Japanese - Cancelling Plans

何曜日が一番都合がいいですか？

Nan-yōbi ga ichiban tsugō ga ii desu ka?

What day works best for you?

Meaning: What day works best for you?

When to use: Use this to ask which weekday or day is most convenient. If you want a date, ask 「何日が一番都合がいいですか？」.

___のほうがいいですか？

___ no hō ga ii desu ka?

Would ___ be better?

Meaning: Would ___ be better?

When to use: Put a different day, time, or place in the blank to suggest an alternative. Use 「のほうが」 to compare options politely.

Tip: Beginners sometimes drop the の and say 'ほうがいいですか？' — include the thing you're comparing before のほうがいいです。

その時間は別の予定があります。

Sono jikan wa betsu no yotei ga arimasu.

I have another appointment then.

Meaning: I have another appointment then.

When to use: Use this to give a short, polite reason for being unavailable. 「予定」can mean social or work plans.

Tip: Don't confuse with '予定があります' vs '用事があります' — both work, but 予定 emphasizes a planned schedule.

少し遅れるかもしれません。

Sukoshi okureru kamoshiremasen.

I may be a little late.

Meaning: I may be a little late.

When to use: Use this to warn someone in advance that you might arrive late. Casual: 「少し遅れるかも。」

私のことは待たないでください。

Watashi no koto wa matanaide kudasai.

Please don't wait for me.

Meaning: Please don’t wait for me.

When to use: Use this when you want the other person to go ahead without waiting. A softer option is 「先に行ってください」.

またすぐに連絡します。

Mata sugu ni renraku shimasu.

I'll let you know soon.

Meaning: I’ll let you know soon.

When to use: Use when plans are still unclear and you promise to follow up soon.

今日は都合が悪くなりました。

Kyō wa tsugō ga waruku narimashita.

Today doesn't work for me anymore.

Meaning: Today doesn’t work for me anymore.

When to use: Use when something changed and you can no longer meet today. Add 'すみません、' before it to apologize.

少し時間を遅らせてもいいですか？

Sukoshi jikan o okurasete mo ii desu ka?

Can we push it back a little?

Meaning: Can we push it back a little?

When to use: Use to ask politely to move a meeting or plan to a slightly later time. Casual: 「少し遅らせてもいい？」

時間を間違えました。

Jikan o machigaemashita.

I got the time wrong.

Meaning: I got the time wrong.

When to use: Use when you misunderstood or remembered the wrong time — a short, honest apology phrase.