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Questions & Answers about Δεν έχω πολλά λεφτά σήμερα.
Why is it δεν and not μην?
Greek has two main negatives:
- δεν negates normal (indicative) statements: Δεν έχω … “I don’t have …”
- μη(ν) is used with the subjunctive and imperatives: Μην ξοδέψεις! “Don’t spend!” / Να μην ξοδεύεις. “(For you) not to spend.” So here, because it’s a simple statement in the present indicative, you use δεν.
Why is there no word for “a/some” before λεφτά?
Greek doesn’t have an indefinite article like English “a/some.” For generic, indefinite plurals you simply use the bare noun: (πολλά) λεφτά. If you specifically want “some,” you can say μερικά λεφτά or κάποια λεφτά, but they add a nuance of “some (but not many).”
Why πολλά and not πολύ?
Because λεφτά is neuter plural, the quantifier must agree in number and gender: πολλά λεφτά.
Forms to remember:
- πολύς (masc. sg.), πολλή (fem. sg.), πολύ (neut. sg.)
- πολλοί (masc. pl.), πολλές (fem. pl.), πολλά (neut. pl.) Note: πολύ is also an adverb meaning “very/much,” but with plural nouns like λεφτά, standard Greek uses πολλά.
Is λεφτά singular or plural?
It’s neuter plural (pluralia tantum). You practically only see the plural λεφτά “money.” There isn’t a usable singular meaning “a money.” If you need a singular mass noun, there’s το χρήμα (somewhat formal/literary).
What’s the difference between λεφτά and χρήματα?
Both mean “money” and are neuter plural. Λεφτά is everyday and colloquial; χρήματα is more formal/neutral (you’ll hear it in news, official contexts). The grammar around them is the same: πολλά λεφτά / πολλά χρήματα.
Can I make it mean “I don’t have any money today”?
Yes. Add an intensifier:
- Δεν έχω καθόλου λεφτά σήμερα. = “I don’t have any money at all today.”
- Δεν έχω ούτε (ένα) ευρώ. = “I don’t have even one euro.”
Where can σήμερα go in the sentence?
Typical positions:
- Σήμερα δεν έχω πολλά λεφτά. (focus on “today”)
- Δεν έχω πολλά λεφτά σήμερα. (more neutral) Both are natural. Greek word order is flexible; adverbs like σήμερα often appear at the beginning or end for emphasis/flow.
How do I pronounce tricky sounds here?
- δ in δεν = voiced “th” as in “this” ([ð]).
- χ in έχω = a rough “h,” like German “Bach” ().
- η in σήμερα sounds like “ee.”
- Stress the accented syllables: Δέν Éχω πολΛΆ λεφΤΆ ΣÍμερα.
What do the accent marks tell me?
They mark stress:
- έχω (É-ho), πολλά (po-LÁ), λεφτά (lef-TÁ), σήμερα (SÍ-me-ra). Getting stress right is crucial for natural pronunciation and sometimes for distinguishing words.
Is πολύ λεφτά acceptable?
In standard Greek, no. Because λεφτά is plural, you should say πολλά λεφτά. You may hear πολύ λεφτά colloquially, but it’s best to avoid it.
What case is λεφτά in?
Accusative plural (it’s the direct object of έχω). For neuter nouns, nominative and accusative forms are identical in the plural, so it looks the same.
How do I say this in the past or future?
- Past: Δεν είχα πολλά λεφτά (σήμερα/τότε). = “I didn’t have much money (today/then).”
- Future: Δεν θα έχω πολλά λεφτά (σήμερα/αύριο). = “I won’t have much money (today/tomorrow).” Verb: έχω (I have), past είχα, future with θα έχω.
Is there a difference between “I don’t have much money” and “I don’t have money” in Greek?
Yes:
- Δεν έχω πολλά λεφτά = “I don’t have much money” (I have some, but not a lot).
- Δεν έχω λεφτά = “I don’t have (any) money” (zero money, by default).
How do I say “I have little money today”?
Use λίγα with the plural: Έχω λίγα λεφτά σήμερα.
Even less: Έχω ελάχιστα λεφτά σήμερα.
Can λεφτά be confused with λεπτά?
Be careful:
- λεφτά (with φ) = money.
- λεπτά (with π) = minutes or cents (plural of λεπτό). They differ by one letter and meaning.
Why do some people write δε instead of δεν?
The final -ν can drop before many consonants in casual writing/speech: δε. However, before a vowel you keep it: here the next word starts with a vowel (έχω), so standard is δεν έχω. In careful writing, many speakers just keep δεν everywhere.