Penny for your thoughts Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɛni/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈθɔts
PEN-ee fer yor thawts
pˈɛni/ /fˈɔː/ /jˈɔː/ /θˈɔːts
PEN-ee faw yaw thawts
Definition
An expression used to ask someone what they are thinking, especially when they seem quiet or lost in thought.
Usage & Nuances
Informal, friendly, and sometimes slightly playful. Most often used when someone is quiet or looks deep in thought. Usually not a literal request for a penny. Not common in formal or written communication.
Spanish: ¿en qué piensas? - dime lo que piensasPortuguese (BR): em que está pensando? - o que está pensando?Portuguese (PT): em que estás a pensar? - o que estás a pensar?Chinese (Simplified): 你在想什么? - 说说你的想法Chinese (Traditional): 你在想什麼? - 說說你的想法Hindi: क्या सोच रहे हो?Arabic: بم تفكر؟ - أخبرني ما الذي يشغل بالكBengali: তুমি কী ভাবছো? - কী ভাবছো?Russian: о чём ты думаешь? - поделишься мыслями?Japanese: 何を考えているの? - どうしたの?Vietnamese: Bạn đang nghĩ gì vậy? - Đang nghĩ gì thế?Korean: 무슨 생각해? - 무슨 생각해요?Turkish: Aklından ne geçiyor? - Ne düşünüyorsun?Urdu: تم کیا سوچ رہے ہو؟ - کیا سوچ رہے ہو؟Indonesian: Lagi mikirin apa? - Kamu lagi pikir apa?
Example Sentences
You look quiet today. Penny for your thoughts?
basic
She stared at the window, so I said, 'Penny for your thoughts?'
basic
Everyone was silent at dinner, so he joked, 'Penny for your thoughts?'
basic
You seem miles away. Penny for your thoughts?
natural
After a long pause, he smiled and said, 'Penny for your thoughts.'
natural
If you're lost in thought over there, penny for your thoughts!
natural