FastItalian LearningSign in
PhrasesCancelling PlansScusa, devo cambiare programma.
A2

Scusa, devo cambiare programma.

Sorry, I need to change plans.

Pronunciation

'Programma' — pro-GRAM-ma. Double 'm' is clearly held. Stress on the second syllable.

When to use it

A versatile, neutral phrase for changing or cancelling plans in any context. Less emotionally loaded than other phrases — clear and direct without being cold.

What it means

'Cambiare programma' (to change the plan/programme) is a standard Italian phrase for altering arrangements. It's slightly more formal than 'annullare' (to cancel) — it leaves room for modification rather than full cancellation.

Variations

Devo modificare i piani.

I need to modify the plans.

More formal — 'modificare' (to modify) is used in professional contexts too

Purtroppo i piani sono cambiati.

Unfortunately the plans have changed.

Passive construction — implies the change happened to you, not by choice

Dobbiamo rimandare.

We need to postpone.

Short and collaborative — uses 'we' which softens the message

Mini Dialogue

— Ci vediamo alle sette come accordato? — Scusa, devo cambiare programma. Posso spostarmi alle otto? — Alle otto va benissimo. — Perfetto, grazie per la disponibilità.

— Shall we meet at seven as agreed? — Sorry, I need to change plans. Can I push it to eight? — Eight o'clock is fine. — Perfect, thanks for being flexible.

Cultural Note

In Italy it's very common to shift appointment times by an hour or two at relatively short notice. This flexibility (or lack of punctuality, depending on your perspective) is built into the social fabric.