low income
دخل منخفض
Use `low income` to discuss financial struggles respectfully in professional or serious social conversations.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to describe having little money for living expenses.
- Commonly used in professional, medical, or government contexts.
- Acts as a respectful alternative to the word 'poor'.
Significado
This phrase describes people or families who don't earn much money compared to others. It is a polite way to talk about being poor or having a tight budget.
Ejemplos clave
3 de 6Discussing housing options
This apartment complex is reserved for low-income residents.
هذا المجمع السكني مخصص لذوي الدخل المنخفض.
Talking about childhood
I grew up in a low-income household, so we learned to save.
نشأت في أسرة ذات دخل منخفض، لذا تعلمنا الادخار.
Applying for a discount
Do you offer any discounts for low-income students?
هل تقدمون أي خصومات للطلاب ذوي الدخل المنخفض؟
Contexto cultural
In Western cultures, 'low income' is a standard sociological term used to avoid the stigma of the word 'poor.' It gained massive popularity in the mid-20th century through social policy and urban planning. It reflects a cultural preference for using neutral, objective language when discussing sensitive personal topics like wealth.
The Hyphen Rule
Use a hyphen when it comes before a noun (low-income family), but no hyphen when it stands alone (their income is low).
Don't be too clinical
Using 'low income' to describe a friend to their face might sound like you're a robot. Use 'short on cash' instead for a warmer feel.
En 15 segundos
- A polite way to describe having little money for living expenses.
- Commonly used in professional, medical, or government contexts.
- Acts as a respectful alternative to the word 'poor'.
What It Means
Low income is a gentle way to say someone is struggling financially. It focuses on the money coming in, not the person's character. Think of it as a 'soft' word for poor. It is used for individuals, families, or even entire neighborhoods. It sounds much more respectful than saying someone is 'broke'.
How To Use It
You usually place it before a noun. You can say low-income families or low-income housing. It works like an adjective to describe a situation. You can also say 'I am on a low income right now'. This sounds professional even if your wallet is crying. It is very common in news reports and government forms.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing social issues or economics. It is perfect for job applications or housing requests. Use it when you want to be sensitive about someone's money status. It is great for explaining why you can't afford a $15 latte. It keeps the conversation polite and factual.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using it in super casual settings with close friends. If you're out with buddies, just say 'I'm broke' or 'I'm skint'. Don't use it to insult someone's lifestyle. It is a financial term, not a personality trait. Never use it to look down on others. That is just bad manners, honestly.
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, talking about money is awkward. Low income helps bridge that gap by being clinical and neutral. It became popular as a 'politically correct' alternative to harsher words. In the US and UK, it often relates to government assistance programs. It suggests that the system recognizes your struggle. It carries less 'stigma' than older terms for poverty.
Common Variations
You might hear lower income which sounds even softer. Some people use limited means to sound extra fancy. In business, you might hear low-wage earners. If you are talking about a whole area, use disadvantaged. Each one changes the flavor but keeps the same core meaning. Just pick the one that fits your mood!
Notas de uso
This phrase is neutral to formal. It is the 'safe' choice for professional writing, news, and polite conversation when you need to mention poverty.
The Hyphen Rule
Use a hyphen when it comes before a noun (low-income family), but no hyphen when it stands alone (their income is low).
Don't be too clinical
Using 'low income' to describe a friend to their face might sound like you're a robot. Use 'short on cash' instead for a warmer feel.
The 'Lower' Trick
In English, adding '-er' to make it 'lower income' often sounds even more polite because it implies a comparison rather than a fixed label.
Ejemplos
6This apartment complex is reserved for low-income residents.
هذا المجمع السكني مخصص لذوي الدخل المنخفض.
Used here as a formal qualification for housing.
I grew up in a low-income household, so we learned to save.
نشأت في أسرة ذات دخل منخفض، لذا تعلمنا الادخار.
A neutral way to share personal history.
Do you offer any discounts for low-income students?
هل تقدمون أي خصومات للطلاب ذوي الدخل المنخفض؟
A polite way to ask for financial help.
This place is great for my current low-income lifestyle!
هذا المكان رائع لنمط حياتي الحالي ذو الدخل المنخفض!
Self-deprecating humor about being broke.
The new tax law will mostly benefit low-income earners.
قانون الضرائب الجديد سيفيد بشكل أساسي أصحاب الدخل المنخفض.
Standard journalistic use of the term.
The school provides free meals to children from low-income families.
توفر المدرسة وجبات مجانية للأطفال من الأسر ذات الدخل المنخفض.
Used to describe a demographic group.
Ponte a prueba
Choose the most appropriate word to complete the sentence in a professional setting.
The charity provides support to ___ individuals in the city.
`Low-income` is the most professional and respectful term for a charity context.
Complete the sentence describing a demographic group.
Many ___ families struggle with rising energy costs.
`Low-income families` is the standard collocation in English.
🎉 Puntuación: /2
Ayudas visuales
Financial Status Formality
Used with friends
I'm broke.
Respectful and clear
I'm on a low income.
Official or academic
Individuals of limited means.
Where to use 'Low Income'
Government Forms
Applying for grants
News/Media
Reporting on the economy
Social Work
Helping families in need
Job Interviews
Discussing salary history
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasNo, it is not an insult. It is a factual, polite way to describe a financial situation, unlike words like poor which can sometimes feel judgmental.
Yes, you can. Saying I am on a low income is a very dignified way to explain why you might need a discount or a payment plan.
Poor is a general, emotional word. Low income is specific to money and is used in professional or official contexts.
Use a hyphen if it's an adjective before a noun, like low-income housing. If you say my income is low, you don't need the hyphen.
This refers to a specific range of earnings defined by the government for tax purposes. For example, He falls into the low-income bracket.
Yes, economically disadvantaged or of limited means are even more formal, often used in legal or academic writing.
Yes, economists often refer to low-income countries when discussing global development.
The opposite is high income. You can also use affluent or wealthy for more variety.
Not necessarily. Many people with low income have jobs, but their wages are just not very high.
In a text, you might just say I'm low income right now lol to explain why you're eating ramen noodles again.
Frases relacionadas
Underprivileged (lacking opportunities)
Broke (informal: having no money)
Living paycheck to paycheck (spending everything earned)
Struggling financially (having a hard time with money)
On a budget (trying to save money)
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