Knowing how to cancel a hospital appointment is essential when unexpected situations arise. This guide provides the necessary Korean phrases and cultural context for cancelling your doctor’s or hospital appointment politely and effectively in Korea. Learn how to state your intention, provide reasons, and potentially reschedule.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 병원 진료 예약을 취소하다
Pronunciation: byeong-won jin-ryo ye-yak-eul chwi-so-ha-da
Meaning: To cancel a hospital appointment
Basic Cancellation Phrases
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Expression: 예약을 취소하고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak-eul chwi-so-ha-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to cancel my appointment. -
Expression: 진료 예약을 취소하려고 전화했어요.
Pronunciation: jin-ryo ye-yak-eul chwi-so-ha-ryeo-go jeon-hwa-haess-eo-yo.
Meaning: I called to cancel my medical appointment. -
Expression: 오늘 오후 3시 예약을 취소할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: o-neul o-hu se-si ye-yak-eul chwi-so-hal su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I cancel my 3 PM appointment today? -
Expression: 내일 예약을 취소해야 할 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: nae-il ye-yak-eul chwi-so-hae-ya hal geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I think I need to cancel my appointment for tomorrow. -
Expression: 예약 취소 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ye-yak chwi-so bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Please cancel my appointment. (Formal) -
Expression: 제 이름은 [Your Name]이고, 예약을 취소하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: je i-reum-eun [Your Name]-i-go, ye-yak-eul chwi-so-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: My name is [Your Name], and I would like to cancel my appointment. -
Expression: 예약 날짜와 시간을 말씀드릴게요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak nal-jja-wa si-gan-eul mal-sseum-deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: I’ll tell you the date and time of the appointment. -
Expression: [Date] [Time]에 [Doctor’s Name] 선생님 진료 예약했습니다.
Pronunciation: [Date] [Time]-e [Doctor’s Name] seon-saeng-nim jin-ryo ye-yak-haess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I made an appointment with Dr. [Doctor’s Name] on [Date] at [Time]. -
Expression: 예약 확인 먼저 해주세요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak hwa-gin meon-jeo hae-ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please check my appointment first. -
Expression: 취소 절차가 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: chwi-so jeol-cha-ga eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What is the cancellation procedure?
Providing Reasons for Cancellation
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Expression: 개인적인 사정으로 예약을 취소해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: gae-in-jeo-gin sa-jeong-eu-ro ye-yak-eul chwi-so-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I need to cancel the appointment due to personal reasons. -
Expression: 갑자기 급한 일이 생겼어요.
Pronunciation: gap-ja-gi geup-han il-i saeng-gyeoss-eo-yo.
Meaning: Something urgent came up suddenly. -
Expression: 그날 다른 약속이 생겨서요.
Pronunciation: geu-nal da-reun yak-sok-i saeng-gyeo-seo-yo.
Meaning: It’s because I have another commitment on that day. -
Expression: 몸 상태가 안 좋아서 가기 어려울 것 같아요.
Pronunciation: mom sang-tae-ga an jo-a-seo ga-gi eo-ryeo-ul geot gat-a-yo.
Meaning: I don’t feel well, so I think it will be difficult to go. -
Expression: 일정 변경 때문에 취소해야 합니다.
Pronunciation: il-jeong byeon-gyeong ttae-mun-e chwi-so-hae-ya ham-ni-da.
Meaning: I have to cancel because of a schedule change. -
Expression: 죄송하지만, 그 시간에 갈 수 없게 되었습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, geu si-gan-e gal su eop-ge doe-eoss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but I won’t be able to make it at that time. -
Expression: 가족에게 일이 생겨서 못 갈 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: ga-jok-e-ge il-i saeng-gyeo-seo mot gal geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Something came up with my family, so I don’t think I can go. -
Expression: 출장이 잡혀서 예약을 취소해야 해요.
Pronunciation: chul-jang-i jap-hyeo-seo ye-yak-eul chwi-so-hae-ya hae-yo.
Meaning: I have to cancel the appointment because I have a business trip. -
Expression: 사정이 생겨서 예약을 지키기 어렵게 됐습니다.
Pronunciation: sa-jeong-i saeng-gyeo-seo ye-yak-eul ji-ki-gi eo-ryeop-ge dwaess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Due to circumstances, it has become difficult to keep the appointment. -
Expression: 이유를 꼭 말씀드려야 하나요?
