Breakdown of Έχω την υποχρέωση να κάνω την εργασία μου, ακόμα κι αν δεν έχω όρεξη.
έχω
to have
δεν
not
να
to
μου
my
Questions & Answers about Έχω την υποχρέωση να κάνω την εργασία μου, ακόμα κι αν δεν έχω όρεξη.
What does υποχρέωση mean, and is it the same as obligation in English?
Υποχρέωση means obligation, duty, something you are bound to do (morally, legally, or socially).
Nuance:
- It can be a moral duty:
- Έχω την υποχρέωση να βοηθήσω. = I have the obligation / I’m duty-bound to help.
- It can also be a formal or legal obligation:
- Οι γονείς έχουν την υποχρέωση να φροντίζουν τα παιδιά τους. = Parents have the obligation to take care of their children.
So it matches English obligation/duty quite closely, slightly more formal than just “I should”.
Why do we say την υποχρέωση with the article την? Can we drop it?
Greek almost always uses a definite article with abstract nouns like υποχρέωση when they are specific and act as objects.
- Έχω την υποχρέωση…
Literally: I have the obligation…
You can say:
- Έχω υποχρέωση να κάνω την εργασία μου.
This is also correct, and sounds a bit more general or less “pointed”.
Difference in feel:
- Έχω την υποχρέωση → a specific, clear, recognized duty (stronger, more concrete).
- Έχω υποχρέωση → I have an obligation (somewhat more generic).
Both are fine; in many contexts they are interchangeable.
Why is the structure Έχω την υποχρέωση να κάνω… used instead of just Πρέπει να κάνω…?