Translation guide
Describes having no money at all. Japanese expressions range from neutral descriptions to emphatic idioms.
State that someone has absolutely no money, often temporarily.
Literally 'not even one mon (old coin)'. A common, slightly emphatic way to say penniless.
Emphasize a state of being out of money, often due to circumstances or bad luck.
Means 'went bankrupt'. Stronger than just being temporarily out of cash.
Both mean 'penniless' and are interchangeable in many contexts. 一文無し is slightly more common in speech, while 無一文 appears more in writing or set phrases like 無一文になる (become penniless).
Do not translate 'penniless' directly as ペニーレス. Use the Japanese expressions above.
He became penniless.
Similar to 一文無し, meaning 'without a single penny'. Slightly more formal or written.
He set off on a journey penniless.
Plain, everyday expression: 'I have no money at all.' Natural in casual conversation.
I'm completely broke this month.
Colloquial and emphatic, meaning 'completely empty' (of money). Often used humorously.
My wallet is completely empty.
He went bankrupt after his business failed.
General term for 'poor' or 'poverty'. Can describe a penniless state.
I'm so poor I don't even have anything to eat.
Literally 'money shortage'. Casual, often used among young people.
I'm broke this month so I can't go out.