niente soldi
/ˈnjɛn.te ˈsɔl.di/word by word
The Italian phrase for "no money" is niente soldi.
niente soldi is a noun phrase used to state that a person has no financial resources. While this phrase means "no money", the most standard way to express the complete sentence "I have no money" is to say non ho soldi.
Which one should you use?
non ho un soldo is a more emphatic, idiomatic way to say one is completely broke, functioning similarly to the English phrase "not a penny".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of niente soldi is /ˈnjɛn.te ˈsɔl.di/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While niente soldi expresses a lack of funds, Italians often use the phrase essere al verde to say they are broke.
- The word niente may have evolved from the Latin phrase ne gentem, which literally means 'no person' or 'no one'.
- The soldo mentioned in expressions about having no money was a small silver coin used in various Italian states and the Republic of Venice.
Examples in context
- Non posso uscire stasera, sono senza soldi.I can't go out tonight, I'm broke.
Example conversation
Giulia and Matteo are looking at a menu in a restaurant.
- GiuliaVorrei ordinare il piatto più costoso.I would like to order the most expensive dish.
- MatteoMa Giulia, io ho niente soldi oggi.But Giulia, I have no money today.
- GiuliaNon ti preoccupare, pago io!Don't worry, I'll pay!
- MatteoGrazie mille, sei molto gentile.Thanks a lot, you are very kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (niente, soldi) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries niente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
