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キャンセル

A2 noun #3,000 most common 7 min read

キャンセル

kyanseru Top 3,000

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips キャンセル in 30 Seconds

Explanation キャンセル in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should recognize キャンセル (kyanseru) as the word for 'cancel.' It is easy to remember because it sounds very similar to the English word. You will mostly use it when you cannot go to a restaurant or a shop where you made a simple appointment. The most important phrase to learn is 'キャンセルしてください' (Please cancel). In Japan, even at this basic level, being able to say this word clearly will help you avoid misunderstandings when your plans change. You don't need to worry about complex grammar yet; just focus on the noun and the basic 'suru' verb form. Remember that katakana is used for foreign loanwords, so this word is written in that script. It is one of the most useful 'katakana words' for travelers.

At the A2 level, you begin to use キャンセル in more complete sentences. You should be able to ask if a cancellation is possible using 'キャンセルできますか？' (Can I cancel?). You will also start encountering compound words like 'キャンセル料' (cancellation fee). Understanding that a fee might be involved is a key part of A2 cultural knowledge. You should also be able to provide a very simple reason for a cancellation, such as 'byōki' (illness) or 'shigoto' (work). At this stage, you are moving beyond just recognizing the word to using it in functional, everyday transactions like at a hotel or a dentist's office. You will also see this word on every website and app you use in Japanese.

By B1, you should understand the social implications of a キャンセル. You will learn the term 'ドタキャン' (dotakyan), which refers to a rude, last-minute cancellation. Knowing this word helps you understand Japanese social etiquette and why people often apologize profusely when they have to cancel. You will also use the word in the context of 'キャンセル待ち' (waiting for a cancellation), which is common when trying to book popular trains (like the Shinkansen) or restaurants. You should be comfortable using the word in various verb forms, including the humble 'sasete itadakimasu' (allow me to cancel) when speaking to someone of higher status. Your ability to navigate the 'cancellation policy' (キャンセルポリシー) of services becomes more refined at this level.

At the B2 level, you use キャンセル in professional and nuanced contexts. You can discuss the fairness of cancellation fees or negotiate a cancellation due to 'unforeseen circumstances' (fuka-kōryoku). You understand the distinction between 'kyanseru' and more formal terms like 'torikeshi' (revocation/withdrawal) or 'kaijo' (termination of contract). You can read and understand the fine print in a travel agreement or a gym membership contract regarding cancellation periods. You are also aware of how the word is used in the media, such as when a government project or a major international event is canceled. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'iyakukin' (penalty fee) which often goes hand-in-hand with cancellations.

At the C1 level, you are capable of using キャンセル and its synonyms with precision in legal, academic, or high-level business discussions. You understand the 'right of cancellation' (kyanseru-ken) in consumer protection laws. You can articulate complex reasons for a cancellation, such as shifts in market strategy or ethical concerns. You are also familiar with the concept of 'cancel culture' as it is discussed in Japanese intellectual circles, often using the term 'kyanseru karuchā.' You can handle disputes over cancellations with sophistication, using appropriate keigo (honorific language) to maintain professional relationships while asserting your rights. You understand the subtle difference in nuance when a speaker chooses 'kyanseru' over 'torikeshi' to sound more modern or less aggressive.

At the C2 level, you have a masterly grasp of キャンセル within the broader landscape of the Japanese language. You can analyze the etymological shift of the word since its introduction into Japanese and how it has displaced certain native terms in specific domains. You can draft complex legal documents involving cancellation clauses (kaijo jōkō) and understand the jurisprudential differences between various types of 'stopping' an agreement. You are sensitive to the micro-nuances of how the word is used to signal social distance or modernity. You can engage in high-level debates about the impact of digital 'one-click' cancellations on Japanese consumer behavior and the traditional concept of 'giri' (social obligation). Your use of the word is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

キャンセル in 30 Seconds

A common loanword for 'cancel'.
Used as a noun or a suru-verb.
Essential for travel and shopping.
Often involves cancellation fees.

The word キャンセル (kyanseru) is a ubiquitous loanword in modern Japanese, derived from the English word 'cancel.' While it functions primarily as a noun meaning 'cancellation,' it is most frequently paired with the verb する (suru) to create the verbal form キャンセルする, meaning 'to cancel.' In Japanese society, where punctuality and adherence to reservations are highly valued, understanding the nuances of this word is crucial for navigating daily interactions, particularly in the service industry, business contexts, and social planning.

Daily Life Usage: In everyday life, you will encounter this word at restaurants, hair salons, and clinics. If you cannot make an appointment, you must inform the establishment that you wish to perform a 'kyanseru.' Japanese people often use the term 'dotakyan' (ドタキャン), which is a slang abbreviation for 'dotabata kyanseru,' referring to a last-minute cancellation that causes chaos or inconvenience. This highlights the social weight of the word; a cancellation is not just a change of plans but often requires a sincere apology (sumimasen) to maintain social harmony (wa).

すみません、予約をキャンセルしたいのですが。(Excuse me, I would like to cancel my reservation.)

Business and Formal Contexts: In professional settings, the term is used for terminating contracts, stopping orders, or calling off meetings. While 'torikeshi' (取り消し) is a more formal native Japanese synonym, 'kyanseru' is perfectly acceptable in most business emails and conversations, especially when referring to travel bookings or event registrations. It is often accompanied by discussions of 'kyanseru-ryō' (cancellation fees), which are strictly enforced in Japan to compensate for lost business opportunities.

