Just getting by Meaning in English
expression · lemma: just get by
ˈdʒəst/, /dʒɪst/ /ˈɡɛtɪŋ/, /ˈɡɪtɪŋ/ /ˈbaɪ
JUHST or JIST GET-ing or GIT-ing BYE
dʒˈʌst/ /ɡˈɛtɪŋ/ /bˈaɪ
j-UST get-ING by
Definition
If you are just getting by, you only have enough money, skill, or resources to survive or manage, but nothing extra. It suggests living or coping with difficulty.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, often about finances or basic life situations. Common in responses to 'How are you?', showing modesty or underlying struggle. Not used for strong or successful situations.
Spanish: apenas sobreviviendo - simplemente arreglándosePortuguese (BR): apenas se virando - só conseguindo passarPortuguese (PT): apenas a safar-se - só a conseguir passarChinese (Simplified): 勉强过日子 - 勉强应付Chinese (Traditional): 勉強過日子 - 勉強應付Hindi: बस गुज़ारा हो रहा है - मुश्किल से चल रहा हैArabic: بصعوبة نتدبر أمورنا - بالكاد نعيشBengali: কিছুতেই চলে যাচ্ছে - কোনোভাবে চলছেRussian: еле свожу концы с концами - еле перебиваюсьJapanese: なんとかやっている - かろうじてやっているVietnamese: chỉ đủ sống - sống tạm bợKorean: 그럭저럭 살고 있다 - 겨우 먹고산다Turkish: zar zor geçinmek - kıt kanaat geçinmekUrdu: کسی طرح گزارا کرنا - بمشکل گزر بسر کرناIndonesian: hanya sekadar bertahan - pas-pasan
Example Sentences
I'm just getting by on my small salary.
basic
After losing his job, he was just getting by.
basic
My family is just getting by these days.
basic
Honestly, I'm just getting by—paying the bills and that's about it.
natural
We’re not doing great, just just getting by with what we have.
natural
When people ask, I tell them I’m just getting by.
natural