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Calls · part 3 — short notice

Push back a meeting time politely.

会議の時間をていねいに後ろ倒しできるようになりましょう。

Key English phrases

Can we push back ~?
Something came up, so ~.
Would ~ be possible instead?
Sorry for any trouble.

Example conversation

ACan we push back our two o'clock?
BSure. Something came up?
AYes, a client call ran long. Would three be possible instead?
BThree works fine.
AThank you. Sorry for any trouble.
BNo trouble at all.

In context

Listen to someone changing a time. 'I'm sorry — can we push back our two o'clock meeting? Something came up with a client and the call ran long. Would three o'clock be possible instead? If not, we can try tomorrow. Sorry for any trouble, and thanks for understanding.'

When to use it · practice

You can't make the agreed time. Ask to push it back.
決めた時間に間に合いません。後ろ倒しをお願いしましょう。
You need to explain briefly. Give a short reason.
手短に説明する必要があります。短い理由を伝えましょう。
You want to suggest a new time. Propose an alternative.
新しい時間を提案したいです。代案を出しましょう。

Practice this for real

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