Significado
Having no money.
Contexto cultural
In Poland, there is a tradition of 'narzekanie' (complaining). Saying 'mam puste kieszenie' is often a way to bond with others by sharing a common struggle, even if the person isn't literally penniless. While Americans also use 'empty pockets', they are more likely to say 'I'm broke'. The Polish version feels slightly more descriptive and less 'final' than the English 'broke'. The Japanese equivalent 'futokoro ga samui' (cold pockets) reflects a culture where physical sensation is often used to describe emotional or financial states. In almost every culture, the 'empty pocket' is a symbol of the student years. In Poland, this is often associated with eating 'zupki chińskie' (instant noodles).
Use it for empathy
If a friend says they can't afford something, saying 'Ja też mam puste kieszenie' is a great way to show solidarity.
Plural only
Always use 'kieszenie' (plural). Using the singular 'kieszeń' makes you sound like a non-native speaker translating literally.
Significado
Having no money.
Use it for empathy
If a friend says they can't afford something, saying 'Ja też mam puste kieszenie' is a great way to show solidarity.
Plural only
Always use 'kieszenie' (plural). Using the singular 'kieszeń' makes you sound like a non-native speaker translating literally.
Add 'znowu'
Adding 'znowu' (again) makes it sound more natural and 'Polish': 'Znowu mam puste kieszenie'.
Teste-se
Fill in the missing word in the idiom.
Nie mogę iść do kina, bo mam puste ______.
The correct idiom is 'puste kieszenie'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I'm broke' in Polish?
Jak powiedzieć 'I am broke' po polsku?
We use the verb 'mieć' (to have) and the plural 'kieszenie'.
Match the response to the situation.
Kolega: 'Chodźmy na piwo!' Ty (nie masz pieniędzy):
This is the standard way to decline based on lack of funds.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Dlaczego nie kupiłeś tej gry? B: Bo po opłaceniu czynszu mam ______.
The context of not buying something due to lack of money requires 'puste kieszenie'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosNie mogę iść do kina, bo mam puste ______.
The correct idiom is 'puste kieszenie'.
Jak powiedzieć 'I am broke' po polsku?
We use the verb 'mieć' (to have) and the plural 'kieszenie'.
Kolega: 'Chodźmy na piwo!' Ty (nie masz pieniędzy):
This is the standard way to decline based on lack of funds.
A: Dlaczego nie kupiłeś tej gry? B: Bo po opłaceniu czynszu mam ______.
The context of not buying something due to lack of money requires 'puste kieszenie'.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's not rude. It's a common, slightly informal way to talk about money. It's much more polite than some slang terms.
Yes, if you're talking to a friend. If talking to a cashier, it's better to say 'Nie mam przy sobie gotówki' (I don't have cash on me).
No. It usually refers to a temporary lack of spending money, not total destitution.
There isn't a direct idiom like 'full pockets', but you could say 'mieć wypchany portfel' (to have a stuffed wallet).
Almost never. Use 'brak funduszy' or 'deficyt' in business settings.
You can, but it sounds more like a literal description of your clothes than the idiom for being broke.
Not at all. It's still very much in use by all age groups.
Use the past tense of 'mieć': 'Miałem puste kieszenie'.
'Być spłukanym' is slightly more informal and often implies you spent all your money recently.
No, it's usually used for individuals or small groups of people.
Frases relacionadas
być spłukanym
synonymTo be broke
nie mieć ani grosza
synonymNot to have a single penny
mieć wiatr w kieszeniach
similarTo have wind in one's pockets
klepać biedę
builds onTo live in poverty
mieć węża w kieszeni
contrastTo have a snake in one's pocket
