Bedeutung
I am busy with tasks.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'vague' excuse is a sign of respect. By not giving a specific reason (like 'I'm tired' or 'I'm watching TV'), you imply that only 'work' could keep you away from your friends. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but you might also hear 'έχω δουλειές του σπιτιού' specifically for chores. Second-generation Greeks often use this phrase as a direct translation of 'I have stuff to do,' maintaining the plural form even when speaking English. In Greek business, 'έχω δουλειές' can be used to signal that one is 'in demand,' even if the tasks are minor.
The 'Kati' Trick
Add 'κάτι' before 'δουλειές' (έχω κάτι δουλειές) to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It makes the excuse sound softer and more natural.
Don't be too specific
In Greece, if you say 'έχω δουλειές,' people usually won't ask 'what kind?' If you start listing them, you might actually sound more suspicious!
Bedeutung
I am busy with tasks.
The 'Kati' Trick
Add 'κάτι' before 'δουλειές' (έχω κάτι δουλειές) to sound 100% more like a native speaker. It makes the excuse sound softer and more natural.
Don't be too specific
In Greece, if you say 'έχω δουλειές,' people usually won't ask 'what kind?' If you start listing them, you might actually sound more suspicious!
The 'Trexoume' Response
When someone asks 'How are you?', a common answer is 'Τρέχουμε!' (We are running!), implying you have many 'δουλειές.'
Use for chores
Remember that 'δουλειές' also covers cleaning the house. 'Κάνω τις δουλειές του σπιτιού' is the standard way to say 'I'm doing chores.'
Teste dich selbst
Choose the correct form to say 'I have errands' in Greek.
Σήμερα δεν μπορώ να βγούμε, __________.
The plural 'δουλειές' is used for general errands and busyness.
Fill in the missing verb in the correct tense (Past).
Χθες __________ δουλειές και δεν ήρθα στο πάρτι.
'Είχα' is the past tense (Imperfect) of 'έχω'.
Match the phrase to the most appropriate situation.
Situation: You are at the supermarket, then the bank, then the pharmacy.
Running multiple errands is the definition of 'έχω δουλειές'.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά; B: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, __________.
This is the standard polite refusal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
What counts as 'Δουλειές'?
Errands
- • Τράπεζα
- • Σούπερ Μάρκετ
- • Φαρμακείο
Chores
- • Καθάρισμα
- • Μαγείρεμα
- • Πλύσιμο
Admin
- • Λογαριασμοί
- • Ραντεβού
Singular vs. Plural
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΣήμερα δεν μπορώ να βγούμε, __________.
The plural 'δουλειές' is used for general errands and busyness.
Χθες __________ δουλειές και δεν ήρθα στο πάρτι.
'Είχα' is the past tense (Imperfect) of 'έχω'.
Situation: You are at the supermarket, then the bank, then the pharmacy.
Running multiple errands is the definition of 'έχω δουλειές'.
A: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά; B: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, __________.
This is the standard polite refusal.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenNot at all. It is a standard, polite way to decline an invitation or explain why you are busy.
Technically yes, but 'έχω δουλειά' (singular) is more common for professional work. Plural implies a variety of tasks.
'Δουλειές' are tasks/errands; 'υποχρεώσεις' are obligations (like bills or family duties).
You can say 'Έχω πάρα πολλές δουλειές' or 'Είμαι πνιγμένος στις δουλειές.'
No, it can also mean you have chores to do inside the house.
It's better to use 'ανειλημμένες υποχρεώσεις' (prior obligations) in very formal writing.
Yes, 'έχω δουλειά,' but it usually means 'I am working' or 'I have a job.'
Because it implies a list of various things to do, rather than one single task.
It means 'I have some things to do.' The 'κάτι' makes it sound more casual.
Use the past tense: 'Είχα δουλειές χθες.'
Yes, it's very common in Cyprus as well.
Yes, that means 'I am currently doing chores/errands.'
Verwandte Redewendungen
έχω τρεχάματα
similarI have runnings/stressful errands
έχω δουλειά
specialized formI am at work / I have a job
είμαι πνιγμένος
builds onI am drowning (in work)
έχω υποχρεώσεις
similarI have obligations
κάνω δουλειές
similarI am doing chores
