mendigo
“mendigo” means “beggar” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
beggar
Also: homeless person
📝 In Action
El mendigo estaba sentado frente a la iglesia.
A2The beggar was sitting in front of the church.
Siempre le doy una moneda al mendigo que veo en el metro.
B1I always give a coin to the beggar I see in the subway.
La novela cuenta la historia de un príncipe y un mendigo.
B2The novel tells the story of a prince and a beggar.
mean
Also: wretched, shrewd
📝 In Action
¡No seas mendigo y ayúdame!
B2Don't be mean and help me!
Ese mendigo perro me robó el zapato.
B2That wretched dog stole my shoe.
Hace un mendigo calor hoy.
C1It is miserably hot today.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: mendigo
Question 1 of 3
If you see someone asking for money on the street, they are a...
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'mendicus', which meant 'beggar' or 'someone with a physical defect'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'mendigo' an insult?
It can be. While its primary meaning is 'beggar,' calling someone a 'mendigo' in a mean way is like calling them a 'wretch' or 'scoundrel'.
What is the difference between 'mendigo' and 'pordiosero'?
'Mendigo' is the standard word. 'Pordiosero' comes from the phrase 'por Dios' (for God's sake), referring to how beggars often ask for alms in the name of God.
How do I say 'I beg' in Spanish?
The word is actually the same: 'mendigo' (from the verb 'mendigar'). Context will tell you if it's 'I beg' or 'a beggar'.