What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of no (not), tengo (I have) and dinero (money).
Which one should you use?
While no tengo dinero is the standard way to say you have no money, you can use other phrases for different effects. To emphasize having absolutely no money, you can say no tengo un centavo (I don't have a cent). For a more intense or colloquial feeling, some may use no tengo ni un peso to say they don't even have a single peso.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
no tengo dinero is a polite and standard option suitable for most situations. If you need to be formal and sophisticated, you can use Carezco de dinero (I lack money). For informal settings, you might say No tengo ni un centavo (I don't have a single cent) or use slang like Estoy pelado/a (I'm broke).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some Latin American countries, such as Argentina and Chile, the informal phrase Estoy pelado/a is used to mean "I'm broke". In Spain, the colloquial expression estoy sin blanca is used to say one is broke or has no money. In many Latin American countries, the colloquialism no tengo ni un peso is common to express being completely broke.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the absence of something in Spanish, the negation no is placed directly before the conjugated verb tengo.
How do you pronounce it?
/no tenɡo dineɾo/
Did you know?
- The Spanish phrase estoy sin blanca uses the word blanca, which refers to a low-value silver coin from the Middle Ages.
- The colloquial term estoy pelado literally means 'I am peeled' or 'I am bald'.
- The history of dinero is linked to the Byzantine Greek word dinárion, which refers to a specific coin.
Examples in context
- Pero no tengo dinero.But I have no money.This sentence shows the phrase used with 'but'.Tatoeba #672904 by Shishir, translation #720436 by papabear
- No tengo dinero por ahora.I have no money for the time being.This sentence shows the phrase used to indicate a temporary state.Tatoeba #10086953 by saverius, translation #10267558 by LimeGreenTeknii
- Sin embargo, no tengo dinero.However, I have no money.This sentence shows the phrase used with 'however'.Tatoeba #672903 by Shishir, translation #53632 by orcrist
- No tengo dinero para pagar la cuenta.I have no money to pay the bill.
- Disculpe, pero carezco de dinero en este momento.Excuse me, but I am without money at the moment.
- Me gasté todo el dinero de la quincena. No tengo ni un centavo ahora.I spent all my money for the pay period. I don't have a single cent now.
- No puedo ir al cine hoy, estoy pelado.I can't go to the movies today, I'm broke.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are deciding whether to go to a restaurant.
- Alejandro¿Quieres ir a cenar fuera?Do you want to go out to dinner?
- ElenaMe gustaría, pero no tengo dinero.I would like to, but I have no money.
- AlejandroNo te preocupes, yo invito.Don't worry, my treat.
- ElenaMuchas gracias, Alejandro.Thank you very much, Alejandro.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries dinero, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
