Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| cancelar | /kanθeˈlaɾ/ /kanseˈlaɾ/ |
| parar | /paˈɾaɾ/ |
The most common way to express the idea of calling off a scheduled event, an appointment or a subscription is by using cancelar. If you want to specify that something was called off at the last minute, you can use the phrase cancelar a última hora.
Which one should you use?
cancelar is the standard and most common way to express calling off an event or appointment. In contrast, parar is used only when you mean 'to stop' or 'to halt' an ongoing action or process rather than canceling a scheduled event. You may also use suspender as a synonym when referring to the official cancellation or suspension of a match, a meeting or a public event.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, cancelar is more commonly used to mean 'to call off'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The past participle cancelado can be used as an adjective to describe an event that has been called off.
How do you pronounce it?
/kanθeˈlaɾ/
Did you know?
- While cancelar means 'to call off' in Spanish, in some Latin American countries it is also the primary word for 'to pay' a debt or a bill.
- The word cancelar comes from the Latin cancellus, which referred to a lattice or cross-barred gate. To 'cancel' something originally meant to mark it with cross-lines, effectively crossing it out.
- While cancelar means to call off an event, the word suspender is often used in schools to mean that a student has failed an exam.
Examples in context
- Tom quiere cancelar el casamiento.Tom wants to call off the marriage.This sentence shows how to use cancelar regarding a marriage.Tatoeba #2307051 by hayastan, translation #2016961 by CK
- Tenemos que cancelar la reunión.We have to call off the meeting.This sentence demonstrates the use of cancelar with a meeting.Tatoeba #1195726 by darinmex, translation #32295 by CK
- Tuvimos que cancelar el juego por la lluvia.We had to call off the game because of the rain.This sentence illustrates using cancelar for a game due to weather conditions.Tatoeba #871533 by Kokoo, translation #26746 by CK
- Debido a la tormenta, hemos tenido que cancelar el evento al aire libre.Due to the storm, we had to call off the outdoor event.
- El presidente tuvo que cancelar su visita debido a problemas de salud.The president had to call off his visit due to health issues.
- Debido a los disturbios, las autoridades han decidido suspender el partido de fútbol.Due to the riots, the authorities have decided to call off the soccer match.
- El director de la empresa decidió suspender la reunión debido a la falta de asistencia.The company director decided to call off the meeting due to lack of attendance.
- Voy a anular nuestra cita de hoy porque me siento mal.I'm going to call off our appointment today because I'm not feeling well.
- Anulamos la fiesta de cumpleaños porque no teníamos suficiente comida.We called off the birthday party because we didn't have enough food.
- Lo siento, tuve que cancelar a última hora porque algo urgente surgió.I'm sorry, I had to call off at the last minute because something urgent came up.
- Nunca deberías cancelar a última hora sin una buena razón.You should never call off at the last minute without a good reason.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are talking about their dinner plans.
- AlejandroHola Lucía, ¿podemos cancelar la cena de hoy?Hi Lucía, can we cancel tonight's dinner?
- LucíaClaro, Alejandro. ¿Pasó algo malo?Sure, Alejandro. Did something bad happen?
- AlejandroTengo mucho trabajo y no puedo salir.I have a lot of work and I cannot go out.
- LucíaNo hay problema, lo dejamos para otro día.No problem, we'll leave it for another day.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “call off” translations and entries cancelar, parar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cancelar, parar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
