Signification
To have no money at all, to be completely broke.
Contexte culturel
The 'duro' is a nostalgic symbol of the 80s and 90s. Many older Spaniards still calculate large sums in 'duros' (multiples of 5 pesetas) in their heads. In Mexico, the equivalent is 'No tener ni un peso' or 'Estar en la quiebra.' Using 'duro' will identify you immediately as a Spaniard or a student of Peninsular Spanish. Argentines might say 'No tener un mango.' 'Mango' is a very common lunfardo (slang) term for money. Complaining about money is a common social lubricant. It's often used to show humility and avoid appearing boastful about one's wealth.
Use it for empathy
If a friend complains about being broke, saying 'Yo tampoco tengo ni un duro' is a great way to show solidarity.
Don't use with your boss
Even if you are asking for a raise, this phrase is too informal. Use 'mi situación económica actual' instead.
Signification
To have no money at all, to be completely broke.
Use it for empathy
If a friend complains about being broke, saying 'Yo tampoco tengo ni un duro' is a great way to show solidarity.
Don't use with your boss
Even if you are asking for a raise, this phrase is too informal. Use 'mi situación económica actual' instead.
The 'Ni' is key
Always remember the 'ni'. It transforms the sentence from a simple statement of fact into a colorful idiom.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tener' to complete the idiom.
Mis padres gastaron mucho dinero en la casa y ahora no _______ ni un duro.
The subject is 'Mis padres' (they), so the verb must be 'tienen'.
Which of these is the most natural way to say you are broke in a Spanish bar?
'No tengo ni un duro' is the most common and natural idiom for this context.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
A: ¿Vienes al cine? B: No puedo, ________.
The context requires an explanation for why they can't go to the cinema (lack of money).
Match the Spanish idiom with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
The phrase specifically refers to having no money.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Money Idioms by Formality
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesMis padres gastaron mucho dinero en la casa y ahora no _______ ni un duro.
The subject is 'Mis padres' (they), so the verb must be 'tienen'.
'No tengo ni un duro' is the most common and natural idiom for this context.
A: ¿Vienes al cine? B: No puedo, ________.
The context requires an explanation for why they can't go to the cinema (lack of money).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The phrase specifically refers to having no money.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, but it's not an idiom. It's just a literal statement. It lacks the cultural 'flavor' of the original phrase.
Yes, 'duro' means 'hard' (like a rock) or 'tough' (like a person). But in this specific phrase, it always refers to the old coin.
Absolutely. Even though they never used pesetas, the phrase is passed down through families and media.
Not at all. It's a very standard, slightly humorous way to talk about a common problem.
You don't usually pluralize it in the idiom. It's always 'ni un duro' (not even one).
People will understand you, but it will sound very 'Spanish' (from Spain). It's better to use local equivalents like 'ni un peso'.
Both are good. 'No tener ni un duro' is slightly more common in everyday speech.
Only if you are speaking very informally about a business. 'Esa empresa no tiene ni un duro' is common in gossip.
No tenemos ni un duro.
It means 'not even.' It's used to emphasize that you don't even have the smallest amount.
Expressions liées
Estar sin blanca
synonymTo be without a cent.
Estar pelado
synonymTo be 'peeled' (broke).
No tener un clavo
synonymNot to have a nail.
Estar a dos velas
similarTo be 'at two candles' (broke).
Nadar en la abundancia
contrastTo swim in abundance.