当日のキャンセルは、全額のキャンセル料が発生します。(Cancellations on the day of the event will incur a 100% cancellation fee.)

Cultural Nuance: The term has evolved to describe social behaviors as well. For example, 'kyanseru-machi' (waiting for a cancellation) is a common phrase used when a popular restaurant or flight is fully booked. People will put their names on a list hoping someone else cancels. This reflects the high demand and limited supply in many Japanese urban centers. Additionally, the word is used in digital contexts, such as clicking a 'cancel' button on a website or app interface, where it is written in katakana as キャンセル.

飛行機がキャンセル待ちです。(I am on the waiting list for a flight cancellation.)

Using キャンセル correctly requires understanding its grammatical flexibility as a 'Suru-Verb.' This means you can treat it as a noun or attach する to make it an action.

As a Direct Object: When you want to say 'to cancel [something],' you use the particle 'o' (を). For example, 'Yoyaku o kyanseru suru' (to cancel a reservation). This is the most standard way to express the action. You can also use potential forms like 'kyanseru dekimasu ka?' (Can I cancel?).

注文をキャンセルしてもよろしいですか？(Is it alright if I cancel the order?)

Compound Nouns: キャンセル is often combined with other nouns to create specific terms. 'Kyanseru-ryō' (cancellation fee), 'Kyanseru-kigen' (cancellation deadline), and 'Kyanseru-machi' (waiting for a cancellation) are essential for anyone traveling or living in Japan. In these cases, it acts as a modifier for the following noun.

キャンセル料はいくらですか？(How much is the cancellation fee?)

Passive and Causative Forms: You might hear 'kyanseru sareta' (was canceled). For example, 'Shiai ga kyanseru sareta' (The match was canceled). This is common when external factors like weather or health issues cause the cancellation. 'Kyanseru saseru' (to make someone cancel) is less common but used in contexts of coercion or necessity.

雨のせいで、イベントがキャンセルになりました。(The event was canceled due to rain.)

You will hear キャンセル everywhere in Japan, from the quiet halls of a medical clinic to the bustling counters of a train station.

At the Hotel Front Desk: If you arrive at a hotel and need to change your plans, the staff will ask about your 'kyanseru' status. They might say, 'Kyanseru-pōrishi o go-kakunin kudasai' (Please check the cancellation policy). This is a critical moment where the word determines financial outcomes.

３日前までにキャンセルすれば、無料です。(If you cancel by three days ago, it is free.)

In the Tech World: Every Japanese app uses this word. When you delete a photo, unsubscribe from a newsletter, or stop a download, the confirmation dialog will almost always have a button labeled キャンセル. It is the universal 'go back' or 'abort' command in the Japanese digital landscape.

Social Media and Slang: On Twitter (X) or LINE, young people might use 'kyanseru' when talking about 'canceling' a celebrity (cancel culture), though this is a newer, imported usage. More traditionally, they use it to talk about 'skipping' out on friends. 'Ashita no kai, kyanseru de' (The meeting tomorrow is a no-go/canceled) is a common way to inform friends of a change.

ごめん、急用で今日のランチキャンセルさせて！(Sorry, I have an emergency, let me cancel today's lunch!)

While キャンセル seems straightforward because of its English origin, there are several pitfalls for English speakers.

Overusing it for 'Delete': In English, we sometimes say 'cancel that' when we mean 'delete that' or 'undo that.' In Japanese, キャンセル specifically refers to stopping a planned event or a transaction. If you want to delete a file, use 'sakujo' (削除). If you want to undo an action, use 'moto ni modosu' (元に戻す).

✕ ファイルをキャンセルする (Incorrect for 'Delete file')

Ignoring the 'Suru': English speakers often forget that in Japanese, you cannot just use the noun as a verb. You must say 'kyanseru suru.' Saying 'Watashi wa yoyaku o kyanseru' is grammatically incomplete and sounds like 'I reservation cancellation.'

Mixing with 'Chūshi': 'Chūshi' (中止) means to suspend or discontinue an event, often due to external factors like weather. 'Kyanseru' is more about the act of a person withdrawing their participation or reservation. If a concert is called off by the organizers, it is 'chūshi.' If you decide not to go and return your ticket, you 'kyanseru' your seat.

✕ 嵐で試合がキャンセルされた (Unnatural - usually 'chūshi')

Understanding the synonyms of キャンセル helps you choose the right level of formality and precision.

取り消し (Torikeshi): This is the native Japanese word for cancellation or withdrawal. It sounds more formal and is used in legal contexts, such as 'menkyo torikeshi' (driver's license revocation). While 'kyanseru' is used for a hotel room, 'torikeshi' might be used for a formal contract or a official statement.

その発言を取り消してください。(Please withdraw that statement.)

中止 (Chūshi): As mentioned, 'chūshi' means to stop something that was planned or already in progress. It is used for events, matches, or construction work. If a TV show is taken off the air, it is 'chūshi,' not 'kyanseru.'

解除 (Kaijo): This word means 'cancellation' in the sense of 'releasing' or 'lifting' a restriction or a contract. For example, 'keiyaku kaijo' (cancellation of a contract). It is very formal and usually found in documents rather than spoken conversation.

契約の解除には、書面での通知が必要です。(Cancellation of the contract requires written notice.)

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In Japan, 'kyanseru' is so common that even elