Politely Changing the Time of a Plan

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Politely Changing the Time of a Plan

Learn to shift a plan's time — asking, explaining, and confirming a new time gracefully in Korean.

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Iru Helper Note

In Korean, asking to change a plan's time requires a softer approach than in English. The key opener is 혹시 괜찮으시면 (if it's okay with you, just in case), and the key question is 시간을 바꿀 수 있을까요? (would it be possible to change the time?). Always give a reason with ~어서요 or ~는 바람에, and offer a new specific time right away.

혹시 괜찮으시면, 오늘 약속 시간을 조금 늦춰도 될까요? 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. 3시 대신 4시는 어때요?

(If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push today's meeting time back a little? It seems like work will end late. How about 4 instead of 3?)

🕐 What You'll Learn Today

Today you'll learn how to politely ask to change the time of a plan in Korean. You'll use 혹시 괜찮으시면 (if it's okay, just in case), 시간을 앞당기다/늦추다 (to move the time earlier/later), and ~대신 ~ 어때요? (~instead of ~, how about ~?). These phrases let you adjust plans gracefully without seeming inconsiderate or disorganized.

📌 Changing Plan Time Vocabulary

Expression	Meaning	Notes
혹시 괜찮으시면	If it's okay with you (just in case)	Polite check opener
시간을 바꾸다	To change the time	시간을 바꿀 수 있을까요?
시간을 앞당기다	To move the time earlier	조금 앞당겨도 될까요?
시간을 늦추다	To push the time back	조금 늦춰도 될까요?
~대신	Instead of ~	3시 대신 4시 어때요?
조금 더 일찍 / 조금 더 늦게	A little earlier / a little later	Flexible adjustment
~까지는 힘들 것 같아요	I think [time] will be difficult	Explaining why
일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아요	Work seems to end late	Common reason
가능하면	If possible	가능하면 일찍이 좋아요
불편하지 않으시면	If it's not inconvenient	Higher politeness
확인해 주실 수 있어요?	Could you confirm?	Asking for response
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in	Saying you'll adjust
~쪽이 더 편해요	~ is more convenient for me	Preference expression
다시 잡아요	Let's reschedule	Confirming new plan

💡 Key pattern: 혹시 괜찮으시면, [time A] 대신 [time B]는 어때요? [reason]어서요. = "If it's okay with you, how about [time B] instead of [time A]? It's because [reason]." The opener + new time + reason is the complete polite time-change request.

💬 Conversations in Action

Conversation 1 — Pushing the time back

A: 오늘 3시에 만나요! (Let's meet at 3 today!)

B: 혹시 괜찮으시면, 시간을 조금 늦춰도 될까요? 오늘 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. 3시 대신 4시는 어때요? (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push the time back a little? It seems like work will end late today. How about 4 instead of 3?)

A: 네, 4시 괜찮아요. (Yes, 4 is fine.)

B: 감사해요! 그럼 4시에 봐요. (Thank you! Then let's meet at 4.)

Conversation 2 — Moving the time earlier

A: 내일 오후 2시 어때요? (How about 2pm tomorrow?)

B: 사실 2시까지는 힘들 것 같아요. 가능하면 조금 더 일찍 할 수 있을까요? 1시는 어때요? (Actually, I think 2 will be difficult. If possible, could we do a little earlier? How about 1?)

A: 1시도 괜찮아요. 그럼 1시로 다시 잡아요. (1 is also fine. Then let's reschedule for 1.)

B: 좋아요! 맞춰주셔서 감사해요. (Great! Thank you for accommodating.)

🌏 Cultural Note — 시간 문화 (Time Culture) in Korea

While Koreans are generally punctual, adjusting a plan's time is common and acceptable — as long as you do it politely and with adequate notice. The critical elements are: (1) using 혹시 괜찮으시면 to soften the request, (2) giving a real reason, and (3) always proposing the new time yourself rather than just saying you can't make the original. Leaving the decision entirely to the other person (언제 편해요? with no suggestion) can feel like you're creating extra work for them.

