Signification
Lacking funds.
Contexte culturel
During the financial crisis, this phrase became a national motto of sorts. It's often said with a sigh and a smile, reflecting the 'Greek resilience'. In Cyprus, you might hear 'Δεν έχω ριάλια' (rialia) instead of 'χρήματα', which is a local dialectal variation. Greek-Americans or Greek-Australians might mix the languages, saying 'Δεν έχω money', but 'χρήματα' remains the emotional link to their heritage. The concept of 'chrimata' was tied to civic duty. Not having 'chrimata' meant you couldn't participate fully in certain aspects of the Polis.
Use 'μαζί μου'
Add 'μαζί μου' (with me) if you just forgot your wallet but aren't actually broke.
Avoid 'χρήμα'
Don't use the singular 'χρήμα' unless you're writing a philosophical essay about Wealth.
Signification
Lacking funds.
Use 'μαζί μου'
Add 'μαζί μου' (with me) if you just forgot your wallet but aren't actually broke.
Avoid 'χρήμα'
Don't use the singular 'χρήμα' unless you're writing a philosophical essay about Wealth.
The 'Λεφτά' Switch
Switch to 'λεφτά' in bars or cafes to sound more like a local.
Be prepared to be treated
If you say this to a Greek host, they will almost certainly try to pay for you.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the verb 'έχω'.
Εμείς δεν ______ χρήματα για το εισιτήριο.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I am broke' to a friend?
Πώς το λες σε έναν φίλο;
'Λεφτά' is the most common informal word for money among friends.
Match the Greek phrase to its English meaning.
Αντιστοίχιση:
These are all variations of expressing a lack of funds.
Complete the dialogue.
Α: Πάμε για φαγητό; Β: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, ______.
The context 'Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ' (Unfortunately I can't) implies a lack of funds.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Have vs Be
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΕμείς δεν ______ χρήματα για το εισιτήριο.
The subject is 'Εμείς' (We), so the verb must be in the first person plural.
Πώς το λες σε έναν φίλο;
'Λεφτά' is the most common informal word for money among friends.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
These are all variations of expressing a lack of funds.
Α: Πάμε για φαγητό; Β: Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ, ______.
The context 'Δυστυχώς δεν μπορώ' (Unfortunately I can't) implies a lack of funds.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, it is a neutral and honest statement. However, the tone of voice matters.
Yes, it's a common way to say you're not buying anything today.
'Χρήματα' is more formal/neutral, 'λεφτά' is more common in daily speech.
You can say 'Δεν έχω καθόλου χρήματα' or 'Είμαι απένταρος'.
Yes, before a vowel like in 'έχω', the 'ν' is always pronounced.
It's better to use 'χρήματα' or discuss 'budget' (προϋπολογισμός) in a professional setting.
It's a grammatical tradition in Greek where 'money' is viewed as a collection of 'useful things'.
Say 'Ξέχασα την κάρτα μου, δεν έχω χρήματα μαζί μου'.
Yes, 'Είμαι ταπί' or 'Δεν έχω φράγκο'.
Yes, it's a very frequent phrase in social and economic discussions.
Expressions liées
Δεν έχω λεφτά
synonymI don't have money (informal)
Είμαι απένταρος
similarI am penniless
Δεν έχω μία
similarI don't have a single cent
Έχω πολλά χρήματα
contrastI have a lot of money
Ξέμεινα από λεφτά
builds onI ran out of money
