Spanish - Cancelling Plans

Perdón, no puedo ir.

I'm sorry, I can't make it.

Meaning: I’m sorry, I can’t make it.

When to use: Use this short apology when you need to tell someone you cannot attend a plan or event.

Tengo que cancelar nuestros planes.

I have to cancel our plans.

Meaning: I have to cancel our plans.

When to use: Say this when you need to cancel the arrangement directly and clearly.

Me salió algo.

Something came up.

Meaning: Something came up.

When to use: Use this short reason when something unexpected prevents you from attending.

Tip: Beginners sometimes say "Me sale algo" — the correct past-leaning form is "Me salió algo."

No me siento bien.

I'm not feeling well.

Meaning: I’m not feeling well.

When to use: Use this to cancel because you are sick or simply unwell.

¿Podemos cambiarlo para otro día?

Can we reschedule?

Meaning: Can we reschedule?

When to use: Ask this when you want to arrange the plan for another day or time.

¿Podemos pasarlo a ___?

Can we move it to ___?

Meaning: Can we move it to ___?

When to use: Use this to suggest a specific new time, date, or place for the plan.

¿Todavía te queda bien ___?

Does ___ still work for you?

Meaning: Does ___ still work for you?

When to use: Check if the proposed new time or date is okay for the other person (informal tú).

Lo dejamos para otro día.

Let's do it another time.

Meaning: Let’s do it another time.

When to use: Use this when you want to postpone the plan without picking a new date immediately.

Perdón por avisar con tan poco tiempo.

Sorry for the short notice.

Meaning: Sorry for giving such short notice.

When to use: Apologize when you cancel or change plans at the last minute.

Tip: Learners sometimes mix word order: correct phrase is "Perdón por avisar con tan poco tiempo."

Gracias por entender.

Thanks for understanding.

Meaning: Thanks for understanding.

When to use: Use this to thank someone for accepting the change or cancellation.

Necesito cambiar ___.

I need to change the ___.

Meaning: I need to change ___.

When to use: Say this when one part of the arrangement (time, day, place) must change.

¿Está bien si nos vemos más tarde?

Is it okay if we meet later?

Meaning: Is it okay if we meet later?

When to use: Politely ask to meet later than originally planned.

A esa hora no puedo.

I'm not available then.

Meaning: I can’t make that time.

When to use: Use this to say the suggested time doesn’t work for you.