<summary>Try This Speaking Exercise

Practice asking to change a plan's time in different ways.

A. Ask to push the meeting time back by one hour.

<summary>Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면, 시간을 한 시간 늦춰도 될까요? 일이 좀 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push the time back by one hour? It seems work will end a little late.)

</summary>

B. Ask to move the time earlier and suggest a specific new time.

<summary>Answer

혹시 조금 더 일찍 할 수 있을까요? 3시 대신 2시는 어때요? 가능하면요. (Could we possibly do a little earlier? How about 2 instead of 3? If it's possible.)

</summary>

C. Explain why you need to change the time.

<summary>Answer

죄송한데요, 오늘 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. 약속 시간을 조금 늦춰도 될까요? (I'm sorry, but it seems like work will end late today. Would it be okay to push the meeting time back a little?)

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D. Say that the original time is difficult for you and suggest an alternative.

<summary>Answer

3시까지는 좀 힘들 것 같아요. 혹시 4시는 괜찮으세요? (I think 3 will be a bit difficult. Would 4 be okay by any chance?)

</summary>

E. Thank someone for adjusting to your new time request.

<summary>Answer

시간 맞춰주셔서 정말 감사해요. 덕분에 편하게 올 수 있어요. (Thank you so much for accommodating the time. Thanks to you, I can come comfortably.)

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F. Confirm the new time after the other person agrees.

<summary>Answer

그럼 4시로 다시 잡아요. 늦지 않게 갈게요. (Then let's reschedule for 4. I'll make sure not to be late.)

</summary>

G. Ask if the change you're requesting is convenient for the other person.

<summary>Answer

혹시 4시는 불편하지 않으세요? 맞춰드릴 수 있어요. (Is 4 not inconvenient for you? I can accommodate you.)

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H. Say you'll try to fit in the original time if needed.

<summary>Answer

제가 맞춰볼게요. 3시가 더 편하시면 최대한 일찍 올게요. (I'll try to fit in. If 3 is more convenient for you, I'll come as early as possible.)

</summary>

I. Ask to move the time back a little and give a reason.

<summary>Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면, 오늘 약속을 30분만 늦춰도 될까요? 교통이 막힐 것 같아서요. (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push today's plan back just 30 minutes? It seems the traffic will be heavy.)

</summary>

J. Graciously agree when someone asks to change the time.

<summary>Answer

네, 괜찮아요! 4시로 바꿔요. 맞춰줄 수 있어요. (Yes, it's fine! Let's change it to 4. I can accommodate.)

</summary>

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Expression Reference

Expression	Nuance/Key
혹시 괜찮으시면	If it's okay (soft opener)
시간을 늦추다	Push time back
시간을 앞당기다	Move time earlier
~대신 ~ 어때요?	How about ~ instead of ~?
~까지는 힘들 것 같아요	~ seems difficult
가능하면	If possible
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in
다시 잡아요	Let's reschedule
맞춰주셔서 감사해요	Thank you for accommodating
불편하지 않으시면	If it's not inconvenient

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Speaking Tip

The polite time-change request has four moves: (1) 혹시 괜찮으시면 — soft opener, (2) 시간을 [앞당겨/늦춰]도 될까요? — the request, (3) [reason]어서요 — why, (4) [new time] 대신 [alternative] 어때요? — your proposal. Always propose the new time yourself. Asking 언제 편해요? without suggesting anything first puts extra burden on the other person.

</summary>

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Want more reps?

Practice three scenarios out loud: (1) push a plan back one hour because work is late, (2) move it earlier by 30 minutes because you have another appointment, (3) change it the day before because of traffic concerns. For each, use the four-move structure: opener → request → reason → new time suggestion.

📦 Practice Hub — Changing Plan Times

Exercise 1 — Choose the Right Expression

Pick the most natural Korean expression for each situation.

A. You want to softly open a time-change request.

(1) 사실은요 (2) 혹시 괜찮으시면 (3) 죄송하지만 (4) 그런데요

<summary>Answer

(2) 혹시 괜찮으시면 — 혹시 (just in case) + 괜찮으시면 (if it's okay with you) is the softest, most considerate opener for a time-change request.

