中止する
中止する 30초 만에
- Used to cancel or suspend events, services, or plans due to external reasons like weather or formal decisions by organizers or authorities.
- Commonly seen as '中止' on signs and heard in train announcements as 'unten chūshi' (suspension of operation) during emergencies or bad weather.
- Grammatically functions as a suru-verb (中止する) or in the passive/resultative form '中止になる' (to be cancelled), which is very common in polite speech.
- Must be distinguished from 'yameru' (quitting habits), 'torikesu' (cancelling orders/contracts), and 'enki' (postponing), which have different nuances in Japanese context.
The Japanese verb 中止する (chūshi suru) is a cornerstone of formal and semi-formal Japanese communication, primarily used to describe the act of stopping an event, a process, or a plan that was either already underway or scheduled to occur. At its linguistic core, the word is composed of two kanji: 中 (middle) and 止 (stop). This literally translates to 'stopping in the middle,' which perfectly captures the nuance of the word. Unlike a simple 'ending' (owaru), which suggests a natural conclusion, 中止する implies an external intervention or a decision to halt progress due to specific circumstances, such as bad weather, technical issues, or lack of resources.
- Formal Cancellation
- Used for events like concerts, sports matches, or business meetings that are called off entirely. If a festival is cancelled due to rain, this is the word you use.
- Suspension of Services
- Frequently heard in train stations when a line stops running due to an accident or heavy snow. In this context, it often takes the form of 'unten-chūshi' (suspension of operation).
- Halting a Process
- In scientific or business contexts, if a project or experiment is stopped before completion because it is no longer viable, chūshi suru is the appropriate technical term.
雨のため、今日の野球の試合は中止することになりました。(Ame no tame, kyō no yakyū no shiai wa chūshi suru koto ni narimashita.)
One of the most important things for English speakers to understand is that chūshi suru is distinct from torikesu (to cancel/revoke). While torikesu is often used for cancelling an order, a contract, or a reservation (things that exist on paper or as agreements), chūshi suru is used for activities and events. You wouldn't 'chūshi' a pizza order; you would 'torikesu' it. Conversely, you wouldn't 'torikesu' a marathon in the middle of the race; you would 'chūshi' it.
その計画は予算不足で中止された。(Sono keikaku wa yosan fusoku de chūshi sareta.)
Furthermore, the word carries a sense of finality for that specific instance. While a 'postponement' (enki) suggests the event will happen later, chūshi usually means it is off the books for now. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, this word became ubiquitous as thousands of events across Japan were marked as '中止'. It reflects a collective decision-making process where safety and external conditions take precedence over the original plan.
安全上の理由から、実験を中止した。(Anzen-jō no riyū kara, jikken o chūshi shita.)
To use this word effectively, you must master the noun form as well. Often, you will see '中止' (chūshi) standing alone on posters or digital displays. The verbal form chūshi suru is the active act of cancelling, while chūshi ni naru (to become cancelled) is the passive result that is very common in everyday conversation when the speaker isn't the one who made the decision.
- News Reporting
- Journalists use this to report on the cessation of government projects or international summits.
- Medical Context
- Stopping a medication or a treatment course is often described as 'fukuyaku chūshi' (stopping medication).
Using 中止する correctly involves understanding its grammatical role as a suru-verb. It takes a direct object followed by the particle を (o) when you are the one performing the cancellation. However, in many social contexts, the intransitive construction 中止になる (chūshi ni naru) is preferred because it sounds more objective, as if the cancellation happened due to unavoidable circumstances rather than a personal whim.
主催者はコンサートの中止を決定した。(Shusaisha wa konsāto no chūshi o kettei shita.)
When constructing sentences, pay attention to the reason for the cancellation. This is usually marked by 〜のため (~no tame) or 〜で (~de). For example, 'Ame de chūshi' (Cancelled due to rain) is a very common phrase. If you are explaining why a meeting was cancelled, you would say 'Kaigi wa shutchō no tame chūshi ni natta' (The meeting was cancelled due to a business trip).
- Active Voice (Direct Action)
- [Subject] が [Event] を 中止する。 Example: 'The school cancelled the trip.'
- Passive/Resultative Voice (Objective)
- [Event] が 中止になる。 Example: 'The trip was cancelled.'
- Nouns + Chūshi
- Unten-chūshi (Suspension of driving/operation), Shuppan-chūshi (Cancellation of publication).
