讨饭 (tǎo fàn) — to beg for food

Definition

A colloquial verb meaning 'to beg for food / live as a beggar' — specifically about asking strangers on the street for a meal, not asking at a restaurant. Literally 'to beg + rice' (饭).

verb
to beg for food

Examples

  • 讨饭
    Tā bù xiǎng tǎo fàn, dàn méi bàn fǎ.
    He doesn't want to beg for food, but has no choice.
  • Tā nián qīng shí tǎo guò fàn.
    He begged for food when he was young.
  • Tā zài jiē shàng tǎo le yì tiān de fàn.
    He begged for food on the street all day.

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