nhẹ túi
Definition
- Adjective phrase (idiomatic):
- To have little money left; to be nearly out of money: The phrase describes the state of having spent most of one's cash, making one's wallet or purse feel physically lighter. It conveys a sense of being financially depleted, often sooner than expected.
Usage Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- Mới đầu tháng mà tôi đã nhẹ túi. (It's only the beginning of the month, and I'm already nearly out of money.)
- Đi du lịch về, anh ấy cảm thấy nhẹ túi hẳn. (After returning from the trip, he felt his wallet was much lighter.)
Advanced Usage
- The phrase is often used in a colloquial, slightly humorous or resigned tone to comment on personal finances. It typically refers to cash on hand rather than overall wealth.
Variants and Related Words
Cạn túi (adj. phrase): to be completely out of money; broke.
- Sau khi mua vé, tôi gần như cạn túi. (After buying the ticket, I was almost broke.)
Rỗng túi (adj. phrase): to have an empty wallet/pocket.
- Chơi game cả ngày khiến cậu ấy rỗng túi. (Playing games all day left him with an empty wallet.)
Synonyms
- Short on cash: having little money available.
- Nearly broke: close to having no money left.
- Financially depleted: having used up most of one's funds.
Related Idioms
- Nhẹ ví: a direct synonym, using "ví" (wallet) instead of "túi" (pocket/bag).
- Cuối tuần vui chơi khiến mọi người đều nhẹ ví. (The weekend fun left everyone with lighter wallets.)