In business settings, you might need to use the causative-passive form chūshi saserareta (was forced to cancel) when external pressures like a stock market crash or a pandemic forced your hand. This shifts the responsibility away from the speaker, which is a key aspect of Japanese business etiquette. Additionally, the word can be used for temporary suspensions. If a machine is stopped for maintenance, you might say 'Sajyō o chūshi shite kudasai' (Please stop the work).
台風が来たので、旅行を中止せざるを得なかった。(Taifū ga kita node, ryokō o chūshi sezaru o enakatta.)
Another nuance is the difference between chūshi and teishi. While chūshi implies the event or plan is essentially dead for that instance, teishi (stop/suspend) is often used for things that are expected to resume shortly, like a moving car stopping at a red light or a temporary suspension of a bank account. Use chūshi suru when the 'stop' feels more permanent for the scheduled occurrence.
その番組の放送は中止されました。(Sono bangumi no hōsō wa chūshi saremashita.)
If you live in Japan, you will encounter 中止 almost daily in public spaces, especially during inclement weather or periods of social change. The most common place to hear it is through the speakers of a train station. When a line is suspended, the announcement will repeat 'Unten o chūshi shite orimasu' (Operations are currently suspended). This is a vital word for commuters to recognize, as it signals that they need to find an alternative route.
- Train Stations
- Announcements about line suspensions (unten chūshi) due to accidents, wind, or snow.
- News Broadcasts
- Reporting on the cancellation of government policies, diplomatic talks, or major public events like the Olympics or festivals.
- School and University
- Notices about class cancellations (kyūko) are different, but the cancellation of a school trip or a sports day is always 'chūshi'.
「本日の花火大会は、強風のため中止となりました。」(Honjitsu no hanabi taikai wa, kyōfū no tame chūshi to narimashita.)
In the digital world, you'll see this word on websites and apps. If an online service is being discontinued, the notice will often say 'Sābisu chūshi no oshirase' (Notice of service termination). In gaming, if a match is aborted due to a connection error, you might see the message 'Shiai ga chūshi saremashita'. It is a word that bridges the gap between the physical world of events and the digital world of processes.
In a professional environment, chūshi suru is used in meetings when a project is no longer feasible. A manager might say, 'Kono purojekuto wa chūshi ni shimashō' (Let's cancel this project). It sounds decisive and professional. It is also used in medical contexts; if a patient has an allergic reaction, the doctor will immediately 'chūshi' the medication. Here, the word carries a life-saving urgency.
「気分が悪くなったら、すぐに運動を中止してください。」(Kibun ga waruku nattara, sugu ni undō o chūshi shite kudasai.)
Lastly, consider the emotional weight. For Japanese students who have practiced for months for a 'Bunkasai' (Cultural Festival), seeing the word '中止' due to a typhoon is heartbreaking. The word is not just a logistical term; it is an emotional marker of disappointment. Understanding this helps you empathize with Japanese friends when they use the word regarding their personal plans or hobbies.
One of the most frequent errors for English speakers learning 中止する is confusing it with other 'stop' or 'cancel' verbs like yameru, torikesu, or teishi suru. Because English uses 'cancel' for almost everything, learners often over-apply chūshi to situations where it sounds unnatural or overly dramatic.
- Mistake: Using it for Personal Habits
- You cannot say 'Tabako o chūshi suru' to mean 'I quit smoking.' For personal habits or voluntary actions, use やめる (yameru). Chūshi is for structured plans or events.
- Mistake: Using it for Reservations
- If you cancel a hotel room or a flight ticket, use 取り消す (torikesu) or the loanword キャンセルする (kyanseru suru). Saying 'yoyaku o chūshi suru' sounds like you are stopping the act of making a reservation while you are in the middle of typing it.
- Mistake: Confusing with Postponement
- If an event is moved to next week, it is 延期 (enki), not chūshi. If you say a wedding is chūshi, people will think the couple broke up!
❌ 予約を中止します。(Yoyaku o chūshi shimasu.)
✅ 予約をキャンセルします。(Yoyaku o kyanseru shimasu.)
Another mistake involves the level of formality. While chūshi suru is standard, in very casual conversation with friends about a small plan (like going to the movies), it might sound a bit too 'official.' In such cases, people often say 'Nashi ni natta' (It became nothing/It's off) or 'Yameta' (We stopped/quit the idea). Using chūshi for a casual lunch date might make you sound like a government official announcing a state of emergency.
Finally, be careful with the particle usage. Learners sometimes use ni when they should use o. 'Kaigi o chūshi suru' (Cancel the meeting) vs 'Kaigi ga chūshi ni naru' (The meeting gets cancelled). Mixing these up can change who is responsible for the cancellation, which is culturally sensitive in Japan. If you say 'I cancelled the meeting' (o chūshi shita) when it was actually the boss's decision, you might inadvertently claim authority you don't have.
