Meaning
Stating that one is broke.
Cultural Background
Hungarians often use 'Nincs pénzem' as a social shield to avoid overspending in peer groups. It is not seen as shameful to admit a lack of funds among friends. In 'ruin bars', you might hear people saying 'Nincs nálam készpénz' (I don't have cash) because many places now prefer or only accept cards. The phrase carries weight from the 1946 hyperinflation era, where people literally had 'no money' that was worth anything, leading to a culture of bartering. In villages, 'Nincs pénzem' might be followed by an offer to pay in 'termény' (produce) or 'pálinka' for small favors.
Add 'sajnos'
Adding 'sajnos' (unfortunately) before the phrase makes it sound much more polite and less blunt.
Don't use 'nem'
Remember: 'Nem van pénzem' is a classic beginner mistake. Always use 'Nincs'.
Meaning
Stating that one is broke.
Add 'sajnos'
Adding 'sajnos' (unfortunately) before the phrase makes it sound much more polite and less blunt.
Don't use 'nem'
Remember: 'Nem van pénzem' is a classic beginner mistake. Always use 'Nincs'.
Use 'nálam'
If you just forgot your wallet, say 'Nincs nálam pénz'. It saves you from sounding like you're in a permanent financial crisis!
Test Yourself
Fill in the correct possessive suffix for 'I have no money'.
Nincs pénz___.
The suffix '-em' corresponds to 'my' (1st person singular).
Which sentence means 'I don't have money on me right now'?
Select the correct option:
'Nálam' means 'at me' or 'on me', indicating a temporary lack of cash.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: Kérsz egy sütit? B: Köszönöm, de ________.
If you are declining because you can't pay, 'nincs pénzem' is the correct form.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You are completely broke and using slang with a friend.
'Le vagyok égve' is the idiomatic slang for being broke.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNincs pénz___.
The suffix '-em' corresponds to 'my' (1st person singular).
Select the correct option:
'Nálam' means 'at me' or 'on me', indicating a temporary lack of cash.
A: Kérsz egy sütit? B: Köszönöm, de ________.
If you are declining because you can't pay, 'nincs pénzem' is the correct form.
You are completely broke and using slang with a friend.
'Le vagyok égve' is the idiomatic slang for being broke.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNo, it's generally seen as honest. However, in formal situations, use more indirect language.
There is no difference in meaning. 'Nincsen' is just a longer, more emphatic version.
Yes, it refers to money in general, whether cash or digital.
Use 'Nincs rá pénzem' (literally: 'There is no money of mine onto it').
Related Phrases
Nincs időm.
similarI have no time.
Le vagyok égve.
synonymI am burnt down (broke).
Van pénzem.
contrastI have money.
Sok pénzem van.
builds onI have a lot of money.
Elfogyott a pénzem.
specialized formMy money has run out.
