(ふところぐあい)

ふところぐあい
noun
financial situation; state of one's wallet
1. financial situation; state of one's purse; how much money one has
An informal, somewhat literary way to describe one's current financial condition, especially how much spending money one has on hand. Literally refers to the state of one's breast pocket (where money was traditionally kept).
懐具合(ふところぐあい)がさみしい。
My wallet is feeling thin.
懐具合(ふところぐあい)相談(そうだん)して()めよう。
Let's decide after consulting our wallets.
ボーナスが()たので、懐具合(ふところぐあい)(あたた)かい。
Since I got my bonus, my financial situation is comfortable.

(ふところ) originally refers to the breast fold of a kimono, where money and valuables were kept. 具合(ぐあい) means condition or state. Together, the word paints a vivid picture of reaching into one's pocket to check how much money is there. It has a casual, slightly humorous tone.

COMMON COLLOCATIONS:

  • 懐具合(ふところぐあい)がさみしい: one's wallet is thin, strapped for cash
  • 懐具合(ふところぐあい)(あたた)かい: one's wallet is warm, flush with cash
  • 懐具合(ふところぐあい)相談(そうだん)する: to consult one's wallet (before spending)
  • 懐具合(ふところぐあい)(きび)しい: one's finances are tight

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • (ふところ): pocket, bosom — can be used alone to mean one's financial state
  • 財布(さいふ)中身(なかみ): contents of one's wallet — more literal
  • 経済状況(けいざいじょうきょう): financial situation — formal, used for broader economic conditions
  • 台所事情(だいどころじじょう): kitchen circumstances — another figurative expression for household finances