Italian Phrase
Avvisaci subito se devi cancellare.
Meaning
‘Let us know right away if you have to cancel.’ The speaker asks the listener to inform them immediately in case a reservation, appointment, or plan needs to be called off.
When to use
Use this sentence when you are coordinating bookings, meetings, or events and need a prompt heads‑up if the other party cannot attend. It works in both formal (e‑mail, business) and informal (friend, family) contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Avvisacisubitosedevicancellare
Imperative + enclitic pronoun
In the affirmative imperative, object pronouns attach to the end of the verb (e.g., avvisare → avvisaci = ‘let us know’).
Adverb placement
Adverbs like subito normally follow the verb phrase in Italian.
Conditional clause with se
The conjunction se introduces a condition; the verb in the clause stays in the indicative mood.
Obligation verb – dovere
Devi is the present indicative of dovere, meaning ‘you must / have to’.
Infinitive after modal verb
After devo/devi, the infinitive (cancellare) expresses the action that is required.
🗨In Conversation
Ciao, ho un impegno domani ma non sono sicuro se riuscirò a venire.
Hi, I have a commitment tomorrow but I'm not sure if I'll be able to come.
Avvisaci subito se devi cancellare.
Let us know right away if you have to cancel.
✕Common Mistakes
Ci avvisa subito se devi cancellare.
In the affirmative imperative the pronoun follows the verb, not precedes it.
Avvisaci subito se devi annullare.
‘Annullare’ is less natural for a reservation; use ‘cancellare’ in this context.
Avvisaci subito se devi cancellare?
The sentence is a statement, not a question; keep the period unless you really intend to ask.
↔Alternatives
Faccelo sapere subito se devi annullare.
Let us know immediately if you have to cancel.
Comunica subito se devi cancellare.
Communicate right away if you have to cancel.
Avvisaci immediatamente se devi cancellare.
Notify us immediately if you have to cancel.
Cultural Tip
In Italian, the imperative with attached pronouns (avvisaci) sounds direct but polite. Adding ‘per favore’ or ‘per cortesia’ softens the request: ‘Avvisaci per favore subito…’. Also, ‘cancellare’ is preferred for reservations and appointments, while ‘annullare’ is more common for events or contracts.