About This Lesson
Use Apologizing for Canceling Plans to practice Spanish conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and quizzes.
Dialogue
A
Lo siento mucho, pero tengo que cancelar el plan de esta noche.
loh SYEHN-toh MOO-choh, PEH-roh TEHN-goh keh kahn-seh-LAR ehl PLAHN deh EH-stah NOH-cheh. I'm really sorry, but I need to cancel tonight's plan.
B
Qué decepción. ¿Pasó algo urgente?
keh deh-sehp-SYOHN. pah-SOH AHL-goh oor-HEN-teh? That's disappointing. Did something urgent happen?
A
Surgió un problema familiar y no puedo salir de casa.
soor-HYOH oon proh-BLEH-mah fah-mee-LYAR ee noh PWEH-doh sah-LEER deh KAH-sah. A family issue came up, and I can't leave home.
B
Lo entiendo, pero me habría gustado saberlo antes.
loh ehn-TYEHN-doh, PEH-roh meh ah-BREE-ah goos-TAH-doh sah-BEHR-loh AHN-tehs. I understand, but I wish I had known earlier.
A
Tienes razón. Debería habértelo dicho en cuanto lo supe.
TYEH-nehs rah-SOHN. deh-beh-REE-ah ah-BEHR-teh-loh DEE-choh ehn KWAHN-toh loh SOO-peh. You're right. I should have told you as soon as I knew.
B
Te lo agradezco. Ya había empezado a prepararme.
teh loh ah-grah-DEHS-koh. yah ah-BEE-ah ehm-peh-SAH-doh ah preh-pah-RAHR-meh. I appreciate that. I had already started getting ready.
A
Déjame compensártelo eligiendo otra fecha que te venga bien.
DEH-hah-meh kohm-pehn-SAHR-teh-loh eh-lee-HYEN-doh OH-trah FEH-chah keh teh BEHN-gah BYEHN. Let me make it up to you by choosing another date that works for you.
B
Podemos cambiar la fecha, pero confírmamelo cuando las cosas estén más tranquilas.
poh-DEH-mohs kahm-BYAR lah FEH-chah, PEH-roh kohn-FEER-mah-meh-loh KWAHN-doh lahs KOH-sahs ehs-TEHN mahs trahn-KEE-lahs. We can reschedule, but please confirm once things are calmer.
A
Te escribiré cuando sepa más.
teh ehs-kree-bee-REH KWAHN-doh SEH-pah mahs. I'll message you when I know more.
A
Sé que el cambio de última hora alteró tu noche.
SEH keh ehl KAHM-byoh deh OOL-tee-mah OH-rah ahl-teh-ROH too NOH-cheh. I know the late change disrupted your evening.
B
Espero que todo esté bien con tu familia.
ehs-PEH-roh keh TOH-doh ehs-TEH BYEHN kohn too fah-MEE-lyah. I hope everything is all right with your family.Word by Word
Lo
In "Lo siento mucho", "Lo" is part of the apology expression, while in "Lo entiendo" and "Te lo agradezco" it refers to the situation or thing being understood or appreciated. It is an object pronoun used for something already understood from the context. A useful reuse pattern is placing it before the verb, as in "Lo entiendo".
siento
In "Lo siento mucho", "siento" expresses that the speaker is sorry. Together with "Lo" and "mucho", it forms a direct apology rather than simply describing a feeling. Use "Lo siento mucho" when apologizing for a serious inconvenience or problem.
mucho
In "Lo siento mucho", "mucho" intensifies the apology and means very much. It shows that the speaker feels strongly sorry about canceling. It can be placed after this expression to make the apology more emphatic.
pero
In "Lo siento mucho, pero tengo que cancelar", "pero" introduces the reason or unavoidable situation following the apology. It connects two ideas that contrast: regret and the need to cancel. It is useful when acknowledging a problem before giving an opposing fact.
