Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “cancel” in Chinese. Whether you need to cancel a reservation, an appointment, or any other arrangement, it’s essential to know how to properly express yourself in Chinese. In this guide, we will provide you with formal and informal ways to say “cancel” in Chinese and offer various tips and examples. Let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Cancel” in Chinese
When it comes to expressing the act of canceling something formally in Chinese, you can use the following phrases:
1. 取消 (qǔ xiāo)
取消这个预订。(Qǔ xiāo zhè ge yù dìng.)
Cancel this reservation.
The term “取消” (qǔ xiāo) is the most precise and widely used way to say “cancel” in formal situations. It is suitable for various contexts, such as canceling appointments, reservations, orders, or subscriptions.
2. 终止 (zhōng zhǐ)
终止合约。(Zhōng zhǐ hé yuē.)
Terminate the contract.
When canceling long-term commitments, such as contracts or agreements, the term “终止” (zhōng zhǐ) is appropriate to use. It implies a more authoritative or legal cancellation.
3. 取缔 (qǔ dì)
取缔这个活动。(Qǔ dì zhè ge huó dòng.)
Ban this event.
If you aim to indicate the prohibition or cancellation of an event or an activity, the term “取缔” (qǔ dì) is the suitable choice. It conveys a strong sense of official or formal cancellation.
Informal Ways to Say “Cancel” in Chinese
When it comes to informal situations or when you’re talking to friends, family members, or colleagues on a more casual basis, you can use the following expressions:
1. 取消了 (qǔ xiāo le)
我们取消了计划。(Wǒ men qǔ xiāo le jì huà.)
We canceled the plan.
The term “取消了” (qǔ xiāo le) is a colloquial way to say “cancel” in Chinese during informal conversations. It’s a straightforward expression for canceling various arrangements or plans.
2. 放弃 (fàng qì)
我们决定放弃前往。(Wǒ men jué dìng fàng qì qián wǎng.)
We decided to cancel going there.
In informal contexts, especially when canceling a trip, outing, or similar events, you can use the term “放弃” (fàng qì). This word implies giving up on a particular plan or activity.
Tips and Examples
Here are some additional tips and examples to help you further understand how to use the terms mentioned above:
1. Giving Reasons
When canceling something, you might need to provide a reason. Here are two examples:
- Formal: 我们必须取消会议，因为疫情不容忽视。(Wǒ men bì xū qǔ xiāo huì yìn wèi yì qíng bù róng hū shì.)
We have to cancel the meeting because the epidemic cannot be ignored. - Informal: 考虑到天气不好，咱们还是取消吧。(Kǎo lǜ dào tiān qì bù hǎo, zán men hái shì qǔ xiāo ba.)
Considering the bad weather, let’s just cancel it.
2. Polite Requests
If you need to politely ask someone to cancel or reschedule something, you can use these examples:
- Formal: 对不起，请取消我的预约。(Duì bù qǐ, qǐng qǔ xiāo wǒ de yù yuē.)
I’m sorry, please cancel my appointment. - Informal: 不好意思，能不能把时间往后推一下？(Bù hǎo yì sī, néng bù néng bǎ shí jiān wǎng hòu tuī yī xià?)
Sorry, could we reschedule for a later time?
Remember, the appropriate choice of phrase depends on the formality of the situation and your relationship with the person you’re speaking to.
In conclusion, this guide has provided you with formal and informal ways to say “cancel” in Chinese. We hope these phrases, tips, and examples help you effectively communicate your cancellation intentions. Now you’re ready to navigate various situations in Chinese where cancellation is necessary. Happy communicating!
