Are you looking to expand your Russian vocabulary and learn how to say “cancel” in different contexts? Being able to express the concept of cancellation is useful in various situations, whether you need to cancel an appointment, an event, or any other plans. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore formal and informal ways to say “cancel” in Russian, provide tips for regional variations, and offer plenty of examples to help you grasp the language better.
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Cancel
1. Отменить (ah-t-MY-nit’)
Отменить is the most common and widely used term for “cancel” in Russian, especially in formal contexts. It can be used in various situations, such as canceling meetings, appointments, flights, or reservations. For example:
Example: Я хочу отменить свою встречу на завтра. (I want to cancel my meeting for tomorrow.)
2. Снять совещание (S-n-YAT’ sa-VE-she-nee-ye)
This phrase translates to “cancel a meeting.” It is often used specifically when referring to the cancellation of a formal or scheduled meeting. For example:
Example: Руководитель решил снять совещание. (The manager decided to cancel the meeting.)
3. Аннулировать (ah-nuu-lee-RO-vat’)
Аннулировать is a more formal and official term for “cancel.” It is generally used in legal or bureaucratic contexts, such as canceling a contract or an agreement. For example:
Example: Правительство решило аннулировать договор. (The government decided to cancel the agreement.)
Informal Ways to Say Cancel
1. Съесть (S-YEST’)
Съесть literally means “to eat,” but it can also be used figuratively to convey the idea of canceling something informally. This informal usage is common among younger generations and friends. For example:
Example: Мы решили съесть наше путешествие из-за погоды. (We decided to cancel our trip because of the weather.)
2. Забить (za-BEET’)
Забить means “to score” or “to hammer,” but in colloquial Russian, it can also be used to express cancelation plans casually. This usage is common in spoken language among friends and acquaintances. For example:
Example: Давай забьем на это мероприятие, нам неинтересно. (Let’s cancel this event, we’re not interested.)
Regional Variations
Russian is a vast language with numerous regional variations. While the formal and informal ways of saying “cancel” mentioned above are widely understood throughout Russia, there might be regional differences in the choice of words or phrases. However, it’s important to note that these variations are not significantly different in meaning or usage.
In some regions, you may hear the following alternative terms:
- Отступить (AHT-stoo-PEET’)
- Сорвать (SAR-vat’)
- Прекратить (pree-KRA-teet’)
It’s advisable to stick to the more common and widely understood terms mentioned earlier unless you are specifically focusing on a particular regional dialect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, learning how to say “cancel” in Russian is an essential part of expanding your vocabulary. We have covered formal and informal ways to express cancelation, providing you with useful examples, regional variations, and tips along the way. Whether you are using Russian in a professional or casual setting, these phrases will help you navigate various situations confidently. Remember to always adapt your language choice based on the formality of the context and the dialect of the region you are in.
Keep practicing and exploring the Russian language, and soon you’ll be canceling plans effortlessly!
