Portuguese · Real conversations
How to say “I'm afraid I can't make it.” in Portuguese
Tell someone politely that you will not be able to attend.
Infelizmente, não vou poder ir.
I'm afraid I can't make it.
Acknowledge the invitation or arrangement and make the cancellation clear.
Use it in three situations
Canceling a visit
Infelizmente, não vou poder ir.
I'm afraid I can't make it.
Declining an event
Infelizmente, não vou poder ir hoje à noite.
I'm afraid I can't make it tonight.
Explaining a missed meetup
Infelizmente, não vou poder ir na sexta.
I'm afraid I can't make it on Friday.
What to watch for
'I'm afraid' expresses regret here; a literal statement about fear can change the meaning.
Read the whole expression before replacing a detail. The natural wording may use a different order or construction from the English sentence.
Your turn
Imagine changing plans. Say this in Portuguese: I'm afraid I can't make it tonight.
Reveal a sample reply
Infelizmente, não vou poder ir hoje à noite.
I'm afraid I can't make it tonight.
Build a useful exchange
Explain a change and offer a clear next step.
This expression in other languages
A note on speaking Portuguese
These guides use Brazilian Portuguese. Você is a common everyday address; senhor or senhora may fit a more formal interaction. Eu gostaria and poderia can soften requests without making them complicated.
Keep the accents and nasal spellings, such as não and conexão. Portuguese in Portugal may use different everyday vocabulary or pronouns. The examples aim for broadly understandable Brazilian wording.