❌ 試合が中止しました。(Shiai ga chūshi shimashita.)
✅ 試合が中止になりました。(Shiai ga chūshi ni narimashita.)
To truly master Japanese, you need to know the subtle differences between 中止する and its synonyms. Each word has a specific 'flavor' and context where it fits best. Using the wrong one won't necessarily make you misunderstood, but it will make your Japanese sound 'off' to native speakers.
- 取り消す (Torikesu) vs. 中止する
- As mentioned, torikesu is for verbal agreements, written orders, or legal rights. You torikesu a statement or a license. You chūshi a marathon or a construction project.
- 停止する (Teishi suru) vs. 中止する
- Teishi is a 'suspension' or 'pause.' It often implies a temporary state. A car teishi at a stop sign. An account is teishi until you pay the bill. Chūshi is more about the cancellation of a specific planned event.
- 中断する (Chūdan suru) vs. 中止する
- Chūdan means 'interruption.' It is used when something is halted but is very likely to start again from where it left off. If you are talking and someone interrupts you, that's chūdan. If you stop a game because of rain but plan to finish it later that day, it's chūdan. If you call it off for the day, it's chūshi.
- 廃止する (Haishi suru) vs. 中止する
- Haishi means 'abolition.' It is used for laws, systems, or long-standing customs. You haishi a tax law or a school rule. Chūshi is for specific instances or plans.
試合を一時中断します。(Shiai o ichiji chūdan shimasu.)
In business, you might also hear miokuru (to put off/shelve). This is a softer, more polite way of saying you won't proceed with a plan for now, without using the harsh finality of chūshi. If a company decides not to go through with a merger, they might say 'Toumen wa miokuru koto ni shita' (We decided to shelve it for the time being). This leaves the door open for the future, whereas chūshi closes it.
Finally, the loanword kyanseru (cancel) is extremely common in daily life for reservations, orders, and appointments. If you are talking to a friend about a dentist appointment, 'kyanseru suru' is much more natural than 'chūshi suru.' Use chūshi when you want to sound more formal, or when the scale of the thing being stopped is large, like a city-wide festival or a national project.
How Formal Is It?
재미있는 사실
The kanji '止' (stop) originally depicted a footprint, suggesting a person standing still. When combined with 'middle', it creates a strong visual of someone stopping right in their tracks.
발음 가이드
- Pronouncing 'chu' as 'choo' too shortly; it needs a long vowel (chū).
- Confusing the 'r' in 'suru' with an English 'L'.
- Putting too much stress on the 'shi' syllable.
- Forgetting the 'u' at the end of 'suru' in casual speech.
- Misreading the kanji '止' as '上'.
난이도
The kanji are common but need to be distinguished from similar ones like 'tadashii' (正).
Writing '止' and '中' is easy, but remembering to add 'する' is key.
The word is easy to pronounce and very useful.
Very common in public announcements; easy to pick out.
다음에 무엇을 배울까
선수 학습
다음에 배울 것
고급
알아야 할 문법
〜のため (Due to/Because of)
雪のため中止です。 (Cancelled due to snow.)
〜になる (To become)
中止になりました。 (It became cancelled.)
〜を決定する (To decide something)
中止を決定した。 (Decided on cancellation.)
〜ざるを得ない (Cannot help but...)
中止せざるを得ない。 (Cannot help but cancel.)
〜される (Passive voice)
計画が中止された。 (The plan was cancelled.)
수준별 예문
雨でパーティーは中止です。
The party is cancelled because of rain.
Ame (rain) + de (because of) + chūshi (cancellation) + desu (is).
テストは中止になりました。
The test was cancelled.
Chūshi ni naru is the common way to say something 'became cancelled'.
今日の練習は中止します。
I will cancel today's practice.
Chūshi shimasu is the active form: 'I/we cancel'.
あしたの旅行は中止?
Is tomorrow's trip cancelled?
Using a rising intonation at the end of 'chūshi' makes it a question.
風が強いから中止です。
It's cancelled because the wind is strong.
Kara (because) is used here to give the reason.
試合、中止だよ。
The game is cancelled.
Dayo is a casual ending for 'desu'.
イベントは中止ですか?
Is the event cancelled?
Desu ka makes the sentence a formal question.
中止、残念ですね。
It's cancelled, that's a pity.
Zannen means 'unfortunate' or 'a pity'.
