Spanish Phrase
Sí, tengo planes para el domingo.
Meaning
This phrase is a straightforward way to communicate that your schedule is already occupied for the upcoming Sunday. It uses the verb 'tener' to denote possession of existing commitments and 'para' to indicate the specific day those plans fall on.
When to use
Use this phrase when declining an invitation or responding to an inquiry about your availability on the weekend. It is suitable for both formal and informal social interactions.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Sítengoplanesparael domingo
Tengo (Tener)
This is the first-person singular present tense of 'tener' (to have). It is an irregular verb.
Preposition 'Para'
When referring to a future time or deadline, 'para' is used to mean 'for'.
Days of the Week
Days of the week are masculine in Spanish, so we use 'el' before 'domingo'.
🗨In Conversation
¿Quieres ir al cine el domingo?
Do you want to go to the cinema on Sunday?
Sí, tengo planes para el domingo.
Yes, I have plans for Sunday.
✕Common Mistakes
Sí, tengo planes en el domingo.
In Spanish, you do not use 'en' before days of the week to say 'on'; use 'para' for plans or just the definite article 'el'.
Sí, soy planes para el domingo.
Plans are something you 'have' (tener), not something you 'are' (ser).
↔Alternatives
Ya tengo compromiso el domingo.
I already have a commitment on Sunday.
Estoy ocupado este domingo.
I am busy this Sunday.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish-speaking countries, Sunday is a dedicated family day. Saying you have plans often implies you are attending a large family lunch, which is a highly respected reason for being unavailable.