Significado
Used when someone has no money left.
Contexto cultural
The concept of 'Petsa de Peligro' (Day of Danger) refers to the days just before payday. 'Butas ang bulsa' is the unofficial slogan of this period. Elders or 'Ninongs/Ninangs' (godparents) often use this phrase to jokingly manage the expectations of children asking for 'aguinaldo' (money gifts) during Christmas. Filipino netizens use 'Butas ang bulsa' to react to 'budol'—a term for being tempted into buying things online that they don't need. It is common for colleagues to share their financial status using this idiom to decide where to eat lunch together, fostering a sense of solidarity.
Use it with 'eh'
Adding 'eh' at the end (Butas ang bulsa ko eh) makes it sound more natural and apologetic.
Not for Banks
Never use this when talking to a bank teller or financial advisor; use 'walang sapat na pondo' instead.
Significado
Used when someone has no money left.
Use it with 'eh'
Adding 'eh' at the end (Butas ang bulsa ko eh) makes it sound more natural and apologetic.
Not for Banks
Never use this when talking to a bank teller or financial advisor; use 'walang sapat na pondo' instead.
Intensify it
Use 'Butas na butas' if you want to emphasize that you are *really* broke.
The 'Hiya' Factor
Using this idiom helps you avoid 'hiya' (shame) by making light of a difficult financial situation.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the blank to complete the idiom.
Hindi ako makakabili ng bagong cellphone dahil ______ ang bulsa ko.
'Butas ang bulsa' is the correct idiom for being broke.
Which situation best fits the use of 'Butas ang bulsa'?
Si Maria ay...
The idiom describes a lack of money.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
Friend: 'Tara, kain tayo sa Jollibee!' You: 'Naku, pasensya na, _________.'
This is the standard way to decline a food invitation due to lack of money.
Match the Filipino phrase to its English meaning.
Match the following:
Self-explanatory vocabulary matching.
Match the idiom to the correct context.
When is it MOST appropriate to say 'Butas ang bulsa'?
The idiom is informal and best used with friends.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Ayudas visuales
When to use 'Butas ang bulsa'
Social
- • Friends
- • Family
- • Colleagues
Avoid
- • Boss
- • Bank
- • Formal Letters
Banco de ejercicios
5 ejerciciosHindi ako makakabili ng bagong cellphone dahil ______ ang bulsa ko.
'Butas ang bulsa' is the correct idiom for being broke.
Si Maria ay...
The idiom describes a lack of money.
Friend: 'Tara, kain tayo sa Jollibee!' You: 'Naku, pasensya na, _________.'
This is the standard way to decline a food invitation due to lack of money.
Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:
Self-explanatory vocabulary matching.
When is it MOST appropriate to say 'Butas ang bulsa'?
The idiom is informal and best used with friends.
🎉 Puntuación: /5
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is not rude. It is a very common, lighthearted way to say you have no money.
Yes, but be careful. It's fine for friends, but might sound disrespectful if used for a superior or someone you don't know well.
Usually, no. It typically refers to a temporary state of having no cash, like right before payday.
The formal version is 'Salat sa pananalapi' or 'Walang sapat na pondo'.
People will understand you, but 'Butas ang bulsa' is the established idiom. 'Butas ang wallet' sounds like a literal hole in your wallet.
Only in very casual business settings among close colleagues. Avoid it in formal reports.
You can say 'Mabubutas ang bulsa ko' or 'Magiging butas ang bulsa ko'.
Yes, it is widely understood, though other languages like Cebuano have their own versions (e.g., 'Buslot ang bulsa').
Historically, men carried coins in their pockets (bulsa), which is where the idiom originated.
Yes! If you can't spend it right now, you are effectively 'butas ang bulsa'.
Frases relacionadas
Said ang pondo
synonymCompletely out of funds
Kapos sa pera
similarShort on money
Naghihikahos
specialized formLiving in extreme poverty
Mayaman
contrastRich
Maluwag ang kamay
builds onGenerous/Spender
