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B2 noun #1,500 más común 18 min de lectura

broke

Top 1,500

At the A1 level, 'broke' is a very useful word to learn because it helps you talk about your basic needs and limitations. It simply means 'I have no money.' Imagine you are with a friend and they want to buy an ice cream, but you look in your wallet and it is empty. You can say, 'I am broke.' It is a short, easy word to remember. You should use it with the verb 'to be' (am, is, are). For example: 'I am broke,' 'He is broke,' or 'They are broke.' It is an informal word, so you use it with friends and family. It is much more common in conversation than saying 'I do not have any money.' At this level, don't worry about the other meanings of 'break' (like breaking a window). Just remember that 'broke' is a special word for having zero dollars or zero euros. It is a very common part of daily life, especially for students or people waiting for their next payday. When you use this word, people will understand that you cannot spend money right now. It is a simple way to explain why you are not buying something or why you are staying at home instead of going out to a movie or a restaurant.

At the A2 level, you can start to use 'broke' in slightly more complex ways. You already know it means having no money, but now you can use it to describe why you are doing certain things. For example, 'I am eating at home because I am broke.' You can also use it with 'until' to show that the situation is temporary: 'I am broke until Friday.' This is a very common sentence in English! You might also hear the phrase 'flat broke,' which means having absolutely no money at all—not even a small coin. At this level, it is important to remember that 'broke' is an adjective that describes a person. You cannot say 'I have broke.' You must say 'I am broke.' You can also use it to talk about the past: 'Last week I was broke, but now I have my salary.' It is a very helpful word for social situations. If a friend asks you to go shopping, and you don't have money, saying 'I'm broke' is a very natural and friendly way to say 'no.' It sounds much more like a native speaker than saying 'I am lacking financial resources.' Just remember to keep it for casual conversations; don't use it in a formal letter to a teacher or a boss.

By the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'broke' in various tenses and social contexts. You understand that it is an informal adjective and can distinguish it from the past tense of the verb 'break.' You can now use it with the verb 'to go' to describe a change in state: 'If I buy this new phone, I will go broke.' This means you will spend all your money and have none left. You can also use it to describe businesses or organizations in a casual way: 'The small shop on the corner went broke last month.' This shows you understand that 'broke' isn't just for individuals but can also apply to companies. You are also likely to encounter the idiom 'go for broke.' At B1, you can understand that this means to risk everything to achieve a goal. For example, 'The runner went for broke in the last lap.' You should also be aware of synonyms like 'skint' (common in British English) and 'penniless' (more formal/literary). Using 'broke' correctly helps you sound more natural in conversation. It is a word that carries a bit of emotion—usually stress or a sense of humor about one's financial situation. You can use it to add more flavor to your stories about travel, work, or daily life.

At the B2 level, you are expected to understand the nuances of 'broke' and its place within the broader vocabulary of finance. You know that 'broke' is the informal equivalent of 'insolvent' or 'bankrupt.' While you might use 'broke' with friends, you would use 'insolvent' in a business report or 'destitute' in a serious discussion about social issues. You understand that 'broke' usually implies a temporary state of having no liquid assets, whereas 'poverty' is a more systemic and long-term condition. You can use 'broke' in more sophisticated sentence structures, such as 'The sudden increase in rent left many tenants broke.' You are also familiar with common collocations like 'flat broke,' 'stone broke,' and 'completely broke.' You can use the word metaphorically or in idiomatic expressions like 'go for broke' with confidence, understanding that it implies a high-stakes risk. At this level, you should also be careful not to confuse 'broke' with 'broken.' You know that 'a broken system' is one that doesn't work, while 'a broke person' is one who has no money. Your ability to choose between 'broke' and its more formal synonyms based on the register of the conversation is a key indicator of your B2 proficiency.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of 'broke' and can use it with precision and stylistic flair. You recognize its role in various dialects of English and can identify when it is being used for rhetorical effect. For instance, you might notice how a politician uses the word 'broke' to appeal to everyday people, or how a novelist uses it to highlight a character's desperation. You are aware of the historical development of the word and how its meaning has shifted from the literal 'broken' to the financial 'broke.' You can use it in complex idiomatic ways and understand the subtle difference between 'going broke' and 'being broke.' You are also capable of using more obscure synonyms like 'impecunious' or 'indigent' when the situation calls for a very high register, but you know that 'broke' remains the most effective word for creating an immediate, relatable impact in speech. You can discuss the economic implications of a 'broke' population or the legal intricacies of a company 'going broke' versus filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Your command of the word allows you to use it in jokes, irony, and sarcasm, reflecting a high degree of cultural and linguistic competence. You understand that 'broke' is not just a financial state but often a social label that carries specific connotations in different cultures.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'broke' is complete. You understand the word's full range of meanings, from its informal roots to its most complex idiomatic applications. You can use it with total flexibility, moving effortlessly between the slang of the street and the technical language of financial analysis. You are aware of the etymological connection between 'broke' and 'bankruptcy' (from the Italian 'banca rotta' or 'broken bench') and can use this knowledge to enrich your understanding of the word's history. You can analyze the use of 'broke' in literature, film, and music, identifying how it serves as a powerful symbol of the human condition. You are also sensitive to the social and political dimensions of the word, understanding how 'being broke' is experienced and discussed differently across various socio-economic groups. You can use the word to construct nuanced arguments about wealth inequality, consumerism, and the fragility of the modern economy. Your use of 'broke' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker, characterized by an intuitive sense of timing, tone, and context. Whether you are using it in a casual anecdote or a profound philosophical discussion, you do so with a level of sophistication that reflects your deep immersion in the English language and its many cultures.