tengo
In "tengo que cancelar", "tengo" contributes the meaning that the speaker needs or has to do something. The form is used with "que" and an infinitive to express obligation. This pattern is useful for explaining a necessary action, such as "tengo que cancelar".
que
In "tengo que cancelar", "que" is part of the expression that says the speaker has to cancel. It links "tengo" with the action that is required. A reliable reuse pattern is this word followed by an infinitive after an expression of obligation.
cancelar
In "tengo que cancelar", "cancelar" is the action the speaker needs to take: cancel the plan. Its infinitive form follows the obligation expression. Use it when ending a planned appointment, meeting, or activity.
el
In "el plan", "el" marks a specific plan that both people understand. It is the article used before this masculine singular noun. Use it before a known plan when referring to that particular arrangement.
plan
In "el plan de esta noche", "plan" means the activity the friends had arranged for the evening. It is the thing being canceled and later rescheduled. A useful reuse pattern is "el plan" followed by a time description such as "de esta noche".
de
In "el plan de esta noche", "de" links the plan with the time it belongs to. Here it helps identify the plan scheduled for tonight, not a source or origin. It is commonly used to connect a noun with a related time or description.
esta
In "esta noche", "esta" points to the current or relevant night. Together with "noche", it gives the meaning tonight or this evening. Use it before a noun when referring to something current or close in time.
noche
In "esta noche", "noche" refers to the evening period when the plan was scheduled. In this dialogue it is more naturally understood as tonight than as the whole nighttime period. Use it with "esta" to identify the current evening.
Qué
In "Qué decepción", "Qué" introduces an exclamation meaning what a disappointment. It expresses an immediate emotional reaction to the canceled plan. This exclamatory use is useful for reacting strongly to an unpleasant situation.
decepción
In "Qué decepción", "decepción" labels the canceled plan as a disappointment. The noun describes the feeling caused by an outcome that was not wanted. Use it in an exclamation when a change or result is disappointing.
Pasó
In "¿Pasó algo urgente?", "Pasó" asks whether an event occurred. The speaker uses it to check if something urgent happened before the cancellation. A useful reuse pattern is this form with "algo" when asking whether something happened.
algo
In "Pasó algo urgente", "algo" means something and refers to an unspecified event. The adjective "urgente" describes what kind of thing it was. Use it when the speaker does not yet know or name the specific event.
urgente
In "algo urgente", "urgente" describes the unspecified event as requiring immediate attention. It explains why the cancellation might have been necessary. A useful pattern is placing it after "algo" to describe an unknown urgent matter.
Surgió
In "Surgió un problema familiar", "Surgió" says that the problem came up or arose unexpectedly. It presents the family issue as something that appeared and affected the plan. Use it with an issue or problem when explaining that it developed suddenly.
un
In "un problema familiar", "un" introduces one non-specific problem. The listener is learning about the problem for the first time. Use it before a singular noun when the thing has not yet been identified specifically.
problema
In "un problema familiar", "problema" means a problem or issue that prevents the speaker from leaving home. It identifies the reason for the cancellation. A useful reuse pattern is combining it with an adjective such as "familiar" to specify the type of problem.
familiar
In "un problema familiar", "familiar" means related to the family. It specifies what kind of problem came up. Use it after a noun when identifying something as family-related.
y
In "Surgió un problema familiar y no puedo salir de casa", "y" connects the family problem with its consequence. It joins two related statements in the same explanation. Use it to add another fact or result without changing the topic.
no
In "no puedo salir de casa", "no" negates the following ability. It shows that leaving home is not possible in the situation. Place it before the verb when stating that an action cannot or does not happen.
puedo
In "no puedo salir de casa", "puedo" expresses ability or possibility, which is denied by "no". The speaker cannot leave home because of the family issue. A useful reuse pattern is this form followed by an infinitive for saying what someone can or cannot do.
salir
In "salir de casa", "salir" means to leave or go out. It is the action that the speaker cannot perform. Use it with "de" and a place when describing leaving that place.
