Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sin blanca | /sin blanka/ (from spelling rules) | |
| pelado | /peˈlado/ | |
| sin un duro | /sin un duɾo/ (from spelling rules) | |
| sin un peso | /sin un peso/ (from spelling rules) | |
| tieso | /ˈtjeso/ | |
| a dos velas | /a ˌdos ˈbelas/ | |
| acabado | /akaˈbado/ | |
| arrancado | /aranˈkado/ | |
| mishio | /misjo/ (from spelling rules) | obsolete, possibly |
| estril | /estɾil/ (from spelling rules) | Honduras |
These terms are used to describe a person or entity that is lacking money or is bankrupt.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase sin blanca literally means 'without a white one', which refers to a historical white coin known as a 'blanca' used in Spanish currency. Similarly, sin un duro literally means 'without a duro', referring to a specific historical Spanish coin.
Which one should you use?
Sin un duro and sin blanca are characteristic of Spain, whereas sin un peso is used in many Latin American countries that use the peso. In Spain, you might also hear the informal expression no tengo ni un euro to convey being broke.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, such as official or business contexts, use Sin fondos to mean 'without funds'. Many of the other options, such as tieso and acabado, are colloquial or slang. Sin un duro is an informal way to say one is 'without a penny'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Honduras, the term estril is used to describe being broke. In certain Latin American countries like Argentina, Uruguay and Colombia, the slang term pelado/a is used. The term mishio is also noted, though it is possibly obsolete.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adverbial phrase, sin blanca does not change its form to agree with the gender or number of the subject.
Did you know?
- The phrase a dos velas used to mean broke evokes the image of a person left alone with only two candles for light.
- While pelado means 'broke' in some regions, its literal meaning is 'peeled' or 'bald'.
- If you are 'without a peso', you are using a term that shares an ancient root with the English word 'pendulum', as both come from the concept of 'weighing'.
Examples in context
- Estamos sin un duro.We're broke.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sin un duro.Tatoeba #6682463 by arh, translation #2107334 by CK
- Está sin blanca.He's broke.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase sin blanca.Tatoeba #1314039 by Shishir, translation #293830 by CM
- Estoy sin blanca.I'm broke.Tatoeba #3797083 by Seael, translation #18547 by CK
- Lamentablemente, estoy sin dinero en este momentoUnfortunately, I'm broke at the moment
- Lo siento, pero no puedo ayudarte, estoy sin fondosI'm sorry, but I can't help you, I'm broke
- No puedo salir esta noche, estoy sin un duroI can't go out tonight, I'm broke
- No puedo comprarte nada, estoy pelado/aI can't buy you anything, I'm broke
- No puedo ayudarte, estoy peladaI can't help you, I'm broke
- No tengo lanaI don't have any money
- 4 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are talking about their financial situation at a cafe.
- DanielNo puedo ir al concierto porque estoy sin blanca.I cannot go to the concert because I am broke.
- Elena¿En serio, Daniel? ¿Tan sin blanca estás?Seriously, Daniel? Are you that broke?
- DanielSí, este mes me he quedado sin blanca.Yes, I ran out of money this month.
- ElenaNo te preocupes, yo te invito esta vez.Don't worry, I'll treat you this time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “broke” translations and entries pelado, tieso, a dos velas, acabado, arrancado, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries duro, pelado, peso, sin, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
