Nice ways to say you're broke (2024)

Suffering from empty wallet syndrome after the Christmas season? Telling people that you’ve no money can be a little embarrassing. Here are some alternative phrases that should come in handy if you have to explain your situation or turn down an invitationfor financial reasons.

1. I’m running a little low on funds
2. I’m feeling the pinch at the moment
3. I’m temporarily in the red
4. I’m nearly running on empty
5. My resources are a little depleted
6. My bank balance is a little bit strained
7. My finances are a little strained at the moment
8. I’m a little cleaned out at the moment

English language tip for talking about money

A typicalmistake made by Swedish native speakersis to use the word “economy” instead of “finances”. The word “economy” in English is used to describe finances on a national or international scale. “Finances” is the word used to describe an individual’s financial situation. Example: Rather than translating directly from Swedish and saying “I have a good economy”, say “I am in a good position financially” or “I am comfortable financially”. Alternatively, you could say "I am not in a good position financially" or "I am not very comfortable financially".

The London School of English offers high quality English language training for motivated adults from all professional backgrounds. We give you the tools and skills you need to communicate successfully in your field of expertise and to expand your business and career opportunities. Call us on +46 8 5999 4000 or email us at [emailprotected] for more information about our tailored tuition or simply take our online test to check your English level.

Posted: 8 January 2019

Categories: Workplace challenges

Nice ways to say you're broke (2024)

FAQs

Nice ways to say you're broke? ›

Alternatively, you could say "I am not in a good position financially" or "I am not very comfortable financially".

What is a fancy way to say I am broke? ›

Alternatively, you could say "I am not in a good position financially" or "I am not very comfortable financially".

How do you respectfully call someone broke? ›

adjective
  1. impoverished.
  2. poor.
  3. bankrupt.
  4. beggared.
  5. deprived.
  6. bankrupted.
  7. penniless.
  8. needful.

How do I tell someone I'm broke? ›

"I'm out of funds." "I'm running low on cash." "I'm flat broke." "I'm destitute."

How do you tell your friends you're broke? ›

It doesn't have to be weird and it doesn't have to be uncomfortable. Be clear, be honest, be direct. Try not to get defensive and have these conversations in casual hangs over a period of time. Remember that no one is going to care about your money as much as you care about your money.

How to politely tell someone you don't have money? ›

Different ways to say you don't have enough money for personal relationships:
  1. I'm a bit low on funds.
  2. I'm a bit short on cash at the moment.
  3. I'm broke.
  4. I can't afford it.
  5. I'm strapped for cash.
Mar 16, 2022

How do I respond to "I don't have money"? ›

Try saying something like, “I totally understand your price concerns. Just to confirm, if money weren't an issue is [solving primary pain point/getting primary benefit] something you're interested in if you could find the right solution?

How do you say "broke professionally"? ›

broke
  1. penniless.
  2. bankrupt.
  3. bust (informal)
  4. down and out.
  5. down on one's luck (informal)
  6. impoverished.
  7. insolvent.
  8. in the red.

What is a word for having no money? ›

You can also say that someone is penniless. This is slightly more formal than poor. At the time, I was a penniless student. The word impoverished can be used to describe a person or area that is extremely poor.

What is a word for not financially stable? ›

flat broke. stony broke. in Queer Street. unable to pay one's debts.

What to say to someone who is struggling financially? ›

Reassuring someone that they don't have to bottle things up and pretend that everything is fine can be a real comfort, especially if they're going through a tough time financially. Being patient and empathetic may also help them take the necessary steps towards getting debt help.

When to stop helping someone financially? ›

If you are giving them money and their finances are not getting better or they are not putting effort into helping themselves (i.e. not looking for a job)… its time to give up. If you are giving them money you can't afford to lose… its time to give up.

How to tell someone you can't go because of money? ›

Explain That You're on a Budget

But if he would like, I can budget [it] for a later date." This accomplishes two things—you get in a hard financial no and an alternative on your own timeline. It says, sure, I'd love to go to that pricey restaurant sometime—but when I can afford it, save up for it, and budget for it.

What to do when you're broke and have no friends? ›

What to Do If You Have No Friends
  1. Don't be afraid to meet new people. ...
  2. Don't be afraid of rejection. ...
  3. Find people who have similar interests. ...
  4. Turn acquaintances into friends. ...
  5. Volunteer your time. ...
  6. Work on your shyness or social anxiety. ...
  7. Be open-minded. ...
  8. Be open with people about who you are.
Feb 13, 2023

What is a word for lack of money? ›

lacking money or material possessions went from being a penniless girl to owner of her own restaurant. impoverished. poor. broke. bankrupt.

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