casa
In "salir de casa", "casa" means home, the place the speaker cannot leave. The phrase refers to leaving home without needing to specify a particular building. Use it in this phrase when talking about going out from home.
entiendo
In "Lo entiendo", "entiendo" means I understand the situation or explanation. The speaker uses it to acknowledge the other person's family problem while still expressing disappointment. Use it with "Lo" when referring to something already clear from the conversation.
me
In "me habría gustado saberlo antes", "me" identifies the person who would have liked to know earlier: the speaker. It shows whose reaction or preference is being described. A useful pattern is placing it before this expression to say what would have pleased someone.
habría
In "me habría gustado saberlo antes", "habría" helps frame the desired knowledge as something that would have been welcome earlier. It presents the speaker's regret about the timing of the information. Use it with "me habría gustado" when describing something that would have pleased you but did not happen as desired.
gustado
In "me habría gustado saberlo antes", "gustado" contributes the meaning would have pleased or been liked. The expression says the speaker wished to have known earlier. A useful reuse pattern is "me habría gustado" followed by an action or piece of information.
saberlo
In "saberlo antes", "saberlo" means to know the relevant fact or situation. The ending "lo" refers to the information about the cancellation. Use this form when the thing being known is already understood from the context.
antes
In "me habría gustado saberlo antes", "antes" means earlier, before the late notice. It highlights that the problem was not only the cancellation but also when the information was given. Use it to compare the actual timing with an earlier desired time.
Tienes
In "Tienes razón", "Tienes" contributes to the meaning you are right. The speaker uses it to accept the criticism about giving late notice. This expression is useful when agreeing that another person's point is correct.
razón
In "Tienes razón", "razón" is the noun used to say that the other person's view is correct. The whole expression means you are right, rather than simply you have a reason. Use "Tienes razón" when acknowledging a valid point.
Debería
In "Debería habértelo dicho", "Debería" expresses what the speaker ought to have done. It conveys responsibility and regret about not giving the information sooner. Use it before an action when admitting that the action was the better or expected choice.
habértelo
In "Debería habértelo dicho", "habértelo" means to have told it to you. "Te" identifies the person who should have received the information, and "lo" identifies the information itself. This form is useful when referring to having communicated a specific thing to someone.
dicho
In "habértelo dicho", "dicho" contributes the meaning told or said. It completes the idea that the speaker should have communicated the information. Use the full expression when admitting that something should have been told to another person.
en cuanto
The words "en" and "cuanto" work together in "en cuanto lo supe" to mean as soon as. "En" begins the time-linking expression, and "cuanto" completes it so the phrase introduces the moment the information became known. Use "en cuanto" before a clause to connect one action to the immediate time of another.
supe
In "en cuanto lo supe", "supe" means I knew or found out about the situation. It refers to the point when the speaker learned the information. Use it after a time expression when explaining when you found something out.
Te
In "Te lo agradezco", "Te" marks the person receiving the speaker's thanks, and in "Te escribiré" it marks the person who will receive the message. It identifies the other person as the recipient of the action. Use it before a verb when addressing or referring to that person directly.
agradezco
In "Te lo agradezco", "agradezco" means I appreciate it or I thank you for it. The speaker uses it to acknowledge the other person's understanding. Use it with "Te lo" when expressing thanks for something specific.
Ya
In "Ya había empezado a prepararme", "Ya" means already. It shows that the speaker had begun getting ready before learning that the plan was canceled. Use it to emphasize that an action was completed or underway earlier than the relevant moment.
había
In "Ya había empezado", "había" helps place the beginning of the preparation before the cancellation message. It links the earlier action with the later point being discussed. A useful reuse pattern is placing it with an action that had already occurred before another past event.
empezado
In "había empezado a prepararme", "empezado" means started or begun. It introduces the preparation that was already underway. Use the pattern "había empezado a prepararme" when explaining that getting ready had begun before a change of plan.
a
In "empezado a prepararme", "a" links "empezado" with the action of getting ready. It marks what activity had begun. A useful reuse pattern is placing it between a verb meaning started and the following action.
prepararme
In "empezado a prepararme", "prepararme" means to get myself ready. The ending "me" shows that the speaker is the person becoming ready. Use it when describing personal preparation before an event or plan.
