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toto
wiped out / broken
Colloquial for completely exhausted, worn out, or no longer functioning.
example
Nach dem Marathon war ich abends völlig toto.
After the marathon, I was completely wiped out that evening.
der Toto
wiped out / broken
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Meanings
Usage tips
Colloquial expression
'Toto' (wiped out/broken) is a colloquial word and is often used in informal conversations. It derives from the French word 'total', which explains the meaning 'völlig' (completely) or 'ganz' (entirely).
EXAMPLE
Nach der langen Wanderung waren wir alle ganz toto.
After the long hike, we were all completely wiped out.
Used only predicatively
This adjective is used almost exclusively predicatively, that is, after a verb like 'sein' (to be). Using it directly before a noun, e.g. 'ein totoes Gerät' (a broken device), is very unusual.
EXAMPLE
Mein alter Laptop ist leider komplett toto.
Unfortunately, my old laptop is completely broken.
Typical intensifiers
To emphasize total exhaustion or complete malfunction, 'toto' (wiped out/broken) is often combined with adverbs such as 'völlig' (completely), 'komplett' (completely), or 'ganz' (entirely).
EXAMPLE
Nach zwölf Stunden Arbeit fühle ich mich völlig toto.
After twelve hours of work, I feel completely wiped out.
Compare with
Toto vs fertig
finished / ready
'fertig' and 'der Toto' can both express, in very colloquial language, that someone is completely exhausted or worn out. 'fertig' is the normal word here and is much easier to understand. 'toto' is very informal and can also mean that something is no longer working. So you have to tell from the context whether a person is exhausted or an object is broken. Learners may confuse the words because both can express being 'at the end of one's strength'. In most situations, 'fertig' is the safer choice.
Toto
Nach zwölf Stunden Arbeit war ich komplett toto.
After twelve hours of work, I was completely wiped out.
fertig
Nach dem Prüfungstag ist die ganze Klasse fertig.
After the exam day, the whole class is exhausted.
In real life
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