debido a circunstancias imprevistas
/debido a θiɾkunstanθjas impɾebistas/from spelling rules
The English phrase "due to unforeseen circumstances" is translated into Spanish as debido a circunstancias imprevistas.
This phrase is a formal way to explain that an event happened or a change occurred because of unexpected events. It is often used as a preamble at the beginning of a sentence to provide a justification for a cancellation or a change in plans.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of debido a (due to), circunstancias (circumstances) and imprevistas (unforeseen or unexpected).
Which one should you use?
While debido a circunstancias imprevistas is the standard formal way to translate "due to", you may also see por circunstancias imprevistas used to mean "because of unforeseen circumstances" in similar contexts.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
debido a circunstancias imprevistas is highly formal and is typically used in official announcements, business correspondence or public notices. For an even more formal way to convey the idea of "due to reasons beyond our control", you can use Por Motivos Ajenos a Nuestra Voluntad.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective imprevistas must be feminine and plural to agree with the feminine plural noun circunstancias.
How do you pronounce it?
/debido a θiɾkunstanθjas impɾebistas/
Did you know?
- If you want to sound even more professional in a formal notice, you might use the phrase por motivos ajenos a nuestra voluntad. This literally translates to 'for motives foreign to our will', a common way to dodge responsibility in Spanish business culture.
- The word debido is the past participle of the verb deber, which carries the double meaning of 'must' and 'to owe'.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, official announcements about delays often use the word imprevisto as a noun rather than an adjective. You might see a sign saying Hubo un imprevisto, which simply means 'An unforeseen thing happened'.
Examples in context
- Debido a circunstancias imprevistas, la reunión de esta noche ha sido cancelado hasta próximo aviso.Due to unforeseen circumstances, tonight's meeting has been cancelled until further notice.This sentence is useful for showing how to announce the cancellation of a meeting using debido a circunstancias imprevistas.Tatoeba #1270926 by marcelostockle, translation #1269313 by eastasiastudent
- Debido a circunstancias imprevistas, nuestro viaje a las montañas de este fin de semana será suspendido.Due to unforeseen circumstances, our trip to the mountains this weekend will be cancelled.This sentence is useful for demonstrating how to announce the suspension of a trip using debido a circunstancias imprevistas.Tatoeba #1416738 by marcelostockle, translation #1415707 by CS
- Hoy no podré asistir a la reunión debido a circunstancias imprevistas.Today, I won't be able to attend the meeting due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Lamentamos informarles que el evento ha sido cancelado por motivos ajenos a nuestra voluntad.We regret to inform you that the event has been canceled due to reasons beyond our control.
- Lo siento, no podré ir a la fiesta por causas de fuerza mayor.Sorry, I won't be able to make it to the party due to unforeseen circumstances.
- El concierto se ha pospuesto por algo imprevisto.The concert has been postponed due to something unforeseen.
- No pude finalizar el informe a tiempo debido a circunstancias imprevistas.I couldn't finish the report on time due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Lamentamos los retrasos en la entrega del producto debido a situaciones imprevistas.We apologize for the delays in product delivery due to unforeseen situations.
- No puedo ir al cine esta noche por causas de fuerza mayor.I can't go to the movies tonight due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Pedro no vendrá a la fiesta por algo imprevisto.Pedro won't come to the party due to something unforeseen.
- Debido a circunstancias imprevistas, el vuelo se ha retrasado.Due to unforeseen circumstances, the flight has been delayed.
Example conversation
Elena calls Mateo to explain why she cannot attend the event.
- ElenaMateo, no podré ir debido a circunstancias imprevistas.Mateo, I won't be able to go due to unforeseen circumstances.
- Mateo¿Estás bien, Elena? Espero que no sea nada grave.Are you okay, Elena? I hope it is nothing serious.
- ElenaTodo está bien, solo tengo un pequeño problema personal.Everything is fine, I just have a small personal problem.
- MateoEntiendo perfectamente. Avísame cuando estés más tranquila.I understand perfectly. Let me know when you are more calm.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, debido, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