B. You want to say "push the time back."

(1) 시간을 바꾸다 (2) 시간을 늦추다 (3) 시간을 미루다 (4) 시간을 멈추다

<summary>Answer

(2) 시간을 늦추다 — 늦추다 = to push back/make later. 바꾸다 = change (general), 미루다 = postpone (the whole plan), 멈추다 = stop.

C. You want to say "move the time earlier."

(1) 시간을 앞으로 하다 (2) 시간을 앞당기다 (3) 시간을 빠르게 하다 (4) 시간을 당기다

<summary>Answer

(2) 시간을 앞당기다 — 앞당기다 = to bring forward/move earlier. This is the set expression. 당기다 alone without 앞 is ambiguous.

D. You want to suggest 4pm instead of 3pm.

(1) 3시가 아니라 4시예요 (2) 3시 대신 4시는 어때요? (3) 4시가 좋아요 (4) 4시에 바꿔요

<summary>Answer

(2) 3시 대신 4시는 어때요? — ~대신 ~ 어때요? = how about ~ instead of ~? This is the natural replacement-suggestion structure.

E. You want to say "I think [time] will be difficult."

(1) ~는 안 돼요 (2) ~까지는 힘들 것 같아요 (3) ~는 무리예요 (4) ~는 못 해요

<summary>Answer

(2) ~까지는 힘들 것 같아요 — ~까지는 힘들 것 같아요 = I think [that time] will be difficult. It's soft and leaves room for negotiation, unlike the others which are more absolute.

F. You want to say "if possible" to soften a request.

(1) 가능하면 (2) 될 수 있으면 (3) 만약에 (4) 혹시나

<summary>Answer

(1) 가능하면 — this is the most natural "if possible" in Korean coordination talk.

G. You want to say "I'll try to fit in."

(1) 제가 할게요 (2) 맞춰볼게요 (3) 노력할게요 (4) 시간을 바꿀게요

<summary>Answer

(2) 맞춰볼게요 — 맞추다 = to fit/match; ~볼게요 = I'll try to. This is the most natural offer to accommodate.

H. You want to thank someone for accommodating your time change.

(1) 감사해요 (2) 맞춰주셔서 감사해요 (3) 이해해줘서 고마워요 (4) 고마워요

<summary>Answer

(2) 맞춰주셔서 감사해요 — 맞춰주다 = to accommodate/fit to you; ~주셔서 감사해요 = thank you for doing ~ for me. This specifically thanks them for adjusting.

I. You want to confirm the new plan after the change.

(1) 알겠어요 (2) 그럼 ~시로 다시 잡아요 (3) 그럼 가요 (4) 나중에 봐요

<summary>Answer

(2) 그럼 ~시로 다시 잡아요 — 다시 잡다 = to reschedule/reset. Repeating the new time confirms the plan is settled.

J. You graciously agree when someone asks to change the time.

(1) 알겠어요 (2) 어쩔 수 없죠 (3) 네, 괜찮아요. 맞춰줄 수 있어요. (4) 그렇게 해요

<summary>Answer

(3) 네, 괜찮아요. 맞춰줄 수 있어요. — this is warm, gracious, and shows willingness to accommodate. The others are either too cold (1), resigned (2), or abrupt (4).

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Quick Reference

Expression	Meaning
혹시 괜찮으시면	If it's okay with you
시간을 늦추다	Push time back
시간을 앞당기다	Move time earlier
~대신 ~ 어때요?	How about ~ instead?
~까지는 힘들 것 같아요	~ seems difficult
가능하면	If possible
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in
다시 잡아요	Let's reschedule
맞춰주셔서 감사해요	Thank you for accommodating
불편하지 않으시면	If it's not inconvenient

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Pitfall

Don't just say 시간 바꿔요 (let's change the time) without a soft opener, reason, or new time suggestion. This sounds abrupt and inconsiderate. Always: 혹시 괜찮으시면 → reason → new time proposal. All three parts matter for a polite time-change request.