Practícalo Ejemplos Notas y consejos

broke en 30 segundos

Broke is an informal adjective meaning you have no money, often used to describe a temporary financial struggle before a paycheck.
It is frequently used in casual social settings to decline invitations or explain why one cannot afford a specific purchase or activity.
In a business context, 'going broke' refers to a company becoming insolvent and unable to pay its debts or continue operations.
Common variations include 'flat broke' and 'stone broke,' both of which emphasize the absolute lack of even a small amount of cash.

The word broke is a common informal adjective used to describe a person or an entity that has absolutely no money. While it is technically the past tense of the verb 'break,' in this context, it functions as a state of being. When someone says they are broke, they aren't just saying they are short on cash for a luxury item; they are usually implying that their bank account is at zero or very close to it. It is a word that carries a certain level of social vulnerability but is also used very casually among friends to explain why one cannot participate in an expensive activity like going out to dinner or traveling. In a professional or business context, 'going broke' is a more serious term that suggests a company is heading toward insolvency or total financial collapse. It is important to distinguish being broke from being 'poor.' Poverty is often a systemic, long-term condition, whereas being broke is frequently described as a temporary situation—perhaps you spent your whole paycheck on rent and now have to wait two weeks for the next one. This nuance makes the word very common in student life and among young professionals who are just starting their careers.

Financial State: The condition of having exhausted all available liquid assets or cash reserves.

I would love to go to the concert with you, but I am completely broke until Friday.

In many English-speaking cultures, there is a specific etiquette around using this word. It can be used as a self-deprecating joke among peers, but it might be seen as inappropriate or 'too much information' in a formal business meeting unless you are discussing the actual solvency of a corporation. The word evokes a sense of emptiness—like a piggy bank that has been shattered and contains nothing. This imagery is powerful because it suggests that the person was once 'whole' (having money) but is now 'broken' (having none). It is also frequently paired with intensifiers to show just how little money one has. You will often hear people say they are 'flat broke' or 'stone broke,' which emphasizes the absolute nature of their lack of funds. Interestingly, the word is also used in the phrase 'go for broke,' which means to risk everything you have on a single venture. In this specific idiom, 'broke' acts more like a noun representing the state of having nothing left to lose.

Business Context: When a business 'goes broke,' it means it can no longer pay its debts and may have to file for bankruptcy.

The startup went broke after only six months because they spent too much on marketing.

Furthermore, the word 'broke' is deeply embedded in popular culture, appearing in countless songs, movies, and books about the struggle to survive in the city. It reflects a universal human experience of financial anxiety. Even though it is a simple five-letter word, it carries the weight of stress, the need for budgeting, and sometimes the humility of having to ask for help. When you use this word, you are tapping into a very relatable human condition. It is not just about the numbers in a bank account; it is about the limitations that a lack of money places on one's social life and personal freedom. Whether it is a student eating ramen noodles for a week or a massive retail chain closing its doors, the word 'broke' captures the essence of financial depletion in a way that is both direct and evocative. It is one of those words that learners of English will hear almost daily in casual conversation, making it an essential part of a B2-level vocabulary.

Being broke taught me the value of every single dollar I earn now.

Social Implication: Often used to decline social invitations without causing offense by blaming the lack of funds rather than a lack of interest.

Don't ask him to go to the steakhouse; he's broke until his commission check clears.

The economy was so bad that many families found themselves broke by the end of the year.