台風が来るので、祭りは中止になりました。
Because a typhoon is coming, the festival was cancelled.
Node (because) is more polite than kara.
気分が悪いなら、運動を中止してください。
If you feel sick, please stop exercising.
Chūshi shite kudasai is a polite request to stop.
雪のため、電車が運転を中止しています。
Due to snow, the train has suspended operations.
Unten chūshi is a set phrase for train suspensions.
社長がその会議を中止しました。
The president cancelled that meeting.
Using 'o chūshi shita' shows the subject made the decision.
雨が降ったら、試合は中止しますか?
If it rains, will you cancel the game?
Tara (if) is used for the conditional 'if it rains'.
計画を中止するのは難しいです。
It is difficult to cancel the plan.
No wa (nominalizer) turns the verb into a noun phrase.
もう中止にしましょう。
Let's just cancel it now.
Mashō means 'let's'.
どうして中止になったんですか?
Why was it cancelled?
N-desu ka adds a tone of seeking explanation.
予算が足りないため、プロジェクトを中止することにした。
Because the budget was insufficient, we decided to cancel the project.
Koto ni shita means 'decided to'.
安全を確認するため、一時的に実験を中止する。
We will temporarily stop the experiment to check safety.
Ichiji-teki ni (temporarily) modifies the verb.
不祥事により、その番組の放送が中止された。
Due to a scandal, the broadcast of that program was cancelled.
Ni yori (due to) is a formal way to state a cause.
彼は健康上の理由で、仕事を中止せざるを得なかった。
He had no choice but to stop working for health reasons.
Sezaru o enakatta means 'had no choice but to'.
チケットは、公演中止の場合のみ払い戻します。
Tickets will only be refunded in the event of a performance cancellation.
No baai (in the case of) is useful for conditions.
反対意見が多かったので、開発は中止になった。
Because there were many opposing opinions, development was cancelled.
Hantai iken means 'opposing opinions'.
試合が中止になったおかげで、ゆっくり休めた。
Thanks to the game being cancelled, I was able to rest well.
Okage de means 'thanks to' (positive result).
中止の連絡が遅れて、申し訳ありません。
I am sorry that the notice of cancellation was late.
Renraku (contact/notice) is the noun being modified.
政府は、その大規模な建設工事を中止すると発表した。
The government announced that it would cancel the large-scale construction work.
To happyō shita means 'announced that'.
激しい嵐の恐れがあるため、登頂は中止すべきだ。
Since there is a risk of a violent storm, we should cancel the climb to the summit.
Subeki da means 'should' or 'ought to'.
その法案は、国民の強い反発を受けて中止に追い込まれた。
The bill was forced into cancellation following strong public backlash.
Ni oikomareta means 'was forced into (a situation)'.
薬の副作用が確認されたため、治験を直ちに中止した。
Because side effects of the drug were confirmed, the clinical trial was immediately stopped.
Jiken (clinical trial) and tadachi ni (immediately).
主催者側は、安全確保が困難だとしてイベントを中止した。
The organizers cancelled the event, stating that ensuring safety was difficult.
To shite (stating that/on the grounds that).
システムトラブルにより、サービスを一時中止しております。
Due to a system trouble, we are temporarily suspending the service.
Shite orimasu is the humble form of shite iru.
彼は、自身の不注意で計画を中止させたことを悔やんでいる。
He regrets having caused the plan to be cancelled due to his own carelessness.
Chūshi saseta is the causative form 'made it cancel'.
中止になったとはいえ、準備にかかった費用は支払わなければならない。
Even though it was cancelled, the costs incurred for preparation must be paid.
To wa ie means 'even though' or 'be that as it may'.
外交上の配慮から、首脳会談の中止が決定された。
Due to diplomatic considerations, the cancellation of the summit was decided.
Gaikō-jō no hairyo (diplomatic consideration).
そのプロジェクトの中止は、業界全体に波紋を広げている。
The cancellation of that project is causing ripples throughout the entire industry.
Hamon o hirogeru (to spread ripples/cause a stir).
収益の見込みが立たない以上、事業を中止するのは妥当な判断だ。
Since there is no prospect of profit, cancelling the business is a reasonable judgment.
Ijyō (since/now that) indicates a strong reason.
不測の事態に備え、中止の際の代替案を用意しておくべきだ。
In preparation for unforeseen circumstances, an alternative plan for cancellation should be prepared.
Fusoku no jitai (unforeseen circumstances) and daitaian (alternative plan).
環境破壊への懸念から、ダム建設の中止を求める声が高まっている。
Voices calling for the cancellation of dam construction are rising due to concerns about environmental destruction.