Exercise 2 — Korean → English Translation

Translate each sentence naturally into English.

A. 혹시 괜찮으시면, 시간을 조금 늦춰도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push the time back a little?

B. 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요.

<summary>Answer

It seems like work will end late.

C. 3시 대신 4시는 어때요?

<summary>Answer

How about 4 instead of 3?

D. 2시까지는 조금 힘들 것 같아요. 가능하면 조금 더 일찍 할 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

I think 2 will be a little difficult. If possible, could we do it a little earlier?

E. 맞춰주셔서 정말 감사해요.

<summary>Answer

Thank you so much for accommodating.

F. 그럼 4시로 다시 잡아요.

<summary>Answer

Then let's reschedule for 4.

G. 혹시 불편하지 않으시면, 30분만 늦춰도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

If it's not inconvenient, would it be alright to push it back just 30 minutes?

H. 제가 맞춰볼게요. 3시가 더 편하시면 최대한 일찍 갈게요.

<summary>Answer

I'll try to fit in. If 3 is more convenient for you, I'll go as early as possible.

I. 교통이 막힐 것 같아서요. 30분 늦춰도 괜찮을까요?

<summary>Answer

It seems the traffic will be heavy. Would it be okay to push it back 30 minutes?

J. 네, 괜찮아요! 맞춰줄 수 있어요.

<summary>Answer

Yes, it's fine! I can accommodate.

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Vocabulary Cheat Sheet

Word	Meaning
혹시 괜찮으시면	If it's okay with you
시간을 늦추다	Push time back
시간을 앞당기다	Move time earlier
~대신	Instead of ~
힘들 것 같다	Seems difficult
가능하면	If possible
맞추다	To fit/accommodate
교통이 막히다	Traffic is heavy
다시 잡다	Reschedule
최대한	As much as possible

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Grammar Tip

~시 대신 ~시 어때요? uses 대신 (instead of). This is a replacement suggestion — you're offering an alternative. Compare to ~시는 안 돼요 (~ doesn't work) which just blocks. Always offer the alternative: 3시 대신 4시 어때요? keeps the conversation moving; just saying 3시는 힘들어요 stops it.

Exercise 3 — Complete the Sentence

Fill in the blank with the correct word or ending.

A. 혹시 ___으시면, 시간을 바꿀 수 있을까요? (if it's okay)

<summary>Answer

괜찮 — 괜찮으시면 = if it's okay with you (honorific form).

B. 시간을 조금 ___춰도 될까요? (push back)

<summary>Answer

늦 — 늦추다 → 늦춰도 될까요? = would it be okay to push back?

C. 3시 ___ 4시는 어때요? (instead of)

<summary>Answer

대신 — 대신 = instead of.

D. 2시까지는 좀 ___을 것 같아요. (difficult)

<summary>Answer

힘들 — 힘들다 → 힘들 것 같아요 = seems difficult.

E. 가능___면, 조금 더 일찍 할 수 있을까요? (if possible)

<summary>Answer

하 — 가능하면 = if possible.

F. 제가 맞___볼게요. (try to fit in)

<summary>Answer

춰 — 맞추다 → 맞춰볼게요 = I'll try to fit in.

G. 그럼 4시로 다시 ___아요. (let's reschedule)

<summary>Answer

잡 — 다시 잡다 → 다시 잡아요 = let's reschedule.

H. 맞춰___서 감사해요. (for accommodating)

<summary>Answer

주셔 — 맞춰주시다 → 맞춰주셔서 감사해요 = thank you for accommodating (for me).

I. 시간을 조금 ___당겨도 될까요? (move earlier)

<summary>Answer

앞 — 앞당기다 → 앞당겨도 될까요? = would it be okay to move earlier?

J. 불편___지 않으시면 부탁드려요. (if not inconvenient)

<summary>Answer

하 — 불편하지 않으시면 = if it's not inconvenient (for you).