Using the word broke correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as an adjective and its specific collocations. The most common way to use it is with the verb 'to be.' For example, 'I am broke' or 'She was broke.' It describes a state of being. Unlike other adjectives that might describe a permanent quality (like 'tall' or 'intelligent'), 'broke' is almost always perceived as a temporary condition. You can also use it with the verb 'to go,' which indicates a transition into that state. 'The company went broke' implies a process of losing money until none was left. This is a very common way to describe business failure in a non-technical way. Another frequent usage involves the word 'flat' as an intensifier: 'flat broke.' This means having absolutely zero money, not even a single coin. It adds a layer of desperation or emphasis to the statement. You might also see 'stone broke,' which has the same meaning but is slightly more old-fashioned or regional.

Common Pattern: Subject + Verb (be/go) + Broke

After the expensive holiday, we were completely broke.

In more complex sentences, 'broke' can be used to describe the result of an action. For instance, 'The lawsuit left the family broke.' Here, 'broke' is the object complement, describing the state the family was in after the lawsuit. You can also use it in a comparative sense, though it is less common to say 'broker.' Instead, people usually say 'more broke' or 'even more broke than before.' However, because 'broke' is often seen as an absolute state (you either have money or you don't), comparisons are usually stylistic rather than literal. In the realm of idioms, 'go for broke' is a unique case where 'broke' follows a preposition. This phrase is used when someone decides to risk everything on one final attempt to succeed. It is often used in sports, gambling, or high-stakes business deals. For example, 'In the final minute of the game, the team went for broke and tried a risky long pass.' In this context, 'broke' represents the total loss of one's resources, and 'going for' it means being willing to accept that loss for a chance at a great victory.

Intensifiers: Words like 'completely,' 'totally,' 'flat,' and 'stone' are used to emphasize the lack of money.

He was flat broke and had to borrow money for the bus fare.

When writing about 'broke' in a narrative, it is often used to create tension or to explain a character's motivation. A character might steal because they are broke, or they might work three jobs to avoid being broke. It is a powerful motivator in storytelling. In dialogue, it is often used with a sense of resignation. 'I'm broke, man,' is a common way to end a conversation about expensive plans. It is also worth noting that 'broke' is sometimes used metaphorically, though this is rarer. One might say their 'spirit is broke,' but this is usually a confusion with the word 'broken.' In the financial sense, 'broke' is strictly about money. If you want to describe a system that doesn't work, you should use 'broken.' For example, 'The tax system is broken' (it doesn't work well), versus 'The taxpayer is broke' (the person has no money). Keeping these distinctions clear will help you sound more like a native speaker. Lastly, remember that 'broke' is informal. In a legal document or a formal report, you would use 'insolvent' to describe a company or 'indigent' to describe a person who lacks the necessities of life.

If we don't increase our sales, this department will go broke by next quarter.

Phrasal Usage: 'Go for broke' - to put all your effort and resources into one thing.

The entrepreneur decided to go for broke and invest his entire inheritance into the new app.

They were so broke that they had to cancel their wedding plans.

You will encounter the word broke in a wide variety of everyday situations, ranging from casual conversations among friends to news reports about failing businesses. One of the most common places to hear it is in a social setting where plans are being made. If a group of friends is discussing going to an expensive music festival or a high-end restaurant, someone might say, 'I can't, I'm totally broke.' In this context, it serves as a polite but honest way to decline an invitation without making the situation awkward. It is a shared understanding that everyone has periods where money is tight. You will also hear it frequently on university campuses. Students are famously 'broke,' often living on tight budgets and relying on student loans. This has led to the common phrase 'the broke college student,' which has become a cultural archetype in many English-speaking countries. In this environment, being broke is almost a rite of passage, a temporary phase of life before entering the professional world.

Social Media: Memes and posts about 'being broke' are extremely popular, often focusing on the struggle of waiting for payday.

Me at the beginning of the month: 💸 | Me two days later: broke.

Another major arena for this word is the financial news. While professional analysts might use terms like 'insolvent,' 'bankrupt,' or 'liquidity crisis,' the headlines often use 'broke' because it is punchy and immediately understood by the general public. For example, a headline might read, 'Is this major airline about to go broke?' This usage highlights the high stakes involved. It isn't just about a person's wallet; it's about thousands of jobs and millions of dollars. You will also hear the word in the world of sports and competition, particularly the phrase 'go for broke.' Commentators use it to describe a player or team that is taking a massive risk to win the game. If a golfer takes a very difficult shot over water instead of playing it safe, the announcer might say, 'He's going for broke here!' This adds excitement and drama to the broadcast, emphasizing that the player is risking a poor score for the chance of a spectacular one.

