取消
qǔxiāo
The English phrase 'cancel' can be translated into Mandarin as 取消 (qǔxiāo) or 廢除 / 废除.
Meaning: invalidate, annul (verb)
Ways to say it
| Mandarin | Romanization (Wiktionary) |
|---|---|
| 取消 | qǔxiāo |
| 廢除 / 废除 | fèichú |
Use 取消 for everyday cancellations like a flight, a meeting or a subscription. 廢除 / 废除 is used for the formal abolition or annulment of laws, systems or long-standing practices.
Which one should you use?
取消 is used for canceling specific events, appointments, orders or plans.
How does it change in a sentence?
Adding 了 after 取消 indicates that the cancellation has been completed or has already occurred.
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is qǔxiāo.
Did you know?
- If a person 'cancels' their plans by suddenly disappearing or ghosting, the phrase 放鸽子 'fàng gēzi' is used, which literally means 'to let fly a pigeon'.
- While 取消 means 'cancel' in a general sense, the modern English slang 'cancel culture' is typically translated as 取消文化 or discussed using 封杀 'fēngshā', which literally means 'to seal off and kill'.
- In a business context, if someone wants to 'cancel' a deal or a contract, they might use the phrase 作废 'zuòfèi', which implies the document has become 'waste paper'.
Examples in context
- 我应该取消我到洛杉矶的旅行。I should cancel my L.A. trip.This sentence shows how to use 取消 regarding a trip.Tatoeba #4267353 by notabene, translation #29361 by bmorsello
- 我们的钱不够，所以我只好把订单取消了。I had to cancel that order because we didn't have enough money to pay for it.This sentence demonstrates the use of 取消 for an order.Tatoeba #8870263 by will66, translation #2331760 by CK
- 我该取消通话吗?Should I cancel the call?This sentence shows how to use 取消 in the context of a call.Tatoeba #333285 by fucongcong, translation #278426 by CK
- 我需要取消这个预订。I need to cancel this reservation.
- 因为天气原因，活动被取消了。The event has been canceled due to the weather.
- 我要取消今天的聚会。I want to cancel today's gathering.
- 刚才我按错了，可以取消这个订单吗？I pressed the wrong button earlier, can I cancel this order?
- 6 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei is telling Jiayi that the dinner plan has changed.
- 伟 Wei佳怡，我必须取消今晚的晚餐。Jiāyí, wǒ bìxū qǔxiāo jīnwǎn de wǎncàn.Jiayi, I must cancel tonight's dinner.
- 佳怡 Jiayi为什么呢？出什么事了吗？Wèishéme ne? Chū shénme shì le ma?Why? Did something happen?
- 伟 Wei我突然加班，没办法去了。Wǒ tūrán jiābān, méi bànfǎ qù le.I'm suddenly working overtime, so I can't go.
- 佳怡 Jiayi好吧，那我们下次再约。Hǎo ba, nà wǒmen xià cì zài yuē.Alright, let's reschedule for next time.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cancel” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
