Signification
To have no money at the moment.
Contexte culturel
In the 'Vyapaari' (merchant) culture, cash flow is king. Admitting your hand is empty is a common way to signal that you are waiting for a payment from a client before you can spend more. The 'end of the month' (mahina no ant) is a culturally significant time where many families tighten their belts. This idiom is the unofficial slogan for that period. Younger generations use this phrase to jokingly avoid paying for 'treats' (partio) for their friends. In farming communities, 'Haath khali' can also refer to the period before the harvest when all capital is invested in the fields and there is no liquid cash at home.
Use for Refusal
It's the most polite way to say 'no' to a salesperson or a street vendor in Gujarat.
Not for Free Time
Never use this to say you are free to talk. Use 'Hu navro chu' instead.
Signification
To have no money at the moment.
Use for Refusal
It's the most polite way to say 'no' to a salesperson or a street vendor in Gujarat.
Not for Free Time
Never use this to say you are free to talk. Use 'Hu navro chu' instead.
Add 'Atiyare'
Adding 'Atiyare' (Right now) makes it clear that the situation is temporary and you aren't permanently poor.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
આ મહિનાના અંતે મારો ________ ખાલી છે.
'Haath' (Hand) is the correct body part for this idiom.
What does 'Maro hath khali che' mean in a social context?
If a friend says this to you, they are:
The idiom figuratively means being broke.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: Someone asks you for a 5000 rupee loan, but you only have 100 rupees.
This is the appropriate way to decline a loan due to lack of funds.
Complete the dialogue.
A: ચાલ, પિઝા ખાવા જઈએ! B: ના યાર, અત્યારે તો ________.
'Haath khali che' fits the context of declining a meal due to money.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesઆ મહિનાના અંતે મારો ________ ખાલી છે.
'Haath' (Hand) is the correct body part for this idiom.
If a friend says this to you, they are:
The idiom figuratively means being broke.
Situation: Someone asks you for a 5000 rupee loan, but you only have 100 rupees.
This is the appropriate way to decline a loan due to lack of funds.
A: ચાલ, પિઝા ખાવા જઈએ! B: ના યાર, અત્યારે તો ________.
'Haath khali che' fits the context of declining a meal due to money.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt's better to use 'Nanakiy achhat' (financial shortage) for a company. 'Haath khali' is personal.
No, it's actually considered a humble and relatable way to talk about money.
Not necessarily. It just means you don't have enough to spend on extras or what is being asked.
Yes, you can say 'Khali hathe pacha avya' (returned empty-handed/without a prize).
The opposite is 'Haath chhuto hovo' (to be generous/have plenty to spend).
Rarely. It's mostly a spoken idiom.
Yes, 'Khissu khali che' is a perfect alternative.
No, 'Khali' remains the same for masculine, feminine, and neuter in this context.
Maro hath khali thai jashe.
Yes, Hindi and Marathi have almost identical versions.
Expressions liées
ખિસ્સું ખાલી હોવું
synonymTo have an empty pocket
હાથ ભીડમાં હોવો
similarTo be in a financial tight spot
હાથ ખેંચવો
builds onTo pull back one's hand (stop spending)
હાથ છૂટો હોવો
contrastTo have a loose hand (be generous/spendthrift)
પૈસાની તંગી
similarScarcity of money