O motomeru koe (voices seeking/demanding).
彼は、長年続けてきた研究を中止せざるを得ない状況に陥った。
He fell into a situation where he had no choice but to stop the research he had been doing for many years.
Jikyō ni ochītta (fell into a situation).
契約違反を理由に、取引を中止することを通告した。
I notified them that we would stop the transaction on the grounds of a breach of contract.
Keiyaku ihan (breach of contract) and tsūkoku (notification).
震災の影響で、多くの伝統行事が中止を余儀なくされた。
Due to the impact of the earthquake, many traditional events were forced to be cancelled.
O yogi naku sareta (was forced to/had no other choice).
倫理的な観点から、その遺伝子操作実験の中止が勧告された。
From an ethical standpoint, the cancellation of that genetic engineering experiment was recommended.
Rinri-teki na kanten (ethical standpoint) and kankoku (recommendation).
市場の飽和を鑑み、新製品の投入を中止するという英断を下した。
In view of market saturation, they made the bold decision to cancel the launch of the new product.
O kangami (in view of/taking into account) and eidan (bold decision).
その政策の中止は、政権交代の象徴的な出来事となった。
The cancellation of that policy became a symbolic event of the change in government.
Seiken kōtai (change of government).
度重なる不備を指摘され、ついにそのプロジェクトは中止の憂き目に遭った。
After repeatedly having deficiencies pointed out, the project finally met the unfortunate fate of being cancelled.
Uki-me ni au (to meet with a bitter experience/unfortunate fate).
中止に至るまでの経緯を詳述した報告書が提出された。
A report detailing the sequence of events leading up to the cancellation was submitted.
Itaru made no keii (the process/sequence of events leading up to).
民意を無視して開発を強行すれば、中止を求める暴動が起きかねない。
If development is forced through while ignoring the public will, riots demanding cancellation could occur.
Okika-nai (could happen/there is a danger of).
資金洗浄の疑いがあるため、当局はその口座の取引を中止させた。
Due to suspicion of money laundering, authorities caused the transactions of that account to be stopped.
Shikin senjō (money laundering) and tōkyoku (authorities).
中止という選択肢は、彼らにとって究極の苦渋の決断であった。
The option of cancellation was, for them, the ultimate agonizing decision.
Kujū no ketsudan (agonizing decision).
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
— To have no choice but to cancel. Used when external pressure is too great.
台風で中止せざるを得ない。
— To be forced to cancel. A very formal way to say something was called off.
財政難で中止を余儀なくされた。
— A notice or contact regarding a cancellation.
中止の連絡をメールで送る。
— To be cancelled. The most common intransitive form.
試合が中止になった。
— To demand a cancellation.
住民が工事の中止を求めている。
— The judgment or decision to cancel.
中止の判断は正しかった。
— To announce a cancellation.
政府が計画の中止を発表した。
— To be pushed/driven into a cancellation.
デモにより中止に追い込まれた。
— To consider cancelling something.
赤字のため中止を検討している。
— The reason for cancellation.
中止の理由を説明してください。
자주 혼동되는 단어
Teishi is a suspension of movement or service (like a car stopping), while Chūshi is the cancellation of a plan or event.
Chūdan is an interruption with the intent to resume later, while Chūshi usually means it won't happen for that scheduled time.
Torikesu is for voiding paper-based things like orders or contracts; Chūshi is for activities.
관용어 및 표현
— To return a plan to a blank sheet of paper; to cancel everything and start over.
交渉が決裂し、計画を白紙に戻した。
Formal/Business— To be shelved or go into the warehouse; used when a movie or project is cancelled and never released.
その映画は結局お蔵入りになった。
Media/Casual— To pour water on; to dampen enthusiasm or interrupt/cancel the flow of something.
彼の一言が計画に水を差した。
Idiomatic— To break the waist; to interrupt or stop someone's speech or a process midway.
話の腰を折らないでください。
Idiomatic— To fade away; used when a plan or rumor stops naturally or is cancelled without a clear decision.
噂はいつの間にか立ち消えになった。
Casual— A native Japanese way to say 'cancel' or 'call off'.
旅行は取りやめにした。
Neutral— To be dropped or cancelled (often related to a legal case or a major plan).
その件は沙汰止みになった。
Formal/Archaic— To swing a stick (and miss); to waste or lose an opportunity because something was cancelled or failed.
休日の計画を棒に振った。
Idiomatic— To put a period/full stop; to bring something to a final end or cancellation.