Pop Culture: Songs in genres like hip-hop, country, and rock often reference being broke as a sign of authenticity or a struggle to overcome.

The lyrics described a man who was broke but still had his pride and his guitar.

In everyday life, you might also hear the word in family discussions about budgeting. Parents might tell their children, 'We can't buy that toy right now; we're broke until next month.' While this might be an exaggeration, it communicates the need for financial restraint. The word is also common in the 'gig economy,' where freelancers and independent contractors might experience 'feast or famine' cycles—periods where they have plenty of work followed by periods where they are 'broke' and looking for the next client. In summary, 'broke' is a word that bridges the gap between the personal and the professional, the humorous and the serious. It is a staple of English vocabulary because it so effectively communicates a fundamental human worry: the lack of resources. Whether it's whispered in a quiet conversation or shouted in a crowded stadium, the word 'broke' is instantly recognizable and carries a wealth of meaning about our relationship with money and risk.

The documentary explored how small towns go broke when the local factory closes down.

Literature: Classic novels often use the state of being broke to drive the plot, forcing characters to make difficult moral choices.

He woke up broke in a city where he didn't know a single soul.

The tech bubble burst, and suddenly many 'paper millionaires' were actually broke.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word broke is confusing it with the past tense of the verb 'to break.' While they are the same word in terms of spelling and pronunciation, their grammatical functions are entirely different in the context of money. A common error is saying something like 'I broke my money' or 'My wallet broke.' In English, if you want to say you have no money, you must use 'broke' as an adjective with the verb 'to be.' The correct form is 'I am broke.' If you say 'I broke,' people will be waiting for you to say what you broke—like a window or a vase. Another mistake is using 'broke' as a noun. While the idiom 'go for broke' exists, you cannot generally say 'I have a broke' or 'His broke is bad.' In these cases, you should use 'poverty,' 'financial crisis,' or 'lack of funds.' Understanding that 'broke' is a state, not a thing or an action, is key to using it correctly.

Incorrect Usage: *I broke.* (Wait, what did you break?) / *I have broke.* (Grammatically incorrect.)

Correct: I am broke. Incorrect: I broke.

Another subtle mistake involves the formality of the word. Because 'broke' is informal, using it in a very formal setting—like a bank loan application or a legal deposition—can make you seem unprofessional. In those situations, you should use 'insolvent' or 'lacking sufficient funds.' For example, instead of telling a judge 'I'm broke,' a lawyer would say 'My client is currently insolvent.' Conversely, using 'insolvent' in a casual conversation with friends might make you sound overly stiff or academic. Matching the word to the social context is a vital part of language fluency. Additionally, some learners confuse 'broke' with 'broken.' While 'broke' refers specifically to money, 'broken' refers to things that are damaged or not working. You would say 'My phone is broken,' but 'I am broke.' If you say 'I am broken,' it implies you are emotionally devastated or physically injured, which is a very different meaning! Always remember: 'broke' for the wallet, 'broken' for the object or the heart.

Confusing Adjectives: Broke (financial) vs. Broken (physical/emotional damage).

The chair is broken, but the man who sat on it is broke.

There is also a common error regarding the use of 'broke' as an attributive adjective (before a noun). As mentioned in the grammar tips, you generally don't say 'a broke person.' English speakers almost always use it as a predicative adjective (after the verb). So, you would say 'That person is broke.' If you need an adjective to put before the noun, 'penniless' or 'impoverished' are better choices. Furthermore, avoid using 'broke' to mean 'cheap.' If someone doesn't want to spend money even though they have it, they are 'stingy' or 'frugal,' not 'broke.' Being broke is about the *inability* to spend, not the *unwillingness*. Finally, be careful with the phrase 'go broke.' It is often used for businesses, but for individuals, it can sound a bit dramatic unless the situation is truly dire. For a person, 'I'm out of money' or 'I'm short on cash' are softer alternatives if you don't want to use the bluntness of 'broke.' By avoiding these common pitfalls, you will be able to navigate financial conversations in English with much greater confidence and accuracy.

She isn't broke; she's just very careful with her spending.

Common Confusion: Don't confuse 'broke' with 'poor.' 'Broke' is often temporary; 'poor' is often a long-term status.

I'm broke this week, but I'll be fine once my paycheck arrives.

He made a mistake and said he 'broke his bank,' but he meant he was broke.

