تأجل الاجتماع إلى الغد
ta'ajjala al-ijtima' ila al-ghad
The meeting was postponed to tomorrow
Literally: The meeting was postponed to tomorrow
In 15 Seconds
- Used to announce a schedule shift to the next day.
- Works for both professional meetings and casual social plans.
- Direct and factual without needing a long explanation.
Meaning
This phrase is used to tell someone that a scheduled meeting or gathering won't happen today as planned. It has been moved to tomorrow instead.
Key Examples
3 of 6Texting a coworker
الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة، ريح نفسك النهاردة.
The meeting was postponed to tomorrow, take it easy today.
Formal email update
بسبب ظروف طارئة، الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة.
Due to emergency circumstances, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow.
Talking to a frustrated friend
معلش، الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة. خيرها في غيرها.
Sorry, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow. Better luck next time.
Cultural Background
The concept of 'Insha'Allah' is deeply tied to scheduling. Even when a meeting is 'postponed to tomorrow,' it is understood that this is subject to divine will. In Lebanon or Syria, 'Maw'ed' (appointment) is often used more frequently than 'Ijtimā' (meeting) for one-on-one professional encounters. Egyptians often use the word 'Ma'lesh' (it's okay/don't worry) when announcing a postponement to soften the blow of the delay. In the Gulf, punctuality is increasingly strictly observed in the private sector, but 'Ta'jeel' (postponement) remains a common tool for managing high-level government schedules.
Use the Passive
When in doubt, use 'تأجل' (it was postponed) to sound more professional and less accusatory.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'إلى' (to) for the new date. Using 'في' is a common English-speaker mistake.
In 15 Seconds
- Used to announce a schedule shift to the next day.
- Works for both professional meetings and casual social plans.
- Direct and factual without needing a long explanation.
What It Means
This is a straightforward way to say a plan has changed. The word الاجتماع means 'the meeting'. The verb اتأجل is the passive form of 'to postpone'. It is the bread and butter of office talk in the Arab world. You are simply stating a fact about a shift in time. It is direct and clear.
How To Use It
Use it when you want to update someone about a schedule change. You can say it over the phone or in an email. It works for formal work meetings. It also works for casual hangouts with friends. Just swap الاجتماع for الخروجة if you are talking about going out. It is a very flexible structure. You will hear it often in busy environments.
When To Use It
Use it the moment you find out a plan is delayed. It is perfect for a quick Slack message to your team. Use it when your boss changes their mind at the last minute. It is also great for when your car breaks down. You can tell your friend the coffee date is moved. It saves everyone a trip through traffic.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this if the meeting is cancelled entirely. For a cancellation, use the word اتلغى. Don't use it if you are the one asking for the delay. This phrase sounds like a finished decision. If you are asking, say ممكن نأجل؟ instead. Also, avoid it in very high-level legal contracts. They prefer more complex, formal vocabulary there.
Cultural Background
In many Arabic-speaking cultures, time can be a bit fluid. The concept of 'Inshallah' often hovers over schedules. However, in modern business hubs like Dubai or Cairo, efficiency is key. This phrase bridges that gap. It provides a concrete new time while acknowledging the delay. It is a polite way to handle the unexpected. It reflects the reality of busy, unpredictable city life.
Common Variations
In Egyptian Arabic, you might hear الميتنج اتأجل. In the Levant, people might say تأجل الاجتماع. If it is moved to next week, say للأسبوع الجاي. If you want to be more formal, use تم تأجيل الاجتماع. Each region has a slight flavor. But everyone will understand اتأجل لبكرة perfectly. It is a universal 'oops, not today' phrase.
Usage Notes
This phrase is neutral and safe for 90% of situations. In very formal writing, use the 'Tam' (تم) construction, but in speech, this version is king.
Use the Passive
When in doubt, use 'تأجل' (it was postponed) to sound more professional and less accusatory.
Preposition Alert
Always use 'إلى' (to) for the new date. Using 'في' is a common English-speaker mistake.
The 'Tam' Shortcut
In emails, use 'تم تأجيل الاجتماع' (The meeting postponement was completed) for a 100% professional look.
Examples
6الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة، ريح نفسك النهاردة.
The meeting was postponed to tomorrow, take it easy today.
A friendly way to give someone a break.
بسبب ظروف طارئة، الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة.
Due to emergency circumstances, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow.
Adding a reason makes it sound more professional.
معلش، الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة. خيرها في غيرها.
Sorry, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow. Better luck next time.
Uses a common idiom to soften the blow.
الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة... كالعادة!
The meeting was postponed to tomorrow... as usual!
A sarcastic remark about a disorganized workplace.
يا جماعة، الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة في نفس المعاد.
Everyone, the meeting was postponed to tomorrow at the same time.
Used for making a general announcement.
الحمد لله الاجتماع اتأجل لبكرة، مكنتش جاهز.
Thank God the meeting was postponed, I wasn't ready.
Shows personal relief about a delay.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct verb form.
بسبب العطلة، ________ الاجتماع إلى الأسبوع القادم.
The subject 'الاجتماع' is masculine singular, so 'تأجل' is the correct past tense Form V verb.
Which sentence is the most formal way to say the meeting is moved?
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
This uses Modern Standard Arabic and the correct professional verb.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
These are the core components of the phrase and its context.
Complete the dialogue.
أحمد: هل سنلتقي اليوم؟ خالد: لا، للأسف ________.
This is the most natural and complete response in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesبسبب العطلة، ________ الاجتماع إلى الأسبوع القادم.
The subject 'الاجتماع' is masculine singular, so 'تأجل' is the correct past tense Form V verb.
اختر الجملة الأكثر رسمية:
This uses Modern Standard Arabic and the correct professional verb.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the core components of the phrase and its context.
أحمد: هل سنلتقي اليوم؟ خالد: لا، للأسف ________.
This is the most natural and complete response in a professional context.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsNot exactly. 'تأجل' means postponed (rescheduled for later), while 'تأخر' means delayed (running late).
Yes, but it's more common to say 'تأجل الموعد' (The appointment was postponed).
Use 'تأجل الاجتماع إلى أجل غير مسمى' (Ta'ajjal al-ijtima' ila ajalin ghayri musamma).
Only in speaking. In writing, always use 'الغد'.
Related Phrases
تم إلغاء الاجتماع
contrastThe meeting was cancelled.
تأخر الاجتماع
similarThe meeting was delayed.
عُقد الاجتماع
contrastThe meeting was held.
موعد بديل
builds onAlternative appointment.