Pronunciation: i-yu-reul kkok mal-sseum-deu-ryeo-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Do I have to state the reason?
Rescheduling the Appointment
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Expression: 예약을 다른 날짜로 변경할 수 있을까요?
Pronunciation: ye-yak-eul da-reun nal-jja-ro byeon-gyeong-hal su iss-eul-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I change the appointment to another date? -
Expression: 다시 예약하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: da-si ye-yak-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to reschedule. -
Expression: 혹시 다른 가능한 시간이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si da-reun ga-neung-han si-gan-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there any other available times? -
Expression: 다음 주 중에 가능한 시간이 언제인가요?
Pronunciation: da-eum ju jung-e ga-neung-han si-gan-i eon-je-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: When are the available times next week? -
Expression: 가장 빠른 예약 가능일이 언제예요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang ppa-reun ye-yak ga-neung-il-i eon-je-ye-yo?
Meaning: When is the earliest possible date for an appointment? -
Expression: 취소하고 다시 연락드려도 될까요?
Pronunciation: chwi-so-ha-go da-si yeol-lak-deu-ryeo-do doel-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I cancel now and contact you again later to reschedule? -
Expression: [New Date] [New Time]으로 변경해 주세요.
Pronunciation: [New Date] [New Time]-eu-ro byeon-gyeong-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please change it to [New Date] at [New Time]. -
Expression: 오전/오후 시간대로 변경 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: o-jeon/o-hu si-gan-dae-ro byeon-gyeong ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Can I change it to a morning/afternoon time slot? -
Expression: 나중에 다시 전화해서 예약할게요.
Pronunciation: na-jung-e da-si jeon-hwa-hae-seo ye-yak-hal-ge-yo.
Meaning: I will call back later to make an appointment. -
Expression: 변경 가능한지 확인해 주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: byeon-gyeong ga-neung-han-ji hwa-gin-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you please check if it’s possible to change?
Confirming Cancellation
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Expression: 예약이 취소되었는지 확인해 주세요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak-i chwi-so-doe-eoss-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Please confirm that the appointment has been cancelled. -
Expression: 네, 취소 처리되었습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, chwi-so cheo-ri-doe-eoss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, the cancellation has been processed. (Staff response) -
Expression: 취소 확인 문자를 보내주시겠어요?
Pronunciation: chwi-so hwa-gin mun-ja-reul bo-nae-ju-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Could you send me a text message confirming the cancellation? -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 취소되었습니다.
Pronunciation: al-gess-seum-ni-da. chwi-so-doe-eoss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Understood. It has been cancelled. (Staff response) -
Expression: 혹시 취소 수수료가 있나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si chwi-so su-su-ryo-ga iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Is there perhaps a cancellation fee? -
Expression: 취소해 주셔서 감사합니다.
Pronunciation: chwi-so-hae ju-syeo-seo gam-sa-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: Thank you for cancelling it for me. -
Expression: 성함과 생년월일을 말씀해 주시겠어요? (예약 확인을 위해)
Pronunciation: seong-ham-gwa saeng-nyeon-wol-il-eul mal-sseum-hae ju-si-gess-eo-yo? (ye-yak hwa-gin-eul wi-hae)
Meaning: Could you please tell me your name and date of birth? (For appointment verification) (Staff question) -
Expression: 예약 번호를 아시면 말씀해 주세요.
Pronunciation: ye-yak beon-ho-reul a-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
Meaning: If you know the reservation number, please tell me. (Staff question) -
Expression: 네, 확인되었습니다. [Date] [Time] 예약 취소 처리하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, hwa-gin-doe-eoss-seum-ni-da. [Date] [Time] ye-yak chwi-so cheo-ri-ha-gess-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, it’s confirmed. We will process the cancellation for the appointment on [Date] at [Time]. (Staff response) -
Expression: 다른 문의사항 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun mun-ui-sa-hang iss-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any other inquiries? (Staff question)
Korean Culture Notes
Timeliness is Key: In Korea, it’s considered polite to cancel appointments as far in advance as possible. Last-minute cancellations, especially without a valid reason, can be viewed negatively. Try to call at least a day before, if feasible.
Be Polite: Always use polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when speaking with hospital staff. Phrases starting with 죄송하지만 (joe-song-ha-ji-man – I’m sorry, but…) or ending with -요 (-yo) or -습니다/ㅂ니다 (-seum-ni-da / -m-ni-da) are appropriate.
