Italian Phrase
Facci sapere in anticipo se devi cancellare.
Meaning
A polite request asking the listener to inform the speaker ahead of time if they need to cancel a plan, reservation, or appointment. The literal sense is “make us know in advance if you have to cancel.”
When to use
Use this sentence when you are coordinating events, meetings, travel bookings, or any situation where a last‑minute cancellation would cause inconvenience. It works in both friendly and semi‑formal contexts, such as with colleagues, service providers, or acquaintances.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Faccisapereinanticiposedevicancellare
Imperative + clitic pronoun
"Facci" is the 2nd‑person plural imperative of *fare* combined with the enclitic pronoun *ci* (us). In imperatives, clitic pronouns attach to the verb.
Infinitive after imperative
The infinitive *sapere* follows the imperative and functions like “let us know”. This construction is common for polite requests.
Prepositional phrase *in anticipo*
*In anticipo* means “in advance”. It is placed before the conditional clause to stress timing.
Conditional conjunction *se*
*Se* introduces a condition (“if”). It is followed by a verb in the present indicative when the condition is realistic.
Verb *dovere* in present
*Devi* is the 2nd‑person singular present of *dovere* (to have to). It expresses an obligation that may arise.
Infinitive *cancellare*
*Cancellare* is the infinitive “to cancel”. After *devi* it forms a simple verb phrase: “you have to cancel”.
🗨In Conversation
Ciao Marco, la cena di domani è confermata?
Hi Marco, is tomorrow’s dinner confirmed?
Se devo cancellare, ti faccio sapere in anticipo.
If I have to cancel, I’ll let you know in advance.
✕Common Mistakes
Fa sapere in anticipo se devi cancellare.
The clitic pronoun *ci* must be attached to the imperative; *fa sapere* is ungrammatical.
Facci sapere in prima se devi cancellare.
The correct prepositional phrase is *in anticipo*, not *in prima*.
Facci sapere in anticipo se dovrai cancellare.
If you want a more formal tone, use *dovesse cancellare* or *dovesse essere costretto a cancellare*.
↔Alternatives
Avvisaci prima se devi cancellare.
Notify us first if you have to cancel.
Ti preghiamo di informarci con anticipo qualora dovessi cancellare.
We kindly ask you to inform us in advance should you need to cancel.
Facci sapere al più presto se non potrai venire.
Let us know as soon as possible if you can’t come.
Cultural Tip
In Italian the construction *facci sapere* is informal but perfectly polite among peers and in many business contexts. For a more formal tone, replace *facci* with *ci faccia* (3rd‑person singular formal). Also, Italians appreciate early notice; saying *in anticipo* signals respect for the other party’s schedule.