Déjame
In "Déjame compensártelo", "Déjame" means let me and introduces an offer to take responsibility. The speaker uses it to propose making up for the inconvenience. A useful pattern is this form followed by an action the speaker offers to do.
compensártelo
In "Déjame compensártelo", "compensártelo" means make it up to you for it. The form includes "te" for the person receiving the compensation and "lo" for the situation being repaired. Use it when offering to correct or repay the inconvenience caused by an action.
eligiendo
In "eligiendo otra fecha", "eligiendo" means choosing and explains how the speaker will make amends. The chosen item is another date that suits the other person. Use it to describe the method by which an action is carried out.
otra
In "otra fecha", "otra" means another or a different one. It refers to a date other than the canceled date. Use it before a noun when proposing a replacement or alternative.
fecha
In "otra fecha que te venga bien", "fecha" means a date for the rescheduled plan. It is the alternative arrangement the speaker offers to choose. The dialogue also uses "cambiar la fecha" when talking about rescheduling.
venga
In "que te venga bien", "venga" is part of the expression meaning that something suits or works for you. Here it describes a date that fits the other person's availability. Use the full expression when asking whether an option is convenient for someone.
bien
In "que te venga bien", "bien" contributes the idea of suitability or convenience. Together, the phrase says that the date works for the other person. Use it in this expression when evaluating whether an arrangement is convenient.
Podemos
In "Podemos cambiar la fecha", "Podemos" means we can and presents rescheduling as a possible solution. It includes the people involved in the plan. Use it before an action when suggesting something that the people together are able to do.
cambiar
In "cambiar la fecha", "cambiar" means to change the date, which in this context means reschedule the plan. It is the action proposed after the cancellation. Use it with "la fecha" when moving an appointment or plan to another time.
la
In "la fecha", "la" marks the specific date already connected with the plan. It introduces a feminine singular noun that both speakers understand. Use it before a known date or arrangement when referring to that particular one.
confírmamelo
In "confírmamelo", the speaker asks the other person to confirm it to me. The form includes "lo" for the plan or date and "me" for the person who should receive the confirmation. Use it when requesting confirmation of a specific arrangement from someone.
cuando
In "cuando las cosas estén más tranquilas" and "cuando sepa más", "cuando" introduces the time when a later action should happen. It links confirmation or messaging to a future change in circumstances or knowledge. Use it before a clause that gives the condition or time for an action.
las
In "las cosas", "las" marks a specific plural set of circumstances being discussed. It refers to the situation surrounding the family issue. Use it before a known group of feminine plural things or circumstances.
cosas
In "las cosas estén más tranquilas", "cosas" refers broadly to the circumstances or situation, not to particular physical objects. The speaker wants to wait until the situation is calmer. Use it with a description of a general situation when the exact details are not specified.
estén
In "las cosas estén más tranquilas", "estén" describes the state the circumstances will be in when they become calmer. It connects "las cosas" with the condition "más tranquilas". Use it with a state or adjective when describing how circumstances are at a relevant time.
más
In "más tranquilas", "más" increases the degree of the following description. It gives the meaning calmer or more peaceful than before. Use it before an adjective when comparing a situation with its earlier state.
tranquilas
In "las cosas estén más tranquilas", "tranquilas" describes the circumstances as calm or peaceful. With "más", it means calmer than they are now. Use it to describe a situation that has become less stressful.
escribiré
In "Te escribiré", "escribiré" means I will write or message you. The speaker promises future contact after learning more about the family issue. Use it with "Te" when promising to send someone a message later.
sepa
In "cuando sepa más", "sepa" refers to the information the speaker will know or find out later. It gives the time at which the speaker will send a message. Use it after "cuando" when future contact depends on gaining more information.