The English language has a rich variety of words to describe the state of having no money, and choosing the right one depends heavily on the context and the level of formality. Broke is the most common informal term, but there are many others. In the UK and Australia, you will frequently hear the word 'skint.' It is very similar to 'broke' and is used in exactly the same way: 'I'm skint.' Another informal British term is 'brassic,' which comes from Cockney rhyming slang ('boracic lint' rhymes with 'skint'). In the United States, you might hear 'strapped for cash' or 'short.' These terms are slightly less absolute than 'broke.' If you are 'strapped for cash,' you might have a little money, but not enough for what you need. If you are 'short,' it usually means you are missing a specific amount of money for a specific purpose, like being 'five dollars short' for a pizza. These nuances allow for more precise communication about one's financial situation.

Informal Alternatives: Skint (UK), Strapped (US), Short, Penniless, Down and out.

I'm a bit strapped this month, so I'm staying in.

Moving up the formality scale, we find words like 'penniless' and 'destitute.' 'Penniless' is a very descriptive word that literally means having no pennies. It is often used in literature to evoke sympathy for a character. 'Destitute' is much stronger; it implies not only a lack of money but also a lack of basic necessities like food and shelter. You would use 'destitute' to describe someone experiencing extreme poverty or homelessness. In a business or legal context, the most important word to know is 'insolvent.' This is the formal, technical term for being broke. If a company is insolvent, it cannot pay its debts. 'Bankrupt' is a related term, but it specifically refers to a legal status declared by a court. A company can be insolvent (broke) without being bankrupt (the legal process hasn't started yet). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for anyone working in finance, law, or business administration. Another useful term is 'impecunious,' which is a very formal, almost old-fashioned way to say someone habitually has little money.

Formal Alternatives: Insolvent, Bankrupt, Indigent, Impecunious, Impoverished.

The court declared the corporation insolvent after the audit.

Finally, there are idiomatic expressions that serve as alternatives to 'broke.' To be 'in the red' is a common one, referring to the red ink used by accountants to show a deficit. If your bank account is 'in the red,' you are broke or even owing money to the bank. To be 'flat broke' or 'stone broke' are emphatic versions of the word itself. On the opposite side, if you have plenty of money, you might be 'flush,' 'loaded,' or 'in the black.' Knowing these synonyms and antonyms helps you build a more flexible and expressive vocabulary. Instead of always saying 'I have no money,' you can choose the word that perfectly fits the mood and the person you are talking to. Whether you are describing a temporary cash flow problem or a major corporate failure, the English language provides a specific tool for the job. By mastering these alternatives, you move beyond basic communication and start to express the subtle shades of meaning that characterize advanced language use.

He went from being penniless to being one of the wealthiest men in the country.

Idiomatic Comparisons: 'In the red' (owing money) vs. 'In the black' (having money).

After the holidays, my bank account is always in the red.

The charity helps people who are destitute find housing and employment.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Jerga

Dato curioso

The word 'bankrupt' actually comes from the Italian 'banca rotta,' which literally means 'broken bench.' In early banking, when a money-changer could not pay his debts, his bench (banca) was physically broken to show he was out of business.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /brəʊk/

US /broʊk/

Single syllable, so the stress is on the entire word.

Rima con

spoke woke joke smoke choke oak soak cloak

Errores comunes

Pronouncing it like 'brook' (short 'u' sound).
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'aw' as in 'brought'.
Adding an extra syllable at the end.
Muffling the final 'k' sound.
Over-emphasizing the 'r' in non-rhotic accents.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text as it is a short, common word.

Escritura 3/5

Requires care to use as an adjective rather than a verb.

Expresión oral 2/5

Natural in conversation but requires correct context.

Escucha 2/5

Easily understood in casual speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

money bank buy poor rich

Aprende después

insolvent bankrupt debt budget investment

Avanzado

destitute impecunious indigent fiduciary solvency

Gramática que debes saber

Predicative Adjectives

In 'I am broke,' 'broke' follows the linking verb 'am' and describes the subject.

Intensifiers with Adjectives

Using 'flat' or 'stone' before 'broke' to add emphasis.

Zero Article with States

We say 'He is broke,' not 'He is a broke.'

Verb 'Go' for Change of State

Using 'go broke' to show the transition from having money to having none.

Gerunds as Subjects

'Being broke' can act as the noun-subject of a sentence.

Ejemplos por nivel

I am broke today.

I have no money today.

Subject + am + broke.

He is broke and cannot buy lunch.

He has no money for food.

Use 'is' for 'he'.

Are you broke?

Do you have no money?

Question form: Are + subject + broke?

We are broke after the party.

We spent all our money at the party.

