Spanish · Real conversations

Changing plans: useful Spanish 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
tarde
Late
On time
a tiempo
On time
Don't worry
no te preocupes
Don't worry
See you later
hasta luego
See you later

Make the conversation more specific

Useful Spanish expressions for changing plans
What you want to say	Spanish
Late	tarde Late
On time	a tiempo On time
Don't worry	no te preocupes Don't worry
See you later	hasta luego See you later
I'm running ten minutes late.	Voy a llegar diez minutos tarde. Show English translation I'm running ten minutes late.
Can we move it to ...?	¿Podemos cambiarlo para …? Show English translation Can we move it to …?
Something has come up.	Me surgió un imprevisto. Show English translation Something has come up.
I'm afraid I can't make it.	Lo siento, no voy a poder ir. Show English translation I'm afraid I can't make it.
I'll let you know.	Te aviso. Show English translation I'll let you know.

Read the other side of the exchange

Partner
Ya estoy en el café. ¿Estás por llegar?
I'm already at the café. Are you nearly here?
You
Voy a llegar diez minutos tarde.
I'm running ten minutes late.
Partner
Gracias por avisarme. También podemos elegir otro día.
Thanks for telling me. We could also choose another day.
You
¿Podemos cambiarlo al sábado?
Can we move it to Saturday?

Changing plans in other languages

A note on speaking Spanish

These guides use broadly understandable Latin American Spanish. Tú is familiar and usted is respectful or formal, with important regional variation. Me gustaría and ¿podría …? are useful for considerate requests.

Keep accent marks and opening question marks. Some regions choose different everyday words. Follow the complete example rather than substituting English words one by one, especially with pronouns and expressions of preference.