Meaning
To reschedule a meeting for a later time.
Cultural Background
In the Gulf, business meetings are often rescheduled last minute due to shifting priorities of high-ranking officials. It is not seen as rude, but as a sign of a busy, dynamic environment. In Lebanon and Syria, social time is flexible. 'أجّل' might be used for a wedding or a big dinner party, often with a very apologetic tone. The word 'Ma'lesh' (it's okay/don't worry) often accompanies the news of a postponed meeting. It's used to soften the blow of the delay. In North Africa, French influence means you might hear 'نريپورتي' (from reporter) in casual speech, but 'يؤجل' remains the standard for written Arabic.
Use the Passive
If you don't want to blame someone, say 'تم تأجيل الاجتماع' (The meeting was postponed).
Don't forget 'إلى'
Always use 'إلى' (to) when specifying the new time.
Meaning
To reschedule a meeting for a later time.
Use the Passive
If you don't want to blame someone, say 'تم تأجيل الاجتماع' (The meeting was postponed).
Don't forget 'إلى'
Always use 'إلى' (to) when specifying the new time.
The 'Insha'Allah' Rule
In an Arabic context, always add 'Insha'Allah' after saying you will postpone something to a specific time.
Apologize First
Even if it's not your fault, start with 'نعتذر' (We apologize) before saying you are postponing.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the verb 'أجّل'.
المدير _______ الاجتماع إلى يوم الخميس الماضي.
The sentence refers to 'last Thursday' (الماضي), so the past tense 'أجّل' is required.
Which sentence is the most professional way to ask to move a meeting?
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct verb 'تأجيل' and a polite question structure.
Match the Arabic phrase with its English meaning.
Match these:
Matching the verb and noun forms correctly.
Complete the dialogue.
سارة: أنا مريضة اليوم. أحمد: سلامتك! إذن، سوف _______ الاجتماع.
Since she is sick 'today', the logical professional response is to postpone.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Postpone vs Cancel
Practice Bank
4 exercisesالمدير _______ الاجتماع إلى يوم الخميس الماضي.
The sentence refers to 'last Thursday' (الماضي), so the past tense 'أجّل' is required.
Choose the best option:
This uses the correct verb 'تأجيل' and a polite question structure.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Matching the verb and noun forms correctly.
سارة: أنا مريضة اليوم. أحمد: سلامتك! إذن، سوف _______ الاجتماع.
Since she is sick 'today', the logical professional response is to postpone.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, you can postpone a trip (سفر), an exam (امتحان), or a wedding (زفاف).
'أرجأ' is much more formal and usually found in literature or high-level news.
Use the phrase 'إلى أجل غير مسمى' (to an unnamed term).
Yes, but in a text, you might just say 'نأجل؟' (Shall we postpone?)
Yes, because 'I' is a moon letter (though technically it's a Hamzat Wasl).
Use the verb 'قدّم' (qaddama).
In the past tense, it is 'Ajjala'. In the imperative (command), it is 'Ajjil'.
It is a Form II verb, which often indicates an action done to something else (causative).
Yes, though 'موعد' (appointment) is more common than 'اجتماع' there.
It is common, but a polite reason and 'Insha'Allah' are expected.
Related Phrases
يلغي الاجتماع
contrastTo cancel the meeting
يحدد موعداً
builds onTo set an appointment
يتأخر
similarTo be late
موعد بديل
similarAlternative appointment
جدول أعمال
specialized formAgenda
بسبب ظروف طارئة
similarDue to emergency circumstances