Use 'are' for 'we'.

My brother is broke.

My brother has no money.

Adjective describing a person.

I am not broke.

I have money.

Negative form: am + not + broke.

She is broke until Monday.

She will have money on Monday.

Using 'until' for time.

They are broke now.

They have no money at this moment.

Adjective with 'are'.

I am flat broke and can't go out.

I have absolutely zero money.

'Flat' is an intensifier.

Why are you broke again?

Why do you have no money once more?

Using 'again' for repeated state.

He was broke last month.

He had no money in the past.

Past tense of 'to be'.

I don't want to be broke.

I want to have money.

Infinitive 'to be broke'.

She is broke because she bought a car.

The car cost all her money.

Using 'because' to show reason.

If you spend everything, you will be broke.

You will have no money in the future.

First conditional: If + present, will + be.

Is he still broke?

Does he still have no money?

Using 'still' for continuing state.

I am broke, so I will walk home.

I have no money for the bus.

Using 'so' for consequence.

Many small businesses go broke in their first year.

They fail financially.

'Go broke' means to become penniless.

I'm completely broke after paying my rent.

Rent took all my money.

'Completely' emphasizes the state.

He decided to go for broke and start his own company.

He risked everything.

Idiom: 'go for broke'.

Being broke taught me how to save money.

It was a learning experience.

Gerund 'Being broke' as a subject.

She was stone broke when she arrived in the city.

She had absolutely nothing.

'Stone broke' is an emphatic idiom.

I'd love to help, but I'm broke myself.

I also have no money.

Using 'myself' for emphasis.

The family went broke trying to pay the medical bills.

The bills were too expensive.

'Go broke' followed by a gerund.

It's hard to be broke in such an expensive city.

Living here is difficult without money.

It is + adjective + to be + broke.

The company went broke due to poor management.

Bad leaders caused the failure.

'Due to' introduces the cause.

He's always broke, despite having a high-paying job.

He spends too much.

'Despite' shows contrast.

The economic crisis left millions of people broke.

They lost their savings.

'Left' + object + adjective.

I'm flat broke, so a vacation is out of the question.

A vacation is impossible.

Idiom: 'out of the question'.

The startup went for broke with their latest product launch.

They took a huge risk.

Idiomatic usage in business.

If we don't get more funding, we'll be broke by June.

We will run out of money.

Future conditional.

She was tired of being broke and decided to change her life.

She wanted financial stability.

Preposition 'of' + gerund 'being broke'.

The gambler went for broke on the final hand of the night.

He bet everything.

Literal use of the idiom.

The systemic failure of the bank left its depositors broke.

The people lost all their money.

Complex subject and object complement.

He lived an impecunious life, often finding himself broke.

He was habitually without money.

Using a formal synonym 'impecunious'.

The film depicts the struggles of a broke artist in New York.

The artist has no money.

Attributive use (informal/stylistic).

Going broke was the catalyst for his entrepreneurial success.

Losing money made him work harder.

Gerund phrase as a subject.

The country's treasury was nearly broke after the long war.

The government had no money.

Describing a national entity.

She refused to be broke again, so she invested wisely.

She avoided future financial lack.

Infinitive as an object of 'refused'.

The novel explores the thin line between being broke and being free.

It compares money and freedom.

Parallel gerund phrases.

He was stone broke, yet he still managed to help others.

He was very poor but kind.

Concessive clause with 'yet'.

The corporation's aggressive expansion left it functionally broke.

It had no liquid cash left.

Adverbial modification of 'broke'.

To go for broke in such a volatile market is sheer madness.

Risking everything now is crazy.

Infinitive phrase as a subject.

The narrative arc follows his descent from wealth to being broke.

He lost all his riches.

Prepositional phrase with gerund.

He articulated the despair of being broke with haunting clarity.

He described the feeling very well.

Complex sentence structure.

The municipality went broke after years of fiscal irresponsibility.

The city had no money left.

Describing a government body.

Being broke is often a prerequisite for true creative innovation.

Lack of money forces new ideas.

Abstract philosophical usage.

The sheer audacity of going for broke saved the mission.

Taking the huge risk worked.

Noun phrase with gerund.

He found himself flat broke in a foreign land, a truly harrowing experience.

He had no money in another country.

Appositive phrase at the end.

Sinónimos

penniless insolvent skint bankrupt impoverished destitute

Antónimos

wealthy solvent affluent

Colocaciones comunes

flat broke

go broke

stone broke

completely broke

nearly broke

temporarily broke

leave someone broke

financially broke

practically broke

stay broke

Frases Comunes

I'm broke.

