金欠(きんけつ)

きんけつ
noun
being broke; short of money
1. being broke; short of money; being strapped for cash
A state of not having enough money, typically temporary. Commonly used in casual conversation, especially among younger people.
今月(こんげつ)は金欠(きんけつ)だ。
I'm broke this month.
旅行(りょこう)の後(あと)でずっと金欠(きんけつ)状態(じょうたい)が続(つづ)いている。
I've been broke ever since the trip.
給料日(きゅうりょうび)前(まえ)はいつも金欠(きんけつ)で、外食(がいしょく)を控(ひか)えている。
I'm always short of money before payday, so I cut back on eating out.

An abbreviation of 金欠病(きんけつびょう) (literally "money-deficiency disease"). A compound of 金(きん) (money, gold) and 欠(けつ) (lack, shortage). The humorous original form likens being broke to having an illness.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 金欠(きんけつ)だ (to be broke)
  • 金欠(きんけつ)状態(じょうたい) (state of being broke)
  • 金欠(きんけつ)病(びょう) (the "disease" of being broke — humorous full form)
  • ずっと金欠(きんけつ) (perpetually broke)

A casual, colloquial expression. Not appropriate for formal or business contexts. Describes a temporary personal financial shortage rather than serious poverty. Commonly heard among students and young adults.

general
Added 2026.3.1 18:37
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