Translation and Meaning of: 貧乏 - binbou

The word 「貧乏」 (binbou) is a Japanese expression used to describe poverty or lack of material resources. This word is composed of two kanji characters: 「貧」 (hin, bin), which means "poverty," and 「乏」 (bou), which denotes "scarcity" or "insufficiency." Together, the kanji convey the idea of a situation where there is a lack of resources or material goods, representing an unfavorable economic status.

The etymology of 「貧乏」 reveals an interesting aspect of the Japanese language, where kanji not only carry their own meanings but are also capable of expressing a larger and more complex concept when combined. 「貧」 by itself is used to designate an unfavorable financial condition, while 「乏」 further reinforces this idea by signaling the absence or limit of something desired or necessary. This term has been used for centuries within Japanese culture, reflecting a social awareness and consciousness of common financial issues in society.

In addition to its primary meaning related to economic hardship, 「貧乏」 can also occur in more metaphorical or emotional contexts. Culturally, it is common to find variations of this expression in Japanese proverbs, emphasizing values such as humility, resilience, and contentment with what one has. The word can also acquire connotations about adversities that someone is experiencing, illustrating not only a lack of material goods but also a broader situation of misfortune. In modern dialogues, it is used in both serious and comedic contexts, thus becoming a flexible part of everyday Japanese vocabulary.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 貧困 (Hinkon) - State of extreme poverty; condition of lacking financial resources.
• 貧しい (Mazushii) - Adjective that describes something or someone that is poor; lacking goods or resources.
• 貧弱 (Hinjaku) - Weak; limited; describes something that is scarce or of inferior quality.
• 貧相 (Hinsou) - That has the appearance of poverty; visually disadvantaged or thin due to lack of resources.
• 貧乏人 (Binbōnin) - Poor person; someone in a state of lack of financial resources.
• 貧困者 (Hinkonsha) - Individual living in poverty; it specifically refers to a person experiencing the state of extreme poverty.

貧乏

Romaji: binbou
Kana: びんぼう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n1

Translation / Meaning: poverty; deprived; poor

Meaning in English: poverty;destitute;poor

Definition: Life is hard due to lack of money and supplies.

Example Sentences - (貧乏) binbou

See below some example sentences:

貧乏な生活を送っている。

Hinbō na seikatsu o okutte iru

I am living a poor life.

Living a poor life.

• 貧乏 - poverty
• な - Particle indicating adjective
• 生活 - life, lifestyle
• を - particle that indicates direct object
• 送っている - is living, is taking