Go for broke.

Broke as a joke.

Flat broke.

Go broke trying.

Broke student.

Left me broke.

Nearly broke the bank.

Stay broke.

Broke and hungry.

Se confunde a menudo con

broke vs broken

Broken refers to physical damage or a non-functioning system. Broke refers only to a lack of money.

broke vs break

Break is the verb (present tense). Broke is the past tense of the verb OR the adjective for no money.

broke vs poor

Poor is a general state of low income. Broke is often a temporary state of having zero cash.

Modismos y expresiones

"Go for broke"

To risk everything in an all-out effort.

The team went for broke in the final minutes of the game.

informal

"Broke as a ten-cent watch"

Extremely poor or having no money.

He's broke as a ten-cent watch after that bad investment.

informal/old-fashioned

"If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

If something is working well, don't try to change it (uses 'broke' as 'broken').

The old system works fine, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

informal

"Broke to the wide"

Completely without money (mainly British).

After the holiday, they were broke to the wide.

informal

"Dead broke"

Having absolutely no money at all.

I was dead broke when I first moved to London.

informal

"Go broke"

To become insolvent or lose all one's money.

The family business went broke during the recession.

neutral

"Broke and blue"

Having no money and feeling sad about it.

He spent his weekend broke and blue in his apartment.

informal

"Stone broke"

Having no money at all (very emphatic).

I'm stone broke until my next paycheck.

informal

"Broke my heart"

To cause someone great sadness (uses 'broke' as past tense).

It broke my heart to see the old house demolished.

neutral

"Broke the mold"

To be unique or different (uses 'broke' as past tense).

When they made her, they broke the mold.

informal

Fácil de confundir

broke vs Broken

They look and sound similar.

Broken is for objects; broke is for money. You can have a broken heart but a broke wallet.

My watch is broken, and I'm too broke to fix it.

broke vs Skint

They mean the same thing.

Skint is primarily British/Australian slang. Broke is used everywhere.

In London, he said he was skint; in New York, he said he was broke.

broke vs Insolvent

They both mean having no money.

Insolvent is a formal business term. Broke is a casual personal term.

The company is insolvent, but the owner is just broke.

broke vs Bankrupt

People use them interchangeably.

Bankrupt is a legal status. Broke is a general condition.

He was broke for years before he finally went bankrupt.

broke vs Short

Both relate to not having enough money.

Short means you need a little more. Broke means you have nothing.

I'm not broke, I'm just five dollars short for this pizza.

Patrones de oraciones

I am broke.

I am broke until [Time].

I am broke until Friday.

I went broke because [Reason].

I went broke because I traveled too much.

Go for broke.

He decided to go for broke.

Being broke is [Adjective].

Being broke is stressful.

[Event] left me broke.

The hospital bills left me broke.

To be [Adverb] broke.

To be functionally broke.

The [Noun] of being broke.

The indignity of being broke.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

Verbos

Adjetivos

Relacionado

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very high in daily spoken English.

Errores comunes

I broke. → I am broke.
You need the verb 'to be' because 'broke' is an adjective describing your state.
My phone is broke. → My phone is broken.
Use 'broken' for damaged objects. 'Broke' is only for people/entities without money.
I have a broke. → I am broke.
'Broke' is not a noun. You cannot 'have' a broke.
He is a broke man. → He is broke.
'Broke' is usually not used before a noun. Use 'penniless' if you need an adjective there.
I'm broke of money. → I'm broke.
The word 'broke' already implies a lack of money, so 'of money' is redundant.

Consejos

Context Matters

Always remember that 'broke' is informal. Use it with friends, but choose 'insolvent' for your boss or a bank manager.

Be vs. Have

Never say 'I have broke.' Always use 'I am broke.' It's a state of being, like being 'happy' or 'tired.'

Intensify It

If you want to sound more like a native, use 'flat broke' or 'stone broke' to show you really have zero money.

Broke vs. Broken

Keep them separate! 'Broke' is for your empty wallet; 'broken' is for your phone that fell on the floor.

Go for Broke

Use this phrase when you are taking a big risk. It makes your English sound very natural and idiomatic.

Polite Refusal

Saying 'I'm broke' is a common and accepted way to decline expensive plans without hurting anyone's feelings.

Long O

Make sure the 'o' sound is long and clear. It should rhyme with 'smoke,' not 'rock.'

Company Failure

When a company 'goes broke,' it's a serious matter. Use this phrase to describe business collapse in casual talk.