長い論争にピリオドを打つ。
Metaphorical— To step in place; used when a project stops moving forward or is effectively suspended.
計画は足踏み状態だ。
Idiomatic혼동하기 쉬운
Both mean 'stop' or 'cancel'.
Yameru is for personal habits or voluntary choices. Chūshi is for events and formal plans.
Tabako o yameru (Quit smoking) vs Shiai o chūshi suru (Cancel the game).
Both involve a change in schedule.
Enki means the event will happen at a later date. Chūshi means it is cancelled for now.
Enki (Postponed to next week) vs Chūshi (Cancelled).
Both mean to stop something permanently.
Haishi is for laws, systems, or customs. Chūshi is for specific instances or projects.
Kōsoku-dōro no haishi (Abolition of a highway) vs Kōji no chūshi (Cancellation of construction).
Both mean 'cancel'.
Kyanseru is a loanword used mostly for reservations and appointments. Chūshi is more formal and used for events.
Resutoran o kyanseru suru (Cancel a restaurant) vs Matsuri o chūshi suru (Cancel a festival).
Both mean ending an agreement.
Kaiyaku is specifically for terminating a contract (like a phone or gym membership).
Keitai o kaiyaku suru (Cancel a phone contract).
문장 패턴
[Event] は 中止 です。
パーティーは中止です。
[Reason] で [Event] が 中止に なりました。
雨で試合が中止になりました。
[Reason] のため、[Action] を 中止する ことにしました。
風邪のため、旅行を中止することにしました。
[Event] が 中止に なった おかげで、[Result]。
会議が中止になったおかげで、早く帰れました。
[Subject] は [Event] の 中止を 余儀なくされた。
彼は試合の中止を余儀なくされた。
[Event] を 中止する かどうか 検討して います。
祭りを中止するかどうか検討しています。
[Reason] から、[Event] を 中止せざる を得ない 状況だ。
不況から、開発を中止せざるを得ない状況だ。
[Event] は [Condition] を 鑑み、中止の 憂き目に 遭った。
その計画は不備を鑑み、中止の憂き目に遭った。
어휘 가족
명사
동사
형용사
관련
사용법
Extremely high in news, transport, and event planning.
-
Using 'chūshi' for quitting a habit.
→
Using 'yameru' (やめる).
Chūshi is for events and plans; yameru is for personal actions and habits.
-
Using 'chūshi' for cancelling a pizza order.
→
Using 'torikesu' (取り消す) or 'kyanseru' (キャンセル).
Chūshi is for activities; torikesu is for orders and legal rights.
-
Saying 'Shiai ga chūshi shimashita'.
→
Saying 'Shiai ga chūshi ni narimashita'.
The intransitive use (the game was cancelled) requires 'ni naru'.
-
Confusing 'chūshi' with 'enki' (postponement).
→
Using 'enki' if the event is moved to a later date.
Chūshi means it is off; enki means it is just later.
-
Using 'chūshi' for a temporary pause like a red light.
→
Using 'teishi' (停止).
Teishi is for physical stopping or suspension; chūshi is for cancellation.
팁
Particle Choice
Use 'o' when you are the decision-maker (active) and 'ni naru' when the cancellation is a result of circumstances (objective).
Weather Words
Always learn 'chūshi' alongside weather words like 'ame' (rain), 'taifū' (typhoon), and 'yuki' (snow) as they are frequently paired.
The Art of Apology
When cancelling something in Japan, the word 'chūshi' is almost always followed by an apology, even if it wasn't your fault.
Train Announcements
Recognizing 'unten chūshi' can save you hours of waiting at a station. It means the train isn't coming at all.
Business Meetings
In a business context, saying 'Kaigi o chūshi ni shimashō' is a polite way to suggest ending or calling off a meeting.
Kanji Recognition
Don't confuse '止' (stop) with '上' (up) or '正' (correct). Look for the specific footprint shape of '止'.
Formal Notices
If you write a notice, put '中止' in large, bold letters at the top so people can see the most important information first.
News Keywords
When you hear 'happyō' (announcement) on the news, listen for 'chūshi' to see if a government project has been stopped.
Stop in the Middle
Always remember the literal meaning: 'Middle-Stop'. It helps distinguish it from other types of stopping.
Daily Spotting
Look for '中止' on websites like Yahoo Japan Weather to see real-world examples of event cancellations.
암기하기
기억법
Think of a person standing in the MIDDLE (中) of a road and seeing a STOP (止) sign. They have to CHŪSHI (cancel) their journey.
