Portuguese Phrase
Posso mudar a hora do meu compromisso?
Meaning
The speaker is politely asking if it is possible to change the scheduled time of a previously arranged meeting, appointment, or commitment. It conveys respect for the other party’s schedule while expressing a need for flexibility.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to reschedule a doctor's visit, a business meeting, a class, or any personal appointment. It works both in formal settings (e.g., with a professor or client) and informal ones (e.g., with a friend), as long as you keep the polite tone.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possomudarahoradomeucompromisso?
Posso (modal verb)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular of the verb ‘poder’, used to ask permission or express ability.
Infinitive after poder
When ‘poder’ is followed by another verb, that verb stays in the infinitive (mudar).
Definite article ‘a’
‘a’ introduces the specific noun ‘hora’ (the time).
Prepositional contraction ‘do’
‘do’ = de + o, linking the noun ‘compromisso’ with the possessive ‘meu’.
Possessive adjective ‘meu’
‘meu’ agrees in gender and number with the noun it modifies (compromisso – masculine singular).
🗨In Conversation
Posso mudar a hora do meu compromisso?
Can I change the time of my appointment?
Claro, podemos remarcar para as 15h.
Sure, we can reschedule for 3 p.m.
✕Common Mistakes
Posso mudar a hora da meu compromisso?
‘Compromisso’ is masculine, so the possessive must be ‘meu’, not ‘minha’.
Posso mudar o compromisso?
If you want to change the whole appointment, you can also use ‘remarcar’, which is more idiomatic.
Posso mudando a hora do meu compromisso?
When asking permission, keep the verb in infinitive after ‘posso’; do not conjugate it (e.g., ‘mudando’).
↔Alternatives
Posso remarcar o meu compromisso?
Can I reschedule my appointment?
É possível mudar o horário do meu compromisso?
Is it possible to change the time of my appointment?
Será que consigo alterar a hora do meu compromisso?
Would I be able to change the time of my appointment?
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, punctuality is appreciated but schedules are often flexible. When you need to change an appointment, start with a polite request (using ‘posso’ or ‘seria possível’) and, if possible, suggest an alternative time. Avoid sounding demanding; a friendly tone helps maintain good relationships.