لدي عمل

You can use this phrase as a complete sentence. If someone asks, 'Can you talk?' you just say عندي شغل. You don't need to add anything else. If you want to emphasize how busy you are, add كثير (a lot). So, عندي شغل كثير means 'I have a lot of work.' It's like a shield against extra tasks. Use it whenever you need to prioritize your time. It’s grammatically simple because عندي (I have) stays the same regardless of gender.

Use it when a friend invites you for coffee but you're swamped. Use it at the office when a colleague asks for a favor. It's perfect for texting when you can't reply immediately. You can even use it at home to avoid doing the dishes! It works in almost every social setting. It's a great way to set boundaries without being rude. In a meeting, it shows you are productive. With friends, it shows you are responsible.

Don't use it if you want to be very specific about your plans. If you're going to the gym, say that instead. Using عندي شغل too often might make you sound like a workaholic. Avoid it in very deep, emotional conversations where 'work' feels like a cold excuse. If you are at a wedding or a party, saying this might seem a bit dismissive. Also, don't use it if you're actually just taking a nap. Your friends might catch you!

In many Arabic-speaking cultures, being busy is seen as a sign of importance and productivity. However, social life is also highly valued. Using عندي شغل is a socially acceptable way to decline an invitation. It’s often more polite than just saying 'No.' It implies that you *want* to come, but your responsibilities are in the way. It’s a soft 'no' that preserves the relationship. Interestingly, the word شغل comes from a root meaning to occupy or fill.

In some dialects, you might hear وراي شغل (Work is behind me/following me). This sounds a bit more urgent. Another common variation is مشغول (I am busy). If you are specifically talking about a work shift, you might say عندي دوام. In the Levant, people often say عندي أشغال (I have works/tasks) to sound even busier. All of these convey the same core message: your time is currently occupied.