Spanish Phrase
Lo siento, voy a tener que cancelar.
Meaning
The speaker is apologizing and stating that they will have to cancel whatever was previously arranged. It conveys regret and a sense of obligation to cancel.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to cancel a meeting, appointment, reservation, or any plan you had with someone, especially if you want to sound polite and sincere.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Losiento,voyatenerquecancelar.
Lo siento
A set phrase used to apologize; literally 'I am sorry', suitable for both formal and informal contexts.
Voy a + infinitive
The periphrastic future; 'voy a' + infinitive expresses an action that will happen soon.
Tener que + infinitive
Indicates obligation or necessity; translates to 'have to' or 'must'.
Cancelar
A regular -ar verb meaning 'to cancel'. In this construction it stays in the infinitive after 'tener que'.
🗨In Conversation
Lo siento, voy a tener que cancelar.
I'm sorry, I'm going to have to cancel.
No hay problema, avísame cuando puedas reprogramar.
No problem, let me know when you can reschedule.
✕Common Mistakes
Lo siento, voy a tener cancelar.
The verb 'tener' must be followed by the conjunction 'que' before an infinitive.
Lo siento, voy a cancelar.
Leaving out 'tener que' removes the nuance of obligation; it sounds less apologetic.
Lo siento, voy a tener que canceló.
After 'tener que' the following verb stays in infinitive form, not conjugated.
↔Alternatives
Disculpa, tengo que cancelar.
Excuse me, I have to cancel.
Perdón, debo cancelar.
Sorry, I must cancel.
Lamento decirte que tengo que cancelar.
I regret to tell you that I have to cancel.
Cultural Tip
In Spanish‑speaking cultures, a brief apology before delivering bad news is expected. 'Lo siento' is slightly more formal than 'Disculpa', which can be used with friends. Adding 'voy a' signals that the cancellation is imminent, which helps the listener understand the urgency.