‘乞丐’ (qǐ gài) is a compound noun meaning ‘beggar’—a person who asks others for money, food, or other necessities, usually in public places. The first character, 乞 (qǐ), means ‘to beg’ or ‘to request humbly,’ and the second, 丐 (gài), also carries the meaning of ‘beggar’ or ‘one who relies on charity.’ Together, they form a standard, slightly formal or literary term for someone living by begging. While neutral in dictionary definition, in modern spoken Chinese it often carries subtle connotations of pity, social marginalization, or even mild disapproval depending on context and tone.

This word appears frequently in news reports, literature, and social discussions about poverty and urban life. It is more common in written or formal speech than in casual conversation, where speakers might prefer softer alternatives like ‘街头求助者’ (street petitioner) or simply describe the action (e.g., ‘在路边要钱’) rather than label the person directly.