Όποτε έχω λίγο χρόνο, μαγειρεύω στο σπίτι αντί να τρώω έξω.

Whenever I have a little time, I cook at home instead of eating out.

Breakdown of Όποτε έχω λίγο χρόνο, μαγειρεύω στο σπίτι αντί να τρώω έξω.

• λίγος: little
• τρώω: to eat
• το σπίτι: the home
• έχω: to have

Questions & Answers about Όποτε έχω λίγο χρόνο, μαγειρεύω στο σπίτι αντί να τρώω έξω.

What is the difference between όποτε and όταν? Could I say Όταν έχω λίγο χρόνο instead?

Both όποτε and όταν can be translated as when, but:

• όποτε = whenever / any time that (focus on repetition / any occurrence)
• όταν = when (more neutral, can be for a single time or repeated)

In your sentence, Όποτε έχω λίγο χρόνο suggests a general habit: every time I have some free time, this is what I do.

You could say:

• Όταν έχω λίγο χρόνο, μαγειρεύω στο σπίτι…

This is also correct and natural. The nuance is small; όποτε makes the idea of every time / whenever a bit stronger and more clearly habitual.

Why is there no word for I in έχω λίγο χρόνο and μαγειρεύω? How do I know it means I?

In Greek, subject pronouns (εγώ, εσύ, αυτός etc.) are usually dropped, because the verb ending shows the person:

• έχω = I have
• έχεις = you (singular) have
• μαγειρεύω = I cook
• μαγειρεύεις = you cook

So:

• (Εγώ) έχω λίγο χρόνο = I have a little time
• (Εγώ) μαγειρεύω = I cook

You only add εγώ for emphasis or contrast, e.g. Εγώ μαγειρεύω, όχι εσύ.