Are you looking to broaden your vocabulary in Portuguese? Knowing how to say “cancel” in this beautiful language can be particularly useful in various situations, from canceling plans to understanding cancellations or cancellable services. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover different ways to say “cancel” in Portuguese, including both formal and informal expressions, while providing helpful tips and examples along the way.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Cancel” in Portuguese
If you find yourself in a formal or professional setting, it’s important to use the appropriate language. Here are some formal expressions for “cancel” in Portuguese:
1. Cancelar – This is the most common and neutral word for “cancel.” It can be used in various situations.
Examples:
- Eu preciso cancelar a minha reserva de hotel. (I need to cancel my hotel reservation.)
- A empresa decidiu cancelar o evento devido às condições climáticas. (The company decided to cancel the event due to the weather conditions.)
2. Anular – This word is often used in a formal context when canceling an agreement or a contract.
Examples:
- O advogado recomendou que nós anulássemos o contrato. (The lawyer recommended that we cancel the contract.)
- Infelizmente, tivemos que anular a compra do imóvel. (Unfortunately, we had to cancel the property purchase.)
3. Desmarcar – While more commonly used to mean “unmark” or “reschedule,” desmarcar can also be used in certain contexts to express canceling.
Examples:
- Eu tenho que desmarcar a consulta médica. (I have to cancel the doctor’s appointment.)
- Por favor, desmarque a reunião de amanhã. (Please cancel tomorrow’s meeting.)
Informal Ways to Say “Cancel” in Portuguese
When it comes to informal or casual conversations, Portuguese offers some more relaxed alternatives to say “cancel.” These expressions are commonly used in everyday situations:
1. Caiu – Literally meaning “it fell,” caiu is often used informally to express that something has been canceled or fell through.
Examples:
- Desculpa, a festa caiu. (Sorry, the party got canceled.)
- Eu estava ansioso para o jogo, mas acabou caindo. (I was looking forward to the game, but it got canceled.)
2. Furou – Translated as “it pierced or popped,” furou is another informal way of saying something was canceled or didn’t happen as planned.
Examples:
- Aquele plano de sair para jantar furou. (That plan to go out for dinner got canceled.)
- Não podemos ir ao cinema hoje, deu furo. (We can’t go to the movies today, it fell through.)
Regional Variations
Although Brazilian Portuguese is widely understood and spoken, it’s worth mentioning that some regional variations may exist. The expressions mentioned above are commonly used throughout most Portuguese-speaking countries; however, slight regional variations may occur. It’s always beneficial to immerse yourself in the local language and culture when visiting a specific region.
Remember, combining your language skills with the ability to adapt to regional variations will make your interactions with native Portuguese speakers even more enjoyable and culturally rich.
In Conclusion
In this guide, we explored various ways to say “cancel” in Portuguese, both in formal and informal contexts. By using the formal expressions such as “cancelar” or “anular,” you can navigate professional situations effectively. On the other hand, the informal phrases like “caiu” or “furou” are perfect for casual conversations and everyday scenarios.
Remember, language is a dynamic and living entity, influenced by culture, people, and regions. While the suggestions in this guide will undoubtedly help you communicate effectively, be open to regional variations and local customs as you continue your Portuguese language journey. So, go ahead and confidently cancel, reschedule, or unmark your plans, and enjoy your language-learning adventure!
