ασχολούμαι
Lemma: ασχολούμαι
Translation: to be occupied with; to deal with; to engage in; to be busy with; to concern oneself with (verb)
Etymology: From ancient Greek ἀσχολέομαι (askholeomai), composed of the privative prefix ἀ- (a-) meaning 'not' and σχολή (skhole) meaning 'leisure, free time'. The word literally means 'to be without leisure' or 'to be busy'. Interestingly, the Greek word σχολή is the source of the English word 'school', as the ancient Greeks viewed education as a leisure activity for the privileged. This creates an ironic connection where being 'without school-time' means being busy or occupied.
Example Usage
Ασχολούμαι με τη μουσική.
I'm involved with music.
Με τι ασχολείσαι;
What do you do? / What are you occupied with?
Δεν έχω χρόνο να ασχοληθώ με αυτό.
I don't have time to deal with this.
Ασχολούμαι με τη μουσική στον ελεύθερό μου χρόνο.
I engage in music in my free time.
Με τι ασχολείσαι επαγγελματικά;
What do you do professionally?
Δεν θέλω να ασχολούμαι με αυτό το θέμα.
I don't want to deal with this issue.
Mnemonics
- Think 'ask-hole-me' - when someone asks what hole (activity) you're in, you're busy with something
- Remember 'school' connection - when you're not in school (leisure), you're busy with other things
Synonyms
Antonyms
Example Wordforms
Cultural Context
Commonly used in Greek to describe both professional activities and hobbies. Greeks often use this verb when discussing their work, interests, or what keeps them busy. It's more formal than simply saying 'κάνω' (I do) and implies a deeper level of engagement or commitment to the activity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: Both mean 'to be occupied' but απασχολούμαι emphasizes being kept busy by external factors, while ασχολούμαι implies more active engagement or choice in the activity
Confused word:
Απασχολούμαι με πολλές δουλειές αυτές τις μέρες.
I'm kept busy with many jobs these days.
Notes: απασχολούμαι often implies being occupied by duties or obligations, while ασχολούμαι can include voluntary activities
Mnemonic: ασχολούμαι = I choose to engage; απασχολούμαι = I am kept busy