Learning how to say “cancel” in Mandarin can be useful in various situations, whether you’re traveling to a Mandarin-speaking country or communicating with Mandarin speakers. In this guide, we will explore both formal and informal ways to express “cancel” in Mandarin, providing valuable tips and examples. While regional variations exist, we will primarily focus on standard Mandarin. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Cancel”
1. 取消 (qǔxiāo): This is the most commonly used word for “cancel” in formal contexts. It can be used in various situations such as canceling reservations, appointments, or subscriptions.
Examples:
我需要取消这个预订。
Wǒ xūyào qǔxiāo zhège yùdìng.
I need to cancel this reservation.
因为天气原因，活动被取消了。
Yīnwèi tiānqì yuányīn, huódòng bèi qǔxiāo le.
The event has been canceled due to the weather.
Informal Ways to Say “Cancel”
1. 取消 (qǔxiāo): Though used formally, 取消 (qǔxiāo) can also be used in informal situations when canceling plans or undoing actions.
Examples:
我要取消今天的聚会。
Wǒ yào qǔxiāo jīntiān de jùhuì.
I want to cancel today’s gathering.
刚才我按错了，可以取消这个订单吗？
Gāngcái wǒ àncuò le, kěyǐ qǔxiāo zhège dìngdān ma?
I pressed the wrong button earlier, can I cancel this order?
2. 取销 (qǔxiāo): This informal term is commonly used in spoken Mandarin to mean “cancel.”
Examples:
我想要取销明天的计划。
Wǒ xiǎng yào qǔxiāo míngtiān de jìhuà.
I want to cancel tomorrow’s plan.
找错人了，麻烦你帮我取销这个订单。
Zhǎo cuò rén le, máfan nǐ bāng wǒ qǔxiāo zhège dìngdān.
I found the wrong person, could you please help me cancel this order?
Tips for Using “Cancel” in Mandarin
1. The phrase “取消 (qǔxiāo)” is the safest choice for most formal and informal situations. It is widely understood and used.
2. When canceling specific events or appointments, use the sentence pattern “取消 + noun” to express your intent.
3. Be polite and apologize if necessary when canceling plans or reservations in Mandarin to maintain good etiquette.
4. If you are uncertain about the correct phrase, it’s better to ask a native speaker for assistance to ensure accurate communication.
Conclusion
Mastering how to say “cancel” in Mandarin can be extremely valuable when interacting with Mandarin speakers or visiting a Mandarin-speaking country. The word “取消 (qǔxiāo)” is the most commonly used term for “cancel” and can be used in both formal and informal situations. Remember to be considerate and apologize when canceling plans or reservations in Mandarin. If you’re unsure, always seek help from a native Mandarin speaker to ensure accurate communication. Use these phrases and tips to enhance your Mandarin language skills and navigate various cancelation scenarios with confidence!