Brief Reason (Optional but Recommended): While not always mandatory, providing a brief, polite reason (like 개인적인 사정 – gae-in-jeo-gin sa-jeong – personal reasons or 일정이 변경돼서 – il-jeong-i byeon-gyeong-dwae-seo – because my schedule changed) is generally appreciated and considered good manners.
Confirmation: It’s a good idea to ask for confirmation that the cancellation has been processed (취소되었는지 확인해 주세요 – chwi-so-doe-eoss-neun-ji hwa-gin-hae ju-se-yo) to avoid any misunderstandings.
Rescheduling Etiquette: If you intend to reschedule, mentioning this during the cancellation call is helpful. It shows continued intent to visit the hospital.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Minjun needs to cancel his doctor’s appointment scheduled for tomorrow afternoon because of a sudden work meeting.
Characters:
A: Minjun (Patient)
B: Hospital Receptionist
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Expression: B: 네, [병원 이름]입니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, [byeong-won i-reum]-im-ni-da. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Yes, this is [Hospital Name]. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 안녕하세요, 내일 오후 2시에 김민준 이름으로 예약했는데요, 혹시 취소 가능할까요?
Pronunciation: an-nyeong-ha-se-yo, nae-il o-hu du-si-e gim-min-jun i-reum-eu-ro ye-yak-haess-neun-de-yo, hok-si chwi-so ga-neung-hal-kka-yo?
Meaning: Hello, I have an appointment tomorrow at 2 PM under the name Kim Minjun, is it possible to cancel it? -
Expression: B: 네, 잠시만요. 김민준 님, 내일 오후 2시 예약 확인되었습니다. 취소하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ne, jam-si-man-yo. gim-min-jun nim, nae-il o-hu du-si ye-yak hwa-gin-doe-eoss-seum-ni-da. chwi-so-ha-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Yes, one moment please. Mr. Kim Minjun, your 2 PM appointment for tomorrow is confirmed. Would you like to cancel it? -
Expression: A: 네, 죄송하지만 갑자기 회사에 급한 회의가 생겨서요. 취소 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ne, joe-song-ha-ji-man gap-ja-gi hoe-sa-e geup-han hoe-ui-ga saeng-gyeo-seo-yo. chwi-so bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, I’m sorry, but a sudden urgent meeting came up at work. Please cancel it. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 그럼 내일 오후 2시 예약은 취소 처리해 드리겠습니다. 혹시 다시 예약하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: al-gess-seum-ni-da. geu-reom nae-il o-hu du-si ye-yak-eun chwi-so cheo-ri-hae deu-ri-gess-seum-ni-da. hok-si da-si ye-yak-ha-si-gess-eo-yo?
Meaning: Understood. Then we will process the cancellation for your 2 PM appointment tomorrow. Would you perhaps like to reschedule? -
Expression: A: 네, 혹시 다음 주 중에 가능한 시간이 있나요?
Pronunciation: ne, hok-si da-eum ju jung-e ga-neung-han si-gan-i iss-na-yo?
Meaning: Yes, are there any available times next week? -
Expression: B: 네, 다음 주 화요일 오전에 가능하신 시간이 있습니다. 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, da-eum ju hwa-yo-il o-jeon-e ga-neung-ha-sin si-gan-i iss-seum-ni-da. gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Yes, there are available times next Tuesday morning. Would that be alright? -
Expression: A: 네, 좋습니다. 화요일 오전 10시로 부탁드립니다.
Pronunciation: ne, jo-sseum-ni-da. hwa-yo-il o-jeon yeol-si-ro bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, that’s good. Please make it for Tuesday at 10 AM. -
Expression: B: 네, 다음 주 화요일 오전 10시로 변경해 드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, da-eum ju hwa-yo-il o-jeon yeol-si-ro byeon-gyeong-hae deu-ryeoss-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Okay, I have changed it to next Tuesday at 10 AM for you. -
Expression: A: 감사합니다!
Pronunciation: gam-sa-ham-ni-da!
Meaning: Thank you!
Practice Tips
Cancelling appointments can feel a bit daunting, but it’s a necessary skill! Try role-playing the conversation example with a friend or language partner~ Practice saying your name, appointment time, and the reason for cancellation clearly. Remember to use polite language! You can also try calling less critical places first, like cancelling a restaurant reservation, to build confidence. Fighting! (화이팅! hwa-i-ting!)
