Been getting by Meaning in English
expression · lemma: get by
ˈbɪn/, /bən/, /bɪn/ /ˈɡɛtɪŋ/, /ˈɡɪtɪŋ/ /ˈbaɪ
BIN or buhn or BIN GET-ing or GIT-ing BY
bˈiːn/ /ɡˈɛtɪŋ/ /bˈaɪ
BEEN GET-ing BY
Definition
Means managing to survive, cope, or handle things, usually during a difficult period. Suggests things are not great, but you are managing.
Usage & Nuances
Informal. Used for temporary or ongoing situations, not for past events that are fully over. Commonly used to answer "How have you been?" or describe managing with limited resources.
Spanish: he estado sobreviviendo - me las he arregladoPortuguese (BR): tenho conseguido me virar - tenho sobrevividoPortuguese (PT): tenho conseguido safar-me - tenho sobrevividoChinese (Simplified): 一直勉强过得去 - 一直凑合着Chinese (Traditional): 一直勉強過得去 - 一直湊合著Hindi: किसी तरह से गुज़ारा कर रहा हूँArabic: كنت أعيش بالكاد - تمكنت من الصمودBengali: কষ্টে টিকে আছিRussian: как-то справлялся - выживалJapanese: なんとかやってきたVietnamese: vẫn xoay sở đượcKorean: 그럭저럭 지내왔어Turkish: idare ediyorum - geçinip gidiyorumUrdu: کسی طرح گزارا کر رہا ہوںIndonesian: masih bisa bertahan - masih bisa menjalani
Example Sentences
I've been getting by with a part-time job.
basic
She's been getting by on a student budget.
basic
We have been getting by without a car.
basic
Honestly, I've just been getting by these days—nothing special.
natural
We've been getting by ever since my hours were cut at work.
natural
After everything that's happened, I'm surprised you've been getting by so well.
natural