Cancelling the day before in French

1. 1
   annuler/anyle/

   to cancelverb

   To decide that something planned won't happen.
2. 2
   veille/vɛj/

   the day beforenoun

   The day just before another one.
3. 3
   décommander/dekɔmɑ̃de/

   to cancelverb

   To cancel something you had arranged.
4. 4

   empêchementconflict

5. 5

   désolésorry

6. 6

   imprévuunexpected event

7. 7

   reporterpostpone

8. 8

   dînerdinner

9. 9

   arrangerto suit

10. 10

    malheureusementunfortunately

The sentences3 of 10

1. Je dois annuler notre dîner de demain soir.

   I have to cancel our dinner tomorrow evening.

2. Je suis désolé de vous prévenir seulement la veille.

   I'm sorry to let you know only the day before.

3. Je suis obligé de décommander notre dîner de demain.

   I'm afraid I have to cancel our dinner tomorrow.

Pronunciation

• veille/vɛj/

  The ending "eille" sounds like the end of "soleil" in French, with no l sound at all.

Good to know

pourboire

Service is usually included in the bill at a restaurant, so a tip is optional. Leaving a few euros or rounding up the bill is appreciated but not expected.

vouvoiement

You usually use vous with a colleague you don't know well, and switch to tu when the relationship allows it. In a message cancelling plans, vous is the safe choice.

prévenir

It is customary to warn the other person as early as possible when you cancel, by phone or message. Adding an apology and suggesting another date is usual.

Questions

How do you say "I have to cancel our dinner" in French?

Say "Je dois annuler notre dîner de demain soir." You can also say "Je suis obligé de décommander notre dîner de demain."