Signification
Being forced into a decision.
Contexte culturel
The concept of 'Ananke' (Necessity) is a pillar of Greek thought from antiquity. Saying you have no choice is often a way to align oneself with the inevitable flow of life. In Cyprus, the phrase is used similarly, but the local dialect might change the pronunciation of 'έχω' to 'έχω' with a softer 'ch'. The sentiment of political necessity is very strong here. Among Greeks in the US or Australia, this phrase is often used when discussing the difficult decision their ancestors made to emigrate. During the economic crisis (2009-2018), this phrase became a staple in news and daily talk regarding austerity measures.
Use with 'παρά να'
To say 'no choice but to...', use 'παρά να' followed by a verb.
Gender Agreement
Always use 'άλλη' (feminine), never 'άλλο' (neuter) with 'επιλογή'.
Signification
Being forced into a decision.
Use with 'παρά να'
To say 'no choice but to...', use 'παρά να' followed by a verb.
Gender Agreement
Always use 'άλλη' (feminine), never 'άλλο' (neuter) with 'επιλογή'.
Sarcastic Usage
You can use it sarcastically when someone asks you to do something you obviously want to do. 'Θέλεις παγωτό;' 'Δεν έχω άλλη επιλογή!'
Teste-toi
Fill in the missing word in the correct form.
Δεν έχω ____ επιλογή. (other)
The noun 'επιλογή' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'άλλη'.
Choose the best response to the situation.
Situation: Your car is broken and you must take the bus to work.
This phrase correctly expresses that you are forced to take the bus because there are no other options.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Γιατί αγόρασες αυτό το ακριβό εισιτήριο; B: ____________________, ήταν το τελευταίο.
The past tense 'είχα' is needed because the action of buying the ticket already happened.
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
Match 'Δεν μας αφήνετε άλλη επιλογή παρά να καλέσουμε την αστυνομία.'
This is a threat/warning used when alternatives (like talking) have failed.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΔεν έχω ____ επιλογή. (other)
The noun 'επιλογή' is feminine singular, so the adjective must be 'άλλη'.
Situation: Your car is broken and you must take the bus to work.
This phrase correctly expresses that you are forced to take the bus because there are no other options.
A: Γιατί αγόρασες αυτό το ακριβό εισιτήριο; B: ____________________, ήταν το τελευταίο.
The past tense 'είχα' is needed because the action of buying the ticket already happened.
Match 'Δεν μας αφήνετε άλλη επιλογή παρά να καλέσουμε την αστυνομία.'
This is a threat/warning used when alternatives (like talking) have failed.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt is always 'άλλη' because 'επιλογή' is a feminine noun.
Yes, it is perfectly acceptable and professional.
'Επιλογή' is choice, 'εναλλακτική' is alternative. They are often interchangeable in this phrase.
Use the past tense: 'Δεν είχα άλλη επιλογή'.
You can say 'Δεν γίνεται αλλιώς' (It can't be otherwise).
Yes, both come from the root 'logos' (word/reason).
Yes, it means 'I don't have choices', but 'άλλη επιλογή' is more common for specific situations.
Only if you use it for very small things, like choosing a color of pen.
Using the neuter 'άλλο' instead of 'άλλη'.
Yes: 'Δεν έχω άλλη επιλογή μου' is wrong, but 'Δεν μου μένει άλλη επιλογή' is correct.
Expressions liées
Είναι μονόδρομος
similarIt's a one-way street.
Δεν γίνεται αλλιώς
synonymIt can't be done otherwise.
Έχω πολλές επιλογές
contrastI have many choices.
Δεν μου μένει άλλη επιλογή
builds onNo other choice remains for me.
