French Phrase
Désolé, j'ai eu un imprévu.
Meaning
I’m sorry, something unexpected came up. The speaker is apologizing for a sudden change or for not being able to do something because of an unforeseen circumstance.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to explain a last‑minute change, such as missing a meeting, canceling plans, or arriving late because an unexpected event occurred.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Désolé,j'aieuunimprévu.
Désolé(e)
An adjective used as an apology; it agrees in gender with the speaker (désolé for males, désolée for females).
Passé composé (j'ai eu)
The past tense formed with auxiliary 'avoir' + past participle 'eu' (had). It expresses a completed action in the past.
Un imprévu
A masculine singular noun meaning 'an unexpected event' or 'a surprise'.
🗨In Conversation
Désolé, j'ai eu un imprévu.
Sorry, something unexpected came up.
Pas de problème, on se reprogramme une autre fois.
No problem, we’ll reschedule for another time.
✕Common Mistakes
Désolé, j'ai eu un imprévu.
Female speakers should say "désolée" to agree with their gender.
Je ai eu un imprévu.
The contraction "j'" is required before a vowel; writing "je ai" is incorrect.
un imprévu
"Imprévu" is masculine; you cannot say "une imprévu".
↔Alternatives
Pardon, j'ai eu un contretemps.
Sorry, I had a scheduling conflict.
Excusez‑moi, un imprévu est survenu.
Excuse me, an unexpected thing happened.
Je suis désolé, quelque chose d'inattendu s'est produit.
I’m sorry, something unexpected happened.
Cultural Tip
In everyday French, "désolé" is perfectly acceptable, but in formal or professional settings many prefer "excusez‑moi" or "je suis désolé(e)". Remember to match the adjective’s gender to your own (désolé / désolée). "Imprévu" is masculine; if you want a feminine noun you could say "une surprise".