Bedeutung
Indicating a busy schedule.
Kultureller Hintergrund
The 'Mesimeri' (afternoon nap) is a sacred time. If someone says they have 'πολλή δουλειά' during these hours, it often means they are catching up on tasks they couldn't do during the heat of the day. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear the dialectal 'Έχω πολλήν δουλειάν' with the final 'n' sound typical of Cypriot Greek. In Greek-American or Greek-Australian communities, this phrase is often one of the few preserved by second or third generations to explain why they can't attend family events. Greeks often value the 'hustle'. Complaining about having 'πολλή δουλειά' is sometimes a way of bonding with colleagues over shared stress.
The 'Double L' Rule
In writing, remember that 'πολλή' (much) has two 'λ', while 'πολύ' (very) has one. This is a common spelling test question!
Don't say 'Είμαι απασχολημένος'
While 'απασχολημένος' means 'busy', it sounds much more formal and 'textbook'. 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά' is what people actually say.
Bedeutung
Indicating a busy schedule.
The 'Double L' Rule
In writing, remember that 'πολλή' (much) has two 'λ', while 'πολύ' (very) has one. This is a common spelling test question!
Don't say 'Είμαι απασχολημένος'
While 'απασχολημένος' means 'busy', it sounds much more formal and 'textbook'. 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά' is what people actually say.
Use it as a shield
If someone is talking too much, a polite 'Συγγνώμη, έχω πολλή δουλειά' is the perfect way to end the conversation gracefully.
The Frappe Paradox
You can say you have 'πολλή δουλειά' even while holding a coffee. In Greece, work and social life are not mutually exclusive.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the correct form of 'much' (πολύ or πολλή).
Συγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ να μιλήσω τώρα, έχω ______ δουλειά.
Because 'δουλειά' is a feminine noun, we must use the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am busy' in Greek?
How do you say 'I am busy'?
Greek uses the verb 'έχω' (have) and the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
Match the phrase to the correct situation.
Situation: You are late to a meeting with a friend.
The past tense 'είχα' is used to explain a past delay.
Complete the dialogue.
Μαρία: Πάμε σινεμά το βράδυ; Νίκος: Μακάρι να μπορούσα, αλλά ________.
Nikos is explaining why he cannot go, so he uses the first person 'έχω'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Πολλή vs. Πολύ
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenΣυγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ να μιλήσω τώρα, έχω ______ δουλειά.
Because 'δουλειά' is a feminine noun, we must use the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
How do you say 'I am busy'?
Greek uses the verb 'έχω' (have) and the feminine adjective 'πολλή'.
Situation: You are late to a meeting with a friend.
The past tense 'είχα' is used to explain a past delay.
Μαρία: Πάμε σινεμά το βράδυ; Νίκος: Μακάρι να μπορούσα, αλλά ________.
Nikos is explaining why he cannot go, so he uses the first person 'έχω'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
12 FragenYes, but students often say 'Έχω πολύ διάβασμα' (I have much studying) instead.
No, it's neutral. It just states a fact about your workload.
'Δουλειά' is everyday work; 'εργασία' is more formal or refers to a specific project/assignment.
Because 'δουλειά' is feminine. Adjectives must match the gender of the noun.
You can say 'Είμαι πολύ απασχολημένος', but 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά' is more common.
Absolutely. 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά στο σπίτι' is very common.
Yes, 'Είμαι πήχτρα' or 'Γίνεται χαμός'.
Not necessarily. It means you have tasks to do, wherever you are.
Use the past tense: 'Είχα πολλή δουλειά'.
It's grammatically correct but sounds like you're talking about a school essay.
Then you say 'Έχω πολλές δουλειές'.
Yes, with a slight accent change ('πολλήν δουλειάν').
Verwandte Redewendungen
Πνίγομαι στη δουλειά
similarI am drowning in work
Έχω τρέξιμο
similarI have running (errands)
Δεν προλαβαίνω
similarI don't have enough time
Είμαι ελεύθερος
contrastI am free
Κάνω δουλειά
builds onI am doing work / It works
