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March 24, 2026
无家可归(無家可歸)wújiākěguī(wu2jia1ke3gui1)
The idiom 无家可归 (wú jiā kě guī) literally translates to 'without a home to return to.' It is used to describe someone who is homeless or lacks a place to live. This phrase often evokes feelings of sympathy and highlights social issues related to poverty and displacement.
Frequency#5080DifficultyHard
Cultural Note
In China, the issue of homelessness can be particularly visible in urban areas, where rapid economic development has led to significant disparities. The term 无家可归 is often used in social discussions about migration and urban poverty.
Memory Tip
Imagine a person standing outside a house with a big '无' (no) sign on the door, looking around and saying '家' (home) and '归' (return). The '无' indicates absence, while '家' and '归' remind you of the longing for a home and the inability to return to one.
Meanings of 无家可归
wújiākěguī(wu2jia1ke3gui1)
1homeless
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About 无家可归
无家可归Simplified
無家可歸Traditional
—Strokes
—Radical
#—Frequency Rank
HSK 3.0L7AdvancedCEFRC2
Podcast: 无家可归
Podcast: 无家可归
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AI Study Notes for 无家可归
Memory Mnemonic
Imagine a person standing outside a house with a big '无' (no) sign on the door, looking around and saying '家' (home) and '归' (return). The '无' indicates absence, while '家' and '归' remind you of the longing for a home and the inability to return to one.
Usage Notes
Be careful when using this phrase; it is often used in serious contexts discussing social issues. Avoid using it lightly or in a joking manner, as it may offend those who are actually experiencing homelessness. Common collocations include '无家可归者' (the homeless) and '无家可归的生活' (the life of being homeless).
HSK Study Tips
While this idiom is not part of the HSK curriculum, it connects to themes of social issues that are relevant at intermediate levels. Students should focus on the structure of idioms and how they express complex ideas succinctly.
Cultural Note
In China, the issue of homelessness can be particularly visible in urban areas, where rapid economic development has led to significant disparities. The term 无家可归 is often used in social discussions about migration and urban poverty.
Common Mistakes
Learners often confuse this idiom with '没家可归' (méi jiā kě guī), which is incorrect. The correct usage is '无家可归' to convey the idea of being homeless.
AI-enhanced 2026-03-24
Pronunciation of 无家可归
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Cultural Notes for 无家可归
🏮Cultural insight
In China, the issue of homelessness can be particularly visible in urban areas, where rapid economic development has led to significant disparities. The term 无家可归 is often used in social discussions about migration and urban poverty.
Frequently Asked Questions about 无家可归
Yes, it can refer to both temporary and permanent homelessness.
It is generally considered formal and is often used in news reports and social discussions.
Yes, phrases like '流浪者' (liú làng zhě - drifter) or '无家可归者' (wú jiā kě guī zhě - homeless person) can also be used.
