Reprogramar vs. aplazar
While both reprogramar and aplazar deal with changing the timing of an event, they have distinct focuses. The word reprogramar translates as to reschedule and focuses on setting a new specific time or date for an event, which can be either earlier or later. In contrast, aplazar translates to postpone or to put off, specifically meaning that an event is being delayed to a later time, sometimes without a new date being immediately defined.
Reprogramar
The word reprogramar means to change the schedule of an event by setting a new specific time or date.
Tenemos que reprogramar la reunión para el martes por la mañana.
(We have to reschedule the meeting for Tuesday morning.)
El vuelo fue cancelado y necesito reprogramar mi viaje.
(The flight was canceled and I need to reschedule my trip.)
Ella decidió reprogramar la cita médica porque estaba enferma.
(She decided to reschedule the medical appointment because she was sick.)
Vamos a reprogramar el examen para que tengan más tiempo para estudiar.
(We are going to reschedule the exam so you have more time to study.)
El gerente sugirió reprogramar la entrega para evitar el tráfico.
(The manager suggested rescheduling the delivery to avoid traffic.)
Si llueve, tendremos que reprogramar el concierto al aire libre.
(If it rains, we will have to reschedule the outdoor concert.)
Aplazar
The word aplazar means to postpone or delay an event to a later time, often without immediately establishing a new exact date.
Decidieron aplazar la boda hasta el próximo año.
(They decided to postpone the wedding until next year.)
El tribunal va a aplazar el juicio por falta de pruebas.
(The court is going to postpone the trial due to a lack of evidence.)
No debemos aplazar esta decisión tan importante.
(We must not put off this very important decision.)
El comité tuvo que aplazar la votación hasta que todos estuvieran presentes.
(The committee had to postpone the voting until everyone was present.)
Voy a aplazar mis vacaciones porque tengo mucho trabajo atrasado.
(I am going to postpone my vacation because I have a lot of backlogged work.)
El profesor acordó aplazar la fecha límite del proyecto.
(The professor agreed to postpone the project deadline.)
Summary
In short, use reprogramar when you are actively organizing a new schedule or time slot for a specific event. Use aplazar when your main intention is to delay or push an event to a later date, regardless of whether a new time has been confirmed yet.