Signification
Limited funds.
Contexte culturel
In Greece, it is common to split the bill (refe-ene). If you have 'λίγα χρήματα', it is better to say it upfront so the group chooses a cheaper place. Similar to Greece, but Cypriots might use the word 'λεφτά' even more frequently in casual speech. 'Χρήματα' sounds slightly more formal/proper. Second-generation Greeks might mix English and Greek, saying 'Έχω little money', but 'Έχω λίγα χρήματα' remains the standard taught in community schools. On Greek social media, 'έχω λίγα χρήματα' is often used in memes about the 'end of the month' (τέλος του μήνα) when everyone is waiting for their salary.
The Plural Rule
Always remember that 'money' is plural in Greek. If you use 'λίγο' (singular), Greeks will think you are talking about a 'little bit of a specific thing' rather than money in general.
Don't be too blunt
While 'Έχω λίγα χρήματα' is neutral, saying it too often might make you sound like you are complaining. Use it only when relevant to the conversation.
Signification
Limited funds.
The Plural Rule
Always remember that 'money' is plural in Greek. If you use 'λίγο' (singular), Greeks will think you are talking about a 'little bit of a specific thing' rather than money in general.
Don't be too blunt
While 'Έχω λίγα χρήματα' is neutral, saying it too often might make you sound like you are complaining. Use it only when relevant to the conversation.
The 'Money' Swap
Switch to 'λεφτά' (lefta) when talking to friends to sound more like a local. 'Έχω λίγα λεφτά' is the 100% natural street version.
Teste-toi
Fill in the correct form of the adjective 'λίγος'.
Δεν μπορώ να πάω διακοπές, έχω ____ χρήματα.
Because 'χρήματα' is neuter plural, the adjective must be 'λίγα'.
Which sentence is the most natural way to say 'I have little money' in a neutral setting?
Select the best option:
'Έχω' is the correct verb, and 'λίγα' matches the plural 'χρήματα'.
Complete the dialogue with the appropriate phrase.
Φίλος: Θέλεις να πάμε σε αυτό το ακριβό εστιατόριο; Εσείς: Όχι, καλύτερα όχι. ________.
This is the most logical reason to decline an 'expensive' restaurant invitation.
Match the phrase to the situation.
Situation: You are at a market and want to explain why you can't buy more fruit.
This explains your limited purchasing power to the vendor.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesΔεν μπορώ να πάω διακοπές, έχω ____ χρήματα.
Because 'χρήματα' is neuter plural, the adjective must be 'λίγα'.
Select the best option:
'Έχω' is the correct verb, and 'λίγα' matches the plural 'χρήματα'.
Φίλος: Θέλεις να πάμε σε αυτό το ακριβό εστιατόριο; Εσείς: Όχι, καλύτερα όχι. ________.
This is the most logical reason to decline an 'expensive' restaurant invitation.
Situation: You are at a market and want to explain why you can't buy more fruit.
This explains your limited purchasing power to the vendor.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNo, that is grammatically incorrect. 'Χρήματα' is plural, so you must use the plural adjective 'λίγα'.
'Χρήματα' is slightly more formal and proper. 'Λεφτά' is the everyday word used by everyone in casual conversation.
It's not rude, but it's unusual. Usually, you would just order something cheaper. You might say it if they suggest a very expensive wine.
You say 'Δεν έχω καθόλου χρήματα' or the slang 'Δεν έχω μία'.
Yes, in the plural it means 'few'. In the singular ('λίγο'), it means 'a little bit'.
It's better to use 'περιορισμένο προϋπολογισμό' (limited budget) in a formal business email.
It comes from the ancient word for 'things/goods'. Since you usually have more than one 'thing' of value, the plural became the standard for 'money'.
In slang, you can just say 'Είμαι στενά' (I'm tight).
No, the verb 'έχω' already tells us that 'I' am the one who has the money. Adding 'Εγώ' adds unnecessary emphasis.
You can say 'Έχω κάποια χρήματα' (I have some money). 'Λίγα' usually has a slightly negative or restrictive connotation.
Expressions liées
Δεν έχω λεφτά
synonymI don't have money
Είμαι άφραγκος
specialized formI am broke (literally: without a franc/cent)
Έχω πολλά χρήματα
contrastI have a lot of money
Χρειάζομαι χρήματα
builds onI need money
