Signification
Stating a schedule.
Contexte culturel
The 'Kafe' culture is sacred. Saying 'Έχω δουλειά' is often the only acceptable way to avoid a 3-hour social commitment without offending the host. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but you might hear the dialectal 'Έχω δουλειάν' with a 'n' at the end. Second-generation Greeks often mix the languages, saying 'I have douleia today' when speaking with family. Despite stereotypes, Greeks work some of the longest hours in Europe. 'Έχω δουλειά' is often a literal statement of a long workday.
The Plural Trick
Use 'δουλειές' (plural) if you are doing errands like grocery shopping or banking. It sounds more natural than the singular.
Don't sound like a slave
Remember the etymology, but don't worry—no one thinks of slavery when you say this today!
Signification
Stating a schedule.
The Plural Trick
Use 'δουλειές' (plural) if you are doing errands like grocery shopping or banking. It sounds more natural than the singular.
Don't sound like a slave
Remember the etymology, but don't worry—no one thinks of slavery when you say this today!
Polite Declining
Always add 'Δυστυχώς' (Unfortunately) before the phrase to sound extra polite when saying no to a friend.
The 'Kafe' Excuse
If you really don't want to go out, 'Έχω δουλειά' is the most unquestionable excuse in Greek culture.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εμείς δεν ________ δουλειά σήμερα.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to decline a coffee invitation?
Πάμε για καφέ;
'Έχω δουλειά σήμερα' is the standard, natural way to say you are busy.
Complete the dialogue with the correct phrase.
Α: Κώστα, θα έρθεις στο σινεμά; Β: ________, έχω πολλή δουλειά σήμερα.
'Δυστυχώς' (Unfortunately) is used to express regret when declining an invitation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
1. Έχω δουλειά στο γραφείο. 2. Έχω δουλειές στο σπίτι.
Singular 'δουλειά' usually refers to a job, while plural 'δουλειές' often refers to chores or errands.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Types of 'Δουλειά'
Professional
- • Office
- • Shop
- • Freelance
Errands
- • Bank
- • Supermarket
- • Post Office
Household
- • Cleaning
- • Cooking
- • Repairs
Singular vs Plural
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς δεν ________ δουλειά σήμερα.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be 'έχουμε'.
Πάμε για καφέ;
'Έχω δουλειά σήμερα' is the standard, natural way to say you are busy.
Α: Κώστα, θα έρθεις στο σινεμά; Β: ________, έχω πολλή δουλειά σήμερα.
'Δυστυχώς' (Unfortunately) is used to express regret when declining an invitation.
1. Έχω δουλειά στο γραφείο. 2. Έχω δουλειές στο σπίτι.
Singular 'δουλειά' usually refers to a job, while plural 'δουλειές' often refers to chores or errands.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, but it's more common to use the plural: 'Έχω δουλειές στο σπίτι'.
It can be a bit blunt. Adding 'Συγγνώμη' (Sorry) or 'Δυστυχώς' (Unfortunately) makes it much softer.
'Δουλειά' is everyday speech. 'Εργασία' is formal, used for 'employment' or 'academic work'.
Use 'Έχω πολλή δουλειά'. Note that 'πολλή' is the feminine form to match 'δουλειά'.
Yes, it can refer to studying or homework, though 'Έχω διάβασμα' (I have reading/studying) is more specific.
No, it can mean any task or errand that keeps you busy.
You can say 'Δεν έχω δουλειά σήμερα' or 'Έχω ρεπό' (I have a day off).
No, you can say 'Σήμερα έχω δουλειά' to emphasize that you are busy *today* specifically.
You would still say 'Έχω δουλειά' (I have work to do) or 'Έχω πολλές δουλειές' (I have many jobs/tasks).
Yes, it's neutral enough for a standard professional email.
It's like the 'th' in 'the' or 'this', not like a 'd'.
No, for that you use the verb 'δουλεύει'. Example: 'Το κινητό μου δεν δουλεύει'.
Expressions liées
Είμαι απασχολημένος
synonymI am busy
Έχω δουλειές
variationI have errands/tasks
Πνίγομαι στη δουλειά
builds onI am drowning in work
Δεν έχω δουλειά
contrastI don't have work / I am unemployed
Πιάσαμε δουλειά
relatedWe started work
