SpeeekDownload on the App Store
Back to Making Reservations

Italian Phrase

E se dovessi cancellare?

/e sse doˈvɛssi kan.tʃelˈla.re/
Meaning"What if I had to cancel?"
💡

Meaning

This phrase is used to introduce a hypothetical scenario, specifically concerning the need to cancel something. It employs the imperfect subjunctive mood, 'dovessi', which conveys a sense of uncertainty or a less likely, yet possible, future event. It's a way to consider a contingency plan or express a potential concern.

🎯

When to use

You would use this phrase when discussing plans, reservations, or commitments and you want to consider a 'what if' scenario where you might need to withdraw or revoke them. It's perfect for planning ahead, asking about cancellation policies, or expressing a slight worry about unforeseen circumstances.

✦Grammar Breakdown

Esedovessicancellare

1

E se...

The construction 'E se...' directly translates to 'And if...' or 'What if...' and is commonly used to introduce a hypothetical question or scenario.

2

Dovessi (Imperfect Subjunctive)

'Dovessi' is the first or second person singular imperfect subjunctive of the verb 'dovere' (to have to, must). It's used here to express a hypothetical or uncertain obligation in a conditional clause, often following 'se'.

3

Cancellare (Infinitive)

'Cancellare' means 'to cancel' or 'to erase'. In this construction, it follows the conjugated modal verb 'dovessi' in its infinitive form, as is typical for modal verbs in Italian.

🗨In Conversation

A

Ho prenotato il ristorante per sabato sera.

I've booked the restaurant for Saturday evening.

Perfetto! E se dovessi cancellare?

Perfect! What if I had to cancel?

B

✕Common Mistakes

  • E se devo cancellare?

    Using 'devo' (present indicative) makes the cancellation sound more certain or immediate, rather than a hypothetical possibility. The imperfect subjunctive 'dovessi' is needed for the 'what if' conditional.

  • E se avrei dovuto cancellare?

    This uses the conditional perfect, which means 'what if I would have had to cancel' (in the past). For a hypothetical future cancellation, the imperfect subjunctive 'dovessi' is correct.

↔Alternatives

  • Cosa succede se devo annullare?

    What happens if I have to cancel?

  • Nel caso in cui dovessi annullare?

    In case I had to cancel?

  • E se fossi costretto a cancellare?

    And if I were forced to cancel?

it

Cultural Tip

Italians often appreciate thorough planning and considering all possibilities, especially when it comes to travel, events, or social engagements. Using a phrase like 'E se dovessi cancellare?' shows foresight and responsibility, rather than being seen as pessimistic. It's common to discuss cancellation policies or contingency plans when making arrangements.