Sé
In "Sé que el cambio de última hora alteró tu noche", "Sé" means I know. It introduces the speaker's awareness of the effect the late change had on the other person. Use "Sé que" before a statement about something the speaker recognizes as true.
cambio
In "el cambio de última hora", "cambio" means the change to the plan. It refers specifically to canceling or altering the arrangement late. Use it with a description of timing when discussing a change to an existing plan.
última
In "de última hora", "última" is part of the expression describing something as last-minute or given with very little notice. Its meaning here comes from the complete phrase with "hora", not from the word alone. Use the full expression when apologizing for a late change.
hora
In "de última hora", "hora" contributes to the time reference in the expression last-minute. The phrase describes the change as happening or being announced very late. Use it as part of "de última hora" when explaining late notice.
alteró
In "alteró tu noche", "alteró" means disrupted or upset. It describes the effect the late change had on the other person's evening. Use it with the affected plan, time, or situation when explaining that a change disturbed it.
tu
In "tu noche", "tu" marks the evening as belonging to or affecting the person being addressed. It identifies whose evening was disrupted. Use it before a noun when referring directly to something connected with the other person.
Espero
In "Espero que todo esté bien", "Espero" means I hope. The speaker uses it to express concern and wish for a good outcome for the other person's family. A useful reuse pattern is "Espero que" followed by a statement about the hoped-for situation.
todo
In "que todo esté bien", "todo" means everything and refers broadly to the family situation. It makes the hope cover all aspects of the situation rather than one specific detail. Use it when expressing concern about a situation as a whole.
esté
In "todo esté bien", "esté" describes the condition of everything as being okay. It completes the hope about the family situation. Use it with "bien" when asking or hoping that a person or situation is all right.
con
In "bien con tu familia", "con" connects the condition of everything with the family concerned. It gives the meaning that things are all right with the family. Use it to identify the person or group connected with a situation.
familia
In "con tu familia", "familia" means the other person's family. It identifies who may be affected by the urgent issue. Use it after "tu" when referring to someone's family in a caring or personal conversation.
Grammar Points
Espero que + subjuntivo
Espero que todo esté bien
ehs-PEH-roh keh TOH-doh ehs-TEH BYEHNI hope everything is all right
After espero que, use the subjunctive for a hope or wish. esté is the subjunctive form.
cuando + subjuntivo
cuando sepa más
KWAHN-doh SEH-pah mahswhen I know more
Use the subjunctive after cuando for a future or not-yet-known action. sepa is the subjunctive form.
Spanish Vocabulary
cancelar
verb
kahn-seh-LAR
to cancel
esta noche
phrase
EH-stah NOH-cheh
tonight
familiar
adj
fah-mee-LYAR
family-related
Lo siento mucho
phrase
loh SYEHN-toh MOO-choh
I'm really sorry
pasó
verb
pah-SOH
happened
plan
noun
PLAHN
plan
problema
noun
proh-BLEH-mah
problem
Qué decepción
phrase
keh deh-sehp-SYOHN
That's disappointing
salir de casa
phrase
sah-LEER deh KAH-sah
to leave home
surgió
verb
soor-HYOH
came up
tener que
phrase
teh-NEHR keh
to have to
urgente
adj
oor-HEN-teh
urgent
Quiz
Word Order
Arrange the words in the correct order.
That's disappointing. Did something urgent happen?
Show Answer
Qué decepción. ¿Pasó algo urgente?I'll message you when I know more.
Show Answer
Te escribiré cuando sepa más.Spelling
Tap the letters to spell the word.
to cancel
Show Answer
cancelarhappened
Show Answer
pasóurgent
Show Answer
urgentecame up