I am broke (no money).

Question

To say that I am broke (or without money), would I say "estoy limpio" or "soy limpio"?

Thanks.

Answer 1

Estoy limpio/pelado (because usually it's just temporary).

Answer 2

In Spain we say:

Estoy arruinado,

no tengo ni un duro,

estoy sin blanca,

estoy limpio (yes, also used in Spain, like somebody has cleaned my pockets),

no tengo ni cinco.....

• I vote for No tengo ni un duro! - ChamacoMalo Sep 20, 2009

Answer 3

Depends if its permanent or temporary. "Estoy limpio." would be more like, I don't have money for a bit. As in, you are waiting on a paycheck. "Soy limpio" would mean more like you are broke, in a lot of debt, and like that for a looooooong time.

After some dictionary digging, I found: "estar sin un centavo" which means "to be without a hundreth (penny)" So, estar it is.

Answer 4

I believe that means 'clean', unless it's used in a more colloquial sense with which I'm not familiar. Why not say something like "no tengo dinero"?

Answer 5

After some dictionary digging, I found: "estar sin un centavo" which means "to be without a hundreth (penny)" So, estar it is.

Answer 6

But also "broke" in English is usually used with different meanings (not working or hurt). So why do people say "I'm broke" instead of plain "I have no money"?

Answer 7

We tend to be very colloquial people I guess it sounds less painful than 'I have no money' because that sounds more permanent than "I'm broke" which implies that money may come in later... I don't know the psychology behind it, but it's an interesting question that I may explore when time permits! I just haven't heard 'limpio' to express being broke monetarily. I learned something new! Yaaaay!

Answer 8

Estoy quebrado. This is something of an accurate description as the value of the dollar continues to fall...

Answer 9

"Es que no tengo dinero/ni nada que dar/lo rinco que tengo/esa amor para dar/ya si tu me quieres/te puedo quere.... That's an old song...has nothing to do with the topic, though. Can anyone name who it was?

Answer 10

Estoy pelado.

• sí señor! - Heidita Sep 20, 2009

Answer 11

How about "no tengo un clavel". Is this still used? We say I haven´t a bean, you say you haven´t a carnation.

• No me suena, no en España - Heidita Sep 22, 2009