Learn Hardcore Greek: Αύριο έχετε δουλειά;

In Greek, the semicolon character (;) is the question mark. So Αύριο έχετε δουλειά; is a yes–no question. The raised dot (·), called άνω τελεία, is what functions as the semicolon in Greek.

Why is there no article before δουλειά?

Because δουλειά here means “work” in a general, mass sense. Greek typically uses no article for mass/abstract meanings (like English “Do you have work?”). If you add an article:

τη δουλειά = the job/the work (specific)
μια δουλειά = a job/a task (countable sense)

Does this mean “Are you working tomorrow?” or “Do you have a job?” What’s the nuance?

It means “Are you working tomorrow?” or “Do you have to work tomorrow?” It can also imply “Are you busy with work tomorrow?” It does not mean “Do you have a job?” in the general employment sense; that would be asked differently (e.g., Έχεις δουλειά; without a time reference can mean “Are you busy?” but for “Do you have a job?” you’d say something like Έχεις δουλειά (ως επάγγελμα); or more naturally ask about someone’s occupation).

Could I say Έχετε δουλειά αύριο; instead? Any difference?

Yes, that’s fine. Αύριο έχετε δουλειά; front-loads Αύριο for emphasis on “tomorrow,” but both orders are neutral and natural. Word order in Greek is flexible; fronting often adds emphasis or sets the topic.

What about using the verb “to work”: Αύριο δουλεύετε; Is that equivalent?

Yes. Αύριο δουλεύετε; means “Are you working tomorrow?” It focuses specifically on doing your job. Αύριο έχετε δουλειά; can be a bit broader: having work to do (paid or not), being busy, having obligations.

Why is έχετε plural? Is that the polite form?

Correct. Έχετε is second person plural and is used:

for talking to more than one person, or
as the polite singular “you.” Informal singular would be έχεις: Αύριο έχεις δουλειά;

How would I answer this with “yes” or “no”?

Yes: Ναι, έχω. / Ναι, δουλεύω.
No: Όχι, δεν έχω. / Όχι, δεν δουλεύω. Note that δεν (negation) comes before the verb.

Is the present tense being used for the future here? Should I use θα?

Greek often uses the present with a time word (like αύριο) for near-future plans. You can also use the future:

Θα δουλεύετε αύριο; or Αύριο θα δουλεύετε;
Θα έχετε δουλειά αύριο; The present is very common for schedules/arrangements. Using θα stresses the “will” aspect or asks about a predicted situation.

Can I add εσείς or εσύ?

Yes, for emphasis or contrast:

Εσείς, αύριο έχετε δουλειά; (you, as opposed to someone else)
Εσύ, αύριο έχεις δουλειά; Greek normally drops subject pronouns unless you want emphasis.

How do I soften the question, like “by any chance”?

Use μήπως:

Μήπως αύριο έχετε δουλειά; It sounds more tentative/polite, similar to “Do you happen to have work tomorrow?”

Pronunciation tips for the whole sentence?

Αύριο: αυ is pronounced “av” here (before the voiced ρ). Stress the first syllable: AV-rio, with a tapped r.
έχετε: three syllables É-che-te; χ before ε is like the German “ich” sound.
δουλειά: doo-lyÁ; δ is like “th” in “this”; ου is “oo”; λειά sounds “lyá” (the λ gets a palatal “ly” sound before ι).

Where are the stress marks, and is Αύριο spelled with ύ or ά?

Αύριο is stressed on the first syllable, and the accent falls on ύ (the second letter of the diphthong αυ). The correct spelling is Αύριο, not Άυριο.
έχετε is stressed on the first syllable (έ).
δουλειά is stressed on the last syllable (-λιά).

Can δουλειά be plural? What would that mean?

Yes: δουλειές. Έχεις δουλειές αύριο; can mean “Do you have tasks/errands tomorrow?” It sounds more like multiple tasks/obligations rather than just a work shift.

Is there a false friend I should watch out for with δουλειά?

Don’t confuse δουλειά (work) with δουλεία (slavery). They look similar but have different stress and meanings. You want δουλειά here.

Could I say “a lot of work tomorrow”?

Yes: Πολλή δουλειά (feminine singular). For example: Αύριο έχεις πολλή δουλειά; Don’t use πολλά with δουλειά in this mass sense.

Is there any difference between “Do you have work tomorrow?” and “Do you have work for tomorrow?” in Greek?

You can say:

Αύριο έχετε δουλειά; (work tomorrow)
Έχετε δουλειά για αύριο; (work for tomorrow, i.e., tasks scheduled/assigned for that day) The second can suggest work assigned with a due date.

Could this sentence mean “Are you busy tomorrow?” even if it’s not specifically about your job?

Yes, έχω δουλειά can broadly mean “I’m busy.” Context decides whether it’s job-related or just having things to do. If you want explicitly “busy,” you can also hear είμαι απασχολημένος/η (I’m busy), but έχω δουλειά is very common.

Is there any difference in politeness between Αύριο έχετε δουλειά; and Αύριο δουλεύετε;?

Both are neutral and polite, especially with έχετε/δουλεύετε (formal/plural). Μήπως…; makes either even more polite. The choice is more about nuance than politeness.

What are the full forms of the verb έχω (to have), so I know how έχετε fits in?

Present tense:

(εγώ) έχω
(εσύ) έχεις
(αυτός/αυτή/αυτό) έχει
(εμείς) έχουμε
(εσείς) έχετε
(αυτοί/αυτές/αυτά) έχουν(ε)

Could I instead ask “Must you work tomorrow?”

Yes, with πρέπει: Πρέπει να δουλέψετε αύριο; (polite/plural) or Πρέπει να δουλέψεις αύριο; (informal singular). That asks about obligation rather than just whether there happens to be work.