French · Real conversations
Changing plans: useful French phrases
Explain a change and offer a clear next step.
Start with the essentials
Start with the essential words and expressions below. Next, learn the five specific phrases in the reference table. Finally, read both sides of the exchange and try the linked rehearsal before revealing its sample replies. This collection connects to the broader vocabulary topic.
- Late
tard
Late
- On time
à l'heure
On time
- Don't worry
ne t'inquiète pas
Don't worry
- See you later
à plus tard
See you later
Make the conversation more specific
| What you want to say | French |
|---|---|
| Late | tard Late |
| On time | à l'heure On time |
| Don't worry | ne t'inquiète pas Don't worry |
| See you later | à plus tard See you later |
| I'm running ten minutes late. | J'aurai dix minutes de retard. Show English translationI'm running ten minutes late. |
| Can we move it to ...? | On peut le décaler à … ? Show English translationCan we move it to …? |
| Something has come up. | J'ai un imprévu. Show English translationSomething has come up. |
| I'm afraid I can't make it. | Malheureusement, je ne pourrai pas venir. Show English translationI'm afraid I can't make it. |
| I'll let you know. | Je te tiens au courant. Show English translationI'll let you know. |
Read the other side of the exchange
Partner
Je suis déjà au café. Tu arrives bientôt ?
I'm already at the café. Are you nearly here?
You
J'aurai dix minutes de retard.
I'm running ten minutes late.
Partner
Merci de me prévenir. On peut aussi choisir un autre jour.
Thanks for telling me. We could also choose another day.
You
On peut reporter ça à samedi ?
Can we move it to Saturday?
Changing plans in other languages
A note on speaking French
Use vous with strangers, staff, and people you address formally; use tu when that relationship is established. Je voudrais and pourriez-vous can make a request considerate. The most appropriate choice depends on the person and the situation.
Keep accents and apostrophes. A familiar spoken expression may differ from its literal English translation. Read the complete line, including the pronoun and the words that connect the request.
