Signification
Being available for a task.
Contexte culturel
The 'Coffee Culture' in Greece means that 'having time' for a coffee can last anywhere from 1 to 4 hours. It is not a quick caffeine fix but a social event. In Cyprus, the phrase is often used with the local dialectal variations, but the sentiment of hospitality and making time for guests remains paramount. Second-generation Greeks often use 'Έχω χρόνο' as a direct translation from English, sometimes losing the subtle 'siga-siga' nuance of the mainland. In modern Athenian offices, 'Δεν έχω χρόνο' is becoming a status symbol, much like in London or New York, signaling that one is important and busy.
The 'Na' Rule
Always use 'να' after 'έχω χρόνο' if you want to follow it with a verb (e.g., Έχω χρόνο να δω).
Punctuality Trap
Don't say 'Έχω χρόνο' when you arrive at an appointment. It sounds like you're bored!
Signification
Being available for a task.
The 'Na' Rule
Always use 'να' after 'έχω χρόνο' if you want to follow it with a verb (e.g., Έχω χρόνο να δω).
Punctuality Trap
Don't say 'Έχω χρόνο' when you arrive at an appointment. It sounds like you're bored!
Emphasis
Add 'καθόλου' (at all) for emphasis: 'Δεν έχω καθόλου χρόνο!' (I have no time at all!)
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εμείς _______ χρόνο για μια βόλτα.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Which sentence means 'I don't have time to cook'?
Select the correct Greek translation:
'Δεν έχω χρόνο' means 'I don't have time' and 'να μαγειρέψω' means 'to cook'.
Match the response to the situation.
Situation: A friend asks if you can talk on the phone for an hour.
'Έχω χρόνο' is the appropriate response to indicate availability for a long talk.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά; Β: Δυστυχώς, _______ χρόνο σήμερα, έχω πολλή δουλειά.
The context 'έχω πολλή δουλειά' (I have a lot of work) implies a lack of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to say 'Έχω χρόνο'
Social
- • Coffee
- • Walk
- • Phone call
Work
- • Meetings
- • Help
- • Emails
Self
- • Hobbies
- • Rest
- • Reading
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς _______ χρόνο για μια βόλτα.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Select the correct Greek translation:
'Δεν έχω χρόνο' means 'I don't have time' and 'να μαγειρέψω' means 'to cook'.
Situation: A friend asks if you can talk on the phone for an hour.
'Έχω χρόνο' is the appropriate response to indicate availability for a long talk.
Α: Θέλεις να πάμε σινεμά; Β: Δυστυχώς, _______ χρόνο σήμερα, έχω πολλή δουλειά.
The context 'έχω πολλή δουλειά' (I have a lot of work) implies a lack of time.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, 'Έχω την ώρα' means 'I have the time' (as in, I can tell you what time it is). Use 'Έχω χρόνο' for availability.
It is neutral. It's safe to use with your boss or your best friend.
You can say 'Είμαι απασχολημένος/η' or simply 'Δεν έχω χρόνο'.
'Χρόνος' is time as a concept or duration. 'Ώρα' is the hour or the specific time on the clock.
No, 'Έχω χρόνους' is not used for availability. It might refer to grammatical tenses.
Use 'Έχω πολύ χρόνο' or 'Έχω άφθονο χρόνο'.
It can be blunt. Adding 'Δυστυχώς' (Unfortunately) at the beginning makes it much softer.
Yes, this is a very nice way to tell someone they are a priority.
It means 'I'm taking my time' or 'I'm doing things at my own pace'.
You can say 'Έχεις ένα λεπτό;' (Do you have a minute?) or 'Έχεις λίγο χρόνο;'.
Expressions liées
Ελεύθερος χρόνος
similarFree time / Leisure time
Προλαβαίνω
builds onTo make it in time / To have enough time to finish
Χάνω χρόνο
contrastTo waste time
Βρίσκω χρόνο
similarTo find time