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Sentence Starters

Pattern	Use
혹시 괜찮으시면	Soft opener
시간을 늦춰도 될까요?	Can we push back?
시간을 앞당겨도 될까요?	Can we move earlier?
~대신 ~ 어때요?	How about ~ instead?
~까지는 힘들 것 같아요	~ seems difficult
가능하면	If possible
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in
다시 잡아요	Let's reschedule
맞춰주셔서 감사해요	Thanks for accommodating
불편하지 않으시면	If not inconvenient

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Production Tip

앞당기다 (move earlier) and 늦추다 (push back) are the two key verbs for time adjustment. Remember: 앞 (front/earlier) → 앞당기다; 늦다 (late) → 늦추다. When adjusting time, always state the direction (earlier vs. later) AND the new time. Don't just say 바꿀 수 있어요? without specifying.

Exercise 4 — Dialogue Completion

Complete B's line in each dialogue.

A. A: 오늘 3시에 만나요! / B: 혹시 괜찮으시면, 시간을 조금 _도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면, 시간을 조금 늦춰도 될까요? (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push the time back a little?)

B. A: 왜요? / B: 일이 늦게 ___것 같아서요.

<summary>Answer

일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. (It seems like work will end late.)

C. A: 그럼 몇 시가 좋아요? / B: 3시 ___ 4시는 어때요?

<summary>Answer

3시 대신 4시는 어때요? (How about 4 instead of 3?)

D. A: 4시 괜찮아요. / B: 감사해요! 그럼 4시로 ___잡아요.

<summary>Answer

감사해요! 그럼 4시로 다시 잡아요. (Thank you! Then let's reschedule for 4.)

E. A: 내일 오후 2시 어때요? / B: 2시까지는 좀 힘들 것 같아요. 가능하면 조금 더 ___할 수 있을까요?

<summary>Answer

2시까지는 좀 힘들 것 같아요. 가능하면 조금 더 일찍 할 수 있을까요? (I think 2 will be a bit difficult. If possible, could we do it a little earlier?)

F. A: 1시는 어때요? / B: 네, 좋아요! 1시로 ___잡아요.

<summary>Answer

네, 좋아요! 1시로 다시 잡아요. (Yes, sounds good! Let's reschedule for 1.)

G. A: 맞춰줄 수 있어요? / B: 네, 제가 ___볼게요.

<summary>Answer

네, 제가 맞춰볼게요. (Yes, I'll try to fit in.)

H. A: 시간 바꿔줘서 고마워요. / B: 맞춰___서 감사해요. 덕분에 편하게 왔어요.

<summary>Answer

맞춰주셔서 감사해요. 덕분에 편하게 왔어요. (Thank you for accommodating. Thanks to you, I was able to come comfortably.)

I. A: 30분만 늦춰도 돼요? / B: 혹시 ___하지 않으시면 괜찮아요.

<summary>Answer

혹시 불편하지 않으시면 괜찮아요. (If it's not inconvenient, it's fine.)

J. A: 교통이 막힐 것 같아요. / B: 그럼 30분 ___도 될까요?

<summary>Answer

그럼 30분 늦춰도 될까요? (Then would it be okay to push it back 30 minutes?)

📚

Useful Phrases

Phrase	Meaning
혹시 괜찮으시면	If it's okay with you
늦춰도 될까요?	Can we push back?
일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요	Work seems to end late
~대신 ~ 어때요?	How about ~ instead?
힘들 것 같아요	Seems difficult
가능하면 더 일찍	If possible, earlier
다시 잡아요	Let's reschedule
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in
맞춰주셔서 감사해요	Thanks for accommodating
불편하지 않으시면	If not inconvenient

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Conversation Tip

When someone asks to change the time, the most gracious response is 맞춰줄 수 있어요 (I can accommodate) or 괜찮아요, 맞춰볼게요 (It's fine, I'll try to fit in). Avoid 어쩔 수 없죠 (can't be helped) — it sounds resigned rather than willing. Warmth in adjustment matters as much as the adjustment itself.

Exercise 5 — Free Speaking Practice

Answer each prompt out loud in Korean using lesson expressions.