시각적 연상
A red 'X' mark over a calendar date or a rainy cloud over a baseball stadium with the word '中止' in bold red letters.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to find 3 signs in a Japanese train station or news site that use the word 中止 and translate the reason for the cancellation.
어원
Composed of two Sino-Japanese (on-yomi) roots: 'Chū' (中 - middle) and 'Shi' (止 - stop). It literally means to stop something while it is in the middle of happening or being planned.
원래 의미: To halt or cease in the midst of an action.
Sino-Japanese (Kango).문화적 맥락
Be careful when using 'chūshi' for a wedding or a relationship; it sounds very final and dramatic. Use softer words if the situation is delicate.
English speakers might use 'cancel' for small things like 'cancelling a lunch,' but in Japan, 'chūshi' sounds more formal. For friends, use 'kyanseru' or 'yameta'.
실생활에서 연습하기
실제 사용 상황
Weather Problems
- 雨で中止 (Rain cancellation)
- 台風で中止 (Typhoon cancellation)
- 強風のため中止 (Due to strong winds)
- 雪で運転中止 (Suspended due to snow)
Business/Projects
- 予算不足で中止 (Cancelled due to lack of budget)
- 計画の中止 (Cancellation of a plan)
- プロジェクトを中止する (Cancel a project)
- 会議の中止 (Meeting cancellation)
Public Transport
- 運転中止 (Suspension of operations)
- 一時中止 (Temporary suspension)
- 全線中止 (All lines suspended)
- 再開の見込みなし (No prospect of resumption)
Events/Leisure
- コンサート中止 (Concert cancellation)
- チケット払い戻し (Ticket refund)
- 中止の連絡 (Cancellation notice)
- 残念ながら中止 (Unfortunately cancelled)
Medical/Safety
- 薬の中止 (Stopping medication)
- 運動を中止する (Stop exercising)
- 治験の中止 (Stopping clinical trials)
- 安全のため中止 (Cancelled for safety)
대화 시작하기
"雨が降っていますが、今日のイベントは中止になると思いますか? (It's raining, do you think today's event will be cancelled?)"
"楽しみにしていた旅行が中止になって、とても残念です。 (The trip I was looking forward to got cancelled, and I'm very disappointed.)"
"電車の運転中止で、会社に遅れてしまいました。 (I was late for work because the train service was suspended.)"
"このプロジェクト、予算の問題で中止したほうがいいでしょうか? (Should we cancel this project due to budget issues?)"
"もし試合が中止になったら、代わりに何をしますか? (If the game is cancelled, what will you do instead?)"
일기 주제
最近、何か中止になった予定はありますか?その時、どう感じましたか? (Are there any plans that were cancelled recently? How did you feel then?)
あなたが主催者なら、どんな理由でイベントを中止しますか? (If you were the organizer, for what reasons would you cancel an event?)
「中止」と「延期」、どちらのほうがショックが大きいですか? (Which is more shocking, 'cancellation' or 'postponement'?)
今までで一番残念だった中止の思い出について書いてください。 (Write about the most disappointing cancellation memory you've had.)
中止になった時間を有効に使うために、あなたなら何をしますか? (What would you do to use the time freed up by a cancellation effectively?)
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문No, you should use '辞める' (yameru) for quitting a job. 'Chūshi' is used for stopping a project or an event, not for resigning from a position.
If the train is just delayed, we use '遅延' (chien). If the train stops running entirely, we use '運転中止' (unten chūshi).
'Kyanseru' is used for personal reservations (hotels, doctors). 'Chūshi' is used for organized events (festivals, meetings, games).
Usually, '一時中止' (ichiji chūshi) is used for a temporary pause, but '中断' (chūdan) or '停止' (teishi) are more common for short interruptions.
'Ame no tame, event wa chūshi ni narimashita' is a very natural and polite way to say it.
No, that would be very strange. Use '別れる' (wakare-ru) for breaking up with someone.
Yes, it is a relatively formal Kango (Sino-Japanese) word. It is the standard term used in news and business.
It uses '中' (middle/inside) and '止' (stop). It literally means 'stop in the middle'.
No, use 'Tabako o yameru'. 'Chūshi' is not for personal habits.
It means the train service is suspended. You should look for alternative transportation like a bus or a different train line.
