Significado
Being busy with chores.
Contexto cultural
The 'Coffee Culture' is huge, but 'Έχω δουλειά' is the only acceptable reason to skip it. If you say you are just 'tired,' friends might insist you come anyway to 'relax.' In Cyprus, you might hear 'Έχω δουλειές' more frequently for even single tasks. The dialectal intonation is different, but the meaning remains the same. Often 'Gringlish' is used: 'Έχω work' or 'Είμαι busy.' However, 'Έχω δουλειά' remains one of the most resilient phrases kept by second-generation speakers. In Athens, being 'busy' is often seen as a sign of success. Professional people will often say 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά' to signal that their services are in high demand.
The 'Vague' Excuse
If you don't want to go somewhere, just say 'Έχω μια δουλειά.' Greeks rarely ask 'What work?' as it's considered slightly impolite to pry.
Accent Matters
Always stress the 'a' in dou-le-Á. Stressing the 'i' (dou-le-Í-a) means slavery.
Significado
Being busy with chores.
The 'Vague' Excuse
If you don't want to go somewhere, just say 'Έχω μια δουλειά.' Greeks rarely ask 'What work?' as it's considered slightly impolite to pry.
Accent Matters
Always stress the 'a' in dou-le-Á. Stressing the 'i' (dou-le-Í-a) means slavery.
Plural for Errands
Use 'Έχω δουλειές' (plural) if you are going to the bank, post office, or supermarket. It sounds more natural for a day of errands.
Ponte a prueba
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω' and the noun 'δουλειά'.
Συγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ να μιλήσω τώρα, _______ _______.
You are speaking about yourself (I), so you use 'έχω'.
Which phrase means 'I have many errands to run'?
Πώς λέμε 'I have many errands' στα ελληνικά;
The plural 'δουλειές' is used for multiple errands or chores.
Complete the dialogue with a polite excuse.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά το βράδυ; Β: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, _______.
'Έχω δουλειά' is the standard way to decline an invitation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Έχω πήξει στη δουλειά. 2. Έχω μια δουλίτσα. 3. Είχα δουλειά.
'Πήξει' is for stress, 'δουλίτσα' is for small tasks, and 'είχα' is past tense.
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Ayudas visuales
Types of 'Δουλειά'
Professional
- • Office work
- • Meetings
- • Deadlines
Personal
- • Chores
- • Errands
- • Studying
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosΣυγγνώμη, δεν μπορώ να μιλήσω τώρα, _______ _______.
You are speaking about yourself (I), so you use 'έχω'.
Πώς λέμε 'I have many errands' στα ελληνικά;
The plural 'δουλειές' is used for multiple errands or chores.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά το βράδυ; Β: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, _______.
'Έχω δουλειά' is the standard way to decline an invitation.
1. Έχω πήξει στη δουλειά. 2. Έχω μια δουλίτσα. 3. Είχα δουλειά.
'Πήξει' is for stress, 'δουλίτσα' is for small tasks, and 'είχα' is past tense.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasYes, absolutely. It covers any task that requires effort, from washing dishes to writing a report.
No, it's a standard and polite way to say you're busy. Just add 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) to be extra polite.
'Δουλειά' is the everyday word. 'Εργασία' is more formal, often used for academic papers or official employment terms.
You say 'Είμαι στη δουλειά.' Don't confuse it with 'Έχω δουλειά' (I have work/I am busy).
Yes, students use it to mean they have to study or do homework.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, your friends, or a stranger.
The plural usually refers to a collection of errands or chores outside of one's main job.
It's a cute, diminutive way to say you have a small task or a secret errand.
Yes, but in very formal emails, 'λόγω επαγγελματικών υποχρεώσεων' (due to professional obligations) is better.
No, it can mean any task, chore, or even a favor you are doing for someone.
Frases relacionadas
Πιάνω δουλειά
builds onTo start work / To start a shift
Χάνω τη δουλειά μου
relatedTo lose my job
Δουλειά δεν είχε ο διάβολος...
similarThe devil had no work...
Είμαι απασχολημένος
synonymI am busy
