金欠
kinketsu
The English phrase "broke" can be translated into Japanese as 金欠 (kinketsu).
金欠 is used to describe the state of lacking money or being short on cash.
Meaning: lacking money, bankrupt (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is composed of 金, meaning money and 欠, meaning lack or shortage.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
金欠 is an informal term commonly used in casual conversation to describe being short on cash.
How do you pronounce it?
kinketsu
Did you know?
- While 金欠 is common, if you want to say you are 'completely broke' as if you have zero yen, you can use the more dramatic 一文無し, which literally means 'not even a single mon' (an old, low-value coin).
- Japanese speakers often use the phrase 財布が軽い, which literally means 'my wallet is light', to describe being broke without using the direct word 金欠.
- The character 欠 in 金欠 is also used in the word 欠席, which means 'absent' from a class or meeting. In both cases, it refers to something that is missing or lacking.
Examples in context
- 金欠なんだ。I'm broke.This sentence is useful for expressing that you are broke using 金欠.Tatoeba #179688 by bunbuku, translation #18547 by CK
- 残念ですが、今は小遣いがないので、食事には行けませんI'm sorry, but I can't go for a meal right now because I have no pocket money
- 最近、お金がねえんだよねLately, I don't have any money, you know?
- 今月は金欠です。Kongetsu wa kinketsu desu.I am broke this month.
- 金欠だから、外食は控えたい。Kinketsu dakara, gaishoku wa hikaetai.Since I'm broke, I want to avoid eating out.
Example conversation
Two friends are discussing their plans for the weekend.
- 結衣 Yui今週末、遊びに行かない？Konshuumatsu, asobi ni ikanai?Do you want to go out this weekend?
- 陽太 Yotaごめん、今金欠なんだ。Gomen, ima kinketsu nanda.Sorry, I'm broke right now.
- 結衣 Yuiそうなの？残念。Sou nano? Zannen.Really? That's too bad.
- 陽太 Yotaまたお金が入ったら誘うね。Mata okane ga haittara sasou ne.I'll invite you once I have some money again.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
