Meaning
To be completely broke or without funds.
Cultural Background
In Spain, the word 'duro' (referring to the old 5-peseta coin) is still used in the phrase 'no tener ni un duro', even though the Euro has been the currency since 2002. Mexicans often use the word 'lana' (wool) as a slang term for money. So, 'no tengo lana' is a very common alternative to 'no tengo dinero'. In Argentina, 'guita' or 'mango' are the preferred slang terms. Saying 'no tengo un mango' is much more common in Buenos Aires than the literal version. Colombians might say 'estar arrancado' to describe being completely without money, often implying a desperate situation.
Use 'encima'
If you just forgot your wallet, say 'No tengo dinero encima'. It sounds less dramatic than saying you are broke.
Avoid 'Roto'
Never say 'Estoy roto' to mean you are broke. It means you are physically broken or exhausted.
Meaning
To be completely broke or without funds.
Use 'encima'
If you just forgot your wallet, say 'No tengo dinero encima'. It sounds less dramatic than saying you are broke.
Avoid 'Roto'
Never say 'Estoy roto' to mean you are broke. It means you are physically broken or exhausted.
The 'Duro' legacy
If you are in Spain, using 'ni un duro' will make you sound very much like a local.
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'tener'.
Yo no _______ dinero para el taxi.
The subject is 'Yo', so the correct conjugation of 'tener' is 'tengo'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm broke' in a casual setting?
A friend asks you to go to an expensive concert.
'No tengo dinero' is the most natural and correct neutral/informal way. 'Yo soy roto' is a common mistake.
Match the Spanish phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are all common variations of expressing a lack of money.
Complete the dialogue with the most appropriate phrase.
Juan: ¿Quieres ir a comer pizza? María: Me gustaría, pero ________.
María is declining the invitation, so 'no tengo dinero' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo no _______ dinero para el taxi.
The subject is 'Yo', so the correct conjugation of 'tener' is 'tengo'.
A friend asks you to go to an expensive concert.
'No tengo dinero' is the most natural and correct neutral/informal way. 'Yo soy roto' is a common mistake.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are all common variations of expressing a lack of money.
Juan: ¿Quieres ir a comer pizza? María: Me gustaría, pero ________.
María is declining the invitation, so 'no tengo dinero' is the logical choice.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it is a neutral and honest statement. However, in formal settings, you might want to use more professional terms like 'presupuesto limitado'.
'Dinero' is universal. 'Plata' (literally silver) is the most common word for money in almost all of Latin America.
You can say 'No tengo nada de dinero' or use the idiom 'Estoy sin blanca'.
Yes, 'tener' is the standard verb for possession in Spanish, unlike English which sometimes uses 'to have got'.
Related Phrases
Estar sin blanca
synonymTo be completely broke.
Estar pelado
synonymTo be 'peeled' or broke.
Ahorrar dinero
contrastTo save money.
Tirar la casa por la ventana
contrastTo spend a lot of money/spare no expense.
