“Ich habe keine Zeit”
I don't have time
Literal Translation
Word for word: “I have no time”
Pronunciation
/ɪç ˈhaːbə ˈkaɪ̯nə tsaɪ̯t/
When to Use This Phrase
Nouns without an article are negated with 'kein', so say 'Ich habe keine Zeit', not 'Ich habe nicht Zeit'. Adding 'leider' (unfortunately) makes it a polite way to turn something down: 'Heute habe ich leider keine Zeit.'
Example Sentences
Kommst du heute mit ins Kino? — Nein, ich habe keine Zeit, ich muss arbeiten.
Are you coming to the movies today? — No, I don't have time, I have to work.
Ich habe gerade keine Zeit. Können wir morgen telefonieren?
I don't have time right now. Can we talk on the phone tomorrow?
Word Breakdown
Related Phrases
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