What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of falta (lack/shortage), de (of) and dinero (money).
Which one should you use?
While falta de dinero implies a total absence or a failure to have enough, escasez de dinero specifically emphasizes the scarcity or insufficiency of available funds. Additionally, falta de fondos is a more formal alternative often used in business or administrative contexts instead of falta de dinero.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
In informal situations, you might hear No tener un duro to mean not having a penny, particularly in Spain. In many Spanish-speaking countries, the colloquial expression Estar pelado/a is used to say one is broke. There is also the informal expression No tener ni para el bus, which means not having enough even for the bus.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun falta is feminine. If you use an adjective to describe the lack, it must be feminine, such as in falta grave de dinero (a serious lack of money).
How do you pronounce it?
/falta de dineɾo/
Did you know?
- While falta means 'lack' in this phrase, it is also the standard term used by referees in sports to call a 'foul'.
- In some Latin American countries, people use the word plata instead of dinero, which literally translates to 'silver'.
- If you are broke in many Spanish-speaking countries, you might say you are pelado/a, which literally translates to being 'skinned' or 'peeled'.
Examples in context
- Debido a una falta de dinero, la solución más provechosa inicialmente escogida fue abandonada en favor de una segunda elección necesariamente menos favorable.Due to lack of money the more advantageous solution initially chosen was abandoned in favour of a necessarily less favourable second choice.This sentence shows how a lack of money can lead to abandoning a chosen solution.Tatoeba #7091473 by Eremon, translation #2163809 by al_ex_an_der
- La falta de dinero es la raíz de todo mal.The lack of money is the root of all evil.This sentence describes the concept of a lack of money as the root of all evil.Tatoeba #864507 by cris, translation #864505 by cris
- Por falta de dinero ella no pudo venir conmigo.Her lack of money kept her from going with me.This sentence explains how a lack of money prevented someone from coming.Tatoeba #1047940 by darinmex, translation #313296 by CM
- La falta de dinero impide el crecimiento económico del país.The lack of money hinders the country's economic growth.
- La escasez de recursos económicos compromete el desarrollo del proyecto.The lack of economic resources compromises the project's development.
- La insuficiencia monetaria dificulta la implementación de políticas sociales.The lack of money makes it difficult to implement social policies.
- Hoy no puedo salir, no tengo un duro.I can't go out today, I don't have a penny.
- Estoy pelado/a este mes, no puedo permitirme gastar nada extra.I'm broke this month, I can't afford to spend anything extra.
- No tengo ni para el bus, tendré que caminar hasta el trabajo.I don't even have enough for the bus, I'll have to walk to work.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing why they cannot travel this year.
- MaríaMe encantaría ir a Japón, pero tengo falta de dinero.I would love to go to Japan, but I have a lack of money.
- JavierYo también, María. Los vuelos están muy caros.Me too, María. The flights are very expensive.
- MaríaQuizás podamos ahorrar más para el próximo año.Maybe we can save more for next year.
- JavierEs una buena idea, Javier estará de acuerdo.It's a good idea, Javier will agree.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