A. Ask to push a meeting back one hour because work ends late.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면, 오늘 약속 시간을 한 시간 늦춰도 될까요? 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. 3시 대신 4시는 어때요? (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to push today's meeting time back one hour? It seems work will end late. How about 4 instead of 3?)

B. Ask to move a plan 30 minutes earlier because of another commitment.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면, 30분만 앞당겨도 될까요? 그 전에 다른 약속이 있어서요. 2시 대신 1시 30분은 어때요? (If it's okay with you, would it be alright to move it forward just 30 minutes? I have another commitment before that. How about 1:30 instead of 2?)

C. Say the original time is difficult and suggest a new time.

<summary>Sample Answer

3시까지는 좀 힘들 것 같아요. 가능하면 4시는 어때요? 그 시간이 저한테는 훨씬 편하거든요. (I think 3 will be a bit difficult. If possible, how about 4? That time is much more convenient for me, you see.)

D. Thank someone for adjusting the time for you.

<summary>Sample Answer

맞춰주셔서 정말 감사해요. 덕분에 여유롭게 올 수 있어요. (Thank you so much for accommodating. Thanks to you, I can come with plenty of time.)

E. Confirm the new plan time after a change is agreed upon.

<summary>Sample Answer

그럼 4시로 다시 잡는 거죠? 늦지 않게 갈게요. (Then we're rescheduling for 4, right? I'll make sure not to be late.)

F. Graciously agree when someone asks to push the time back.

<summary>Sample Answer

네, 괜찮아요! 맞춰줄 수 있어요. 4시로 바꿔요. (Yes, it's fine! I can accommodate. Let's change it to 4.)

G. Ask if the new time you're proposing is not inconvenient.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 4시는 불편하지 않으세요? 괜찮으시면 그쪽이 더 편할 것 같아서요. (Is 4 not inconvenient for you? If it's okay, I think that would be more convenient.)

H. Offer to fit in the original time if the other person can't change.

<summary>Sample Answer

제가 맞춰볼게요. 3시가 더 편하시면 최대한 빨리 갈게요. (I'll try to fit in. If 3 is more convenient for you, I'll go as quickly as possible.)

I. Handle the full time-change conversation from request to confirmation.

<summary>Sample Answer

혹시 괜찮으시면 오늘 3시 대신 4시는 어때요? 일이 늦게 끝날 것 같아서요. [Friend: 네 괜찮아요] 감사해요! 그럼 4시로 다시 잡아요. 맞춰주셔서 정말 감사해요. (If it's okay with you, how about 4 instead of 3 today? It seems work will end late. [Friend: Yes, that's fine] Thank you! Then let's reschedule for 4. Thank you so much for accommodating.)

J. Say traffic is bad and ask if you can push back by 30 minutes.

<summary>Sample Answer

죄송한데요, 교통이 막히는 것 같아요. 혹시 30분만 늦춰도 될까요? 최대한 빨리 갈게요. (I'm sorry, but the traffic seems to be heavy. If it's okay, could I push it back just 30 minutes? I'll go as fast as possible.)

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Sentence Starters

Starter	Use
혹시 괜찮으시면	Soft opener
시간을 늦춰도 될까요?	Push back request
시간을 앞당겨도 될까요?	Move earlier request
~대신 ~ 어때요?	Alternative proposal
~까지는 힘들 것 같아요	Time seems difficult
가능하면	If possible
맞춰볼게요	I'll try to fit in
그럼 ~시로 다시 잡아요	Then reschedule for ~
맞춰주셔서 감사해요	Thanks for accommodating
최대한 빨리 갈게요	I'll go as fast as I can

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Speaking Challenge

Role-play a time-change request with both parts. As the requester: 혹시 괜찮으시면 → reason → new time suggestion. As the responder: either graciously agree (맞춰줄 수 있어요) or counter-propose (저는 ~시는 어떠세요?). Complete the exchange with a confirmed new time.

시간을 유연하게 조율하는 것도 관계를 잘 이어가는 방법이에요. ✨