-seo-yo.A beggar was sitting on the street.
- 거지가 돈을 구걸하고 있어요.geo-ji-ga don-eul gu-geol-ha-go it-eo-yo.A beggar is begging for money.
- 그는 거지가 되기로 했어요.geu-neun geo-ji-ga doe-gi-ro hae-sseo-yo.He decided to become a beggar.
Example conversation
Minji and Jihun are walking downtown.
- 민지 Min-ji저기 거지가 도움을 요청하고 있어요.jeogi geojiga doumeul yocheonghago isseoyo.That beggar over there is asking for help.
- 지훈 Ji-hun정말 안타까운 상황이네요.jeongmal antakkaun sanghwangineyo.That is a truly sad situation.
- 민지 Min-ji지훈 씨, 조금 도와줄까요?Jihun ssi, jogeum dowajulkkayo?Jihun, shall we help a little?
- 지훈 Ji-hun네, 작은 돈이라도 드립시다.ne, jageun donirado deuripsida.Yes, let's give some small change.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “beggar” translations and entries 거지, 걸개, 걸인, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 거지, 걸개, 걸인, CC BY-SA 4.0.
