Inklingo

How to Say "penniless" in Spanish

English → Spanish

pelado

/peh-LAH-doh//peˈlaðo/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'pelado' when you want to express that you have absolutely no money, often in an informal, everyday context.
An empty blue wallet lying open on a flat surface with no money inside.

Examples

No puedo salir, estoy pelado.

I can't go out, I'm broke.

No puedo ir al cine, estoy pelado.

I can't go to the movies, I'm broke.

Después de las vacaciones nos quedamos pelados.

After the holidays we were left penniless.

Always with 'Estar'

Since being broke is usually a temporary state, always use 'estar' or 'quedarse' (to end up), never 'ser'.

Confusing with 'nude'

Mistake: “Estoy pelado (thinking it means naked).”

Correction: In a financial context, it means broke. If you want to say naked informally, use 'en cueros' or 'desnudo'.

roto

ROH-toh/ˈro.to/

adjectiveB2informal
Use 'roto' to describe a state of being financially ruined or having no money, particularly when referring to a specific period like a month.
A sad-looking ceramic piggy bank lying on its side, with the coin slot clearly empty, emphasizing financial destitution.

Examples

No puedo salir, estoy totalmente roto este mes.

I can't go out, I'm totally broke this month.

Después de la noticia, ella quedó rota, sin palabras.

After the news, she was devastated, speechless.

Emotional States

When describing feelings or mental states (like being exhausted or heartbroken), Spanish always uses 'estar' with 'roto/a' because it describes a current, temporary condition.

Pelado vs. Roto

While both 'pelado' and 'roto' mean 'broke' or 'penniless,' 'pelado' is more general and can be used anytime you lack funds. 'Roto' often implies a more severe or temporary financial hardship, frequently tied to a specific timeframe like 'this month'.

Related Translations

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