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chiro means broke / penniless — a common term in Mexican Slang. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: September 7, 2025

🌶️ Mexican Slang

chiro

adjective • /[CHEE-roh]/

broke / penniless

Example:

Hoy ando bien chiro.

I’m really broke today.

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🧠 What does chiro mean?

Chiro is a common Mexican slang term used to describe someone who is broke, penniless, or has no money. It's a casual and informal way of saying you're short on funds, similar to "flat broke" or "dead broke" in English.

📚 Extra examples

  • Estoy chiro, no puedo ir al cine.
    I'm broke, I can't go to the movies.
  • Me quedé chiro después de comprar los boletos.
    I was left broke after buying the tickets.
  • ¿Te invito un café? No, gracias, ando chiro.
    Can I buy you a coffee? No thanks, I'm broke.
  • No puedo creer que esté tan chiro a fin de mes.
    I can't believe I'm so broke at the end of the month.

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'broke / penniless' in Spanish?
There are many ways to say 'broke' or 'penniless' in Spanish, depending on the region and context. Some common options include 'sin dinero,' 'sin un centavo,' 'pelado,' 'quebrado,' and, in Mexico, 'chiro.'
How do you pronounce 'chiro' in Spanish?
Chiro is pronounced CHEE-roh, with the emphasis on the first syllable.
How do you use 'chiro' in a sentence?
You can use 'chiro' as an adjective to describe yourself or someone else. For example, 'Estoy chiro' (I'm broke) or 'Mi amigo está chiro' (My friend is broke).
What is the English translation of 'chiro'?
The English translation of 'chiro' is 'broke' or 'penniless.'
Does 'chiro' change for gender or number?
No, 'chiro' remains the same regardless of gender or number.
Is 'chiro' common in everyday Spanish?
While understood in many Spanish-speaking countries, 'chiro' is primarily used in Mexican slang. It's common in casual conversation.
Does 'chiro' have slang or double meanings?
While 'chiro' itself means broke, in some contexts it might be used playfully or exaggeratedly. It doesn't have any significant double meanings.
Is 'chiro' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
'Chiro' is generally not used in Spain. It's much more common in Mexico.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "chiro"

Synonyms: sin dinero, sin un centavo, pelado, quebrado
Opposites: forrado, adinerado

💡 Did You Know?

While primarily Mexican slang, the informality of 'chiro' makes it easily understood and sometimes used playfully by Spanish speakers in other regions, especially when interacting with Mexicans.

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