셀프 테스트 200 질문
Translate to Japanese: 'The game was cancelled because of rain.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Please stop the experiment immediately.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I had no choice but to cancel the trip.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The train service is suspended due to snow.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'We are considering whether to cancel the project.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The festival was cancelled due to the typhoon.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The government announced the cancellation of the plan.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Because of a lack of budget, development was stopped.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'I'm sorry for the late notice of cancellation.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The test was cancelled yesterday.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'If you feel sick, stop exercising.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The broadcast was cancelled due to a scandal.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'Thanks to the cancellation, I could rest.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The bill was forced into cancellation.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'We should prepare an alternative plan for cancellation.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The cancellation caused ripples in the industry.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'It was an agonizing decision to cancel.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The policy became a symbol of the change in government.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The project met an unfortunate fate.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Translate to Japanese: 'The organizer decided to cancel the concert.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Say in Japanese: 'Today's game is cancelled.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'It was cancelled because of the typhoon.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Please stop exercising if you feel sick.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'I'm sorry the meeting was cancelled.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'We decided to cancel the project.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The train service is suspended.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Is the event cancelled?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'It's a pity it's cancelled.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'We had no choice but to cancel.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Let's cancel the plan.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Why was it cancelled?'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The cancellation notice was late.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The government cancelled the work.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'It was a reasonable decision.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'Stop the experiment immediately!'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The broadcast was stopped.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'I'm considering a cancellation.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'The bill was forced into cancellation.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'It ripples through the industry.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Say in Japanese: 'It was an agonizing decision.'
Read this aloud:
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
What word is heard in a train station announcement for suspension?
Listen for the reason: 'Ame no tame chūshi...' Why is it cancelled?
If you hear 'Kyō no test wa chūshi desu', do you take the test?
What is being cancelled in 'Ryokō wa chūshi ni narimashita'?
Listen for 'Yosan busoku'. What is the reason for cancellation?
In 'Anzen no tame chūshi', what is the reason?
If you hear 'Chūshi sezaru o enakatta', did the speaker want to cancel?
What is 'uten chūshi'?
Listen for 'Hōsō chūshi'. What is stopped?
If someone says 'Zannen desu ga, chūshi desu', how do they feel?
What is 'unten' related to?
Listen for 'Kettei'. What was decided?
What does 'tadachi ni' mean in 'tadachi ni chūshi'?
In 'Hantai iken de chūshi', why was it stopped?
What is 'eidan'?
/ 200 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
中止する (chūshi suru) is your go-to word for cancelling formal events or stopping ongoing processes. Use it when the 'stop' is caused by something like rain, a lack of money, or a safety issue. Example: 'Ame de shiai wa chūshi desu' (The game is cancelled because of rain).
- Used to cancel or suspend events, services, or plans due to external reasons like weather or formal decisions by organizers or authorities.
- Commonly seen as '中止' on signs and heard in train announcements as 'unten chūshi' (suspension of operation) during emergencies or bad weather.
- Grammatically functions as a suru-verb (中止する) or in the passive/resultative form '中止になる' (to be cancelled), which is very common in polite speech.
- Must be distinguished from 'yameru' (quitting habits), 'torikesu' (cancelling orders/contracts), and 'enki' (postponing), which have different nuances in Japanese context.
Particle Choice
Use 'o' when you are the decision-maker (active) and 'ni naru' when the cancellation is a result of circumstances (objective).
Weather Words
Always learn 'chūshi' alongside weather words like 'ame' (rain), 'taifū' (typhoon), and 'yuki' (snow) as they are frequently paired.
The Art of Apology
When cancelling something in Japan, the word 'chūshi' is almost always followed by an apology, even if it wasn't your fault.
Train Announcements
Recognizing 'unten chūshi' can save you hours of waiting at a station. It means the train isn't coming at all.
관련 콘텐츠
관련 표현
general 관련 단어
いくつか
B1An unspecified small number of things; some, a few.
ちょっと
A2조금, 잠깐. 부탁을 부드럽게 하거나 거절할 때 사용하는 단어입니다.
すこし
A2A little; a few.
さっき
A2아까; 방금 전.
能力
A1Nouryoku refers to the mental or physical power, skill, or capacity required to perform a specific task or function. It can describe both innate talent and skills acquired through learning and practice.
異常
A1A word used to describe something that deviates from the normal state, standard, or expected pattern. It often implies a problem, malfunction, or an extraordinary occurrence that requires attention or investigation.
~について
A2어떤 사물을 이야기나 사고의 대상으로 삼음을 나타내는 표현입니다.
〜について
B1'~에 대해서'라는 뜻으로 사용되는 표현입니다.
~ぐらい
A2수량이나 정도의 어림을 나타내는 조사로, 한국어의 '~정도'나 '~쯤'에 해당합니다.
ぐらい
A2약 10분 정도 걸립니다. (약 10분 정도 걸립니다.)