取消
ceoi² siu¹
To cancel in Cantonese, use 取消 (ceoi² siu¹).
The verb means to invalidate or annul.
Meaning: invalidate, annul (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The word 取消 is composed of 取 (ceoi2), meaning 'to take/to fetch' and 消 (siu1), meaning 'to eliminate/to disappear'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Hong Kong, 取消 is widely used for cancellation in most situations. In Guangzhou, the phrase 放飛機 is a popular way to express cancellation, implying someone failed to fulfill their commitment.
How do you pronounce it?
ceoi² siu¹
Did you know?
- The Cantonese idiom 放飛機, which literally translates to 'letting a plane fly', is a common slang term for canceling a meeting or stand-up appointment at the last minute.
- In Cantonese, the character 消 used in 取消 is the same character found in the word for 'consumption', linking the idea of cancellation to something being gradually eaten away or dissolved.
- While 取消 is the standard formal term, using the phrase 放飛機 implies a sense of social betrayal or being 'stood up', rather than a neutral administrative cancellation.
Examples in context
- 你可唔可以取消？Can you cancel?This sentence is useful for asking if a cancellation is possible.Tatoeba #4675995 by kaenif, translation #2245051 by CK
- 請幫我取消預約。Please help me cancel the appointment.
- 佢今日放飛機我地，唔出現喇！He canceled on us today, didn't show up!
- 我哋需要取消個會議。ngo5 dei6 seoi1 jiu3 ceoi2 soeng1 go3 hui2 ji5.We need to cancel the meeting.
Example conversation
Junkit and Yaating are discussing a trip.
- 俊傑 Chun Kit我哋要取消個行程。ngo5 dei6 jiu3 취si1 go3 hang4 cing4.We have to cancel the itinerary.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting點解要取消呀？dim2 gaai3 jiu3 취si1 aa3?Why do we have to cancel?
- 俊傑 Chun Kit因為聽日會落大雨。jan1 jat6 wui5 lok6 daai6 jyu5.Because it's going to rain heavily tomorrow.
- 雅婷 Nga Ting咁就冇辦法，取消啦。gam2 zau6 mou5 ban1 faat3, 취si1 laa1.Then there's no other way, let's cancel.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cancel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