Avoid 'Broker'

Instead of saying 'I am broker than you,' say 'I am even more broke than you.' It sounds much more natural.

Regional Slang

If you are in the UK, listen for 'skint.' It's the local version of 'broke' and is used all the time.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of a piggy bank that is 'broken' into pieces. If the bank is broken, all the money is gone, and you are 'broke.'

Asociación visual

Visualize an empty wallet with a small moth flying out of it, or a bank account balance showing '$0.00' in bright red letters.

Word Web

Money Empty Wallet Payday Debt Bank Zero Student

Desafío

Try to use the word 'broke' in three different sentences today: once to describe yourself, once to describe a business, and once using the phrase 'flat broke.'

Origen de la palabra

The word 'broke' comes from the Old English 'brocan,' which means to shatter or burst into pieces. In the financial sense, it began to be used in the 17th century.

Significado original: Originally, it meant physically shattered or fractured. The financial meaning evolved from the idea of a 'broken' bank or a person whose resources were shattered.

Germanic (Old English, related to Dutch 'breken' and German 'brechen').

Contexto cultural

Be careful using 'broke' to describe others; it can be seen as an insult if they are genuinely struggling with long-term poverty.

Very common in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Used frequently in pop music and sitcoms.

The TV show '2 Broke Girls' follows two waitresses struggling with money. The song 'Broke' by Samm Henshaw explores the theme of being penniless but happy. The phrase 'Go for broke' was the motto of the 442nd Regimental Combat Team in WWII.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Socializing

I'm broke, so I'll skip dinner.
Can you lend me five bucks? I'm broke.
Being broke is no fun.
I'm too broke for that concert.

Business

The company went broke.
Avoiding going broke.
They are nearly broke.
Fiscal mismanagement left them broke.

Education

The life of a broke student.
I was broke all through college.
How to eat when you're broke.
Broke but educated.

Sports/Risk

He went for broke.
A go-for-broke strategy.
Risking it all, going for broke.
It was a go-for-broke move.

Personal Finance

I'm flat broke.
Waiting for payday because I'm broke.
Don't leave yourself broke.
I'm stone broke.

Inicios de conversación

"Have you ever been completely broke and had to get creative with your meals?"

"What is the most 'go for broke' risk you have ever taken in your life?"

"Do you think it's okay to tell friends you're broke, or is it too personal?"

"Why do you think so many successful people say being broke was their best teacher?"

"What's the first thing you would buy if you were broke and suddenly won the lottery?"

Temas para diario

Write about a time you were broke. How did it feel, and what did you learn from the experience?

Describe a 'go for broke' moment in a movie or book. Why did the character take the risk?

Compare the words 'broke' and 'poor.' Do they mean the same thing to you? Why or why not?

If you were a business owner and your company was going broke, what steps would you take to save it?

Reflect on the phrase 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.' Does this apply to your life right now?

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'broke' is not rude, but it is informal. It is perfectly fine to use with friends or family. However, in a professional setting, it might sound a bit too casual or blunt. It's better to use more formal terms like 'insolvent' in business meetings.

No, that is grammatically incorrect. 'Broke' is an adjective in this context, so you must use it with the verb 'to be.' The correct sentence is 'I am broke' or 'I was broke.' You can also say 'I have no money.'

'Broke' is a general, informal way to say you have no money. 'Bankrupt' is a formal, legal term. When you are bankrupt, a court has officially declared that you cannot pay your debts. You can be broke without being legally bankrupt.

As an adjective, 'broke' is almost exclusively used for money. For other things, we use 'broken.' For example, 'The elevator is broken,' not 'The elevator is broke.' The only exception is the informal phrase 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.'

This is an idiom that means to risk everything you have on one big effort to succeed. It comes from gambling, where you might bet all your remaining money on one final play. It's often used in sports or business.

Not exactly. 'Poor' often describes a long-term condition of having very little money. 'Broke' is often used to describe a temporary situation, like having no money left at the end of the month before your next paycheck arrives.

It is pronounced with a long 'o' sound, rhyming with 'poke,' 'joke,' and 'woke.' It is a single syllable word: /broʊk/.

Yes, 'broke' is used in all major varieties of English. However, in the UK, you will also hear the word 'skint' used very frequently in the same way.

It's probably best to avoid it. If you need to talk about financial struggles, use more professional language like 'financial challenges' or 'budgetary constraints.' 'Broke' might sound too informal for an interview.

'Flat broke' is an emphatic way of saying you have absolutely no money at all. The word 'flat' adds emphasis, suggesting that your wallet is as flat as a pancake because there is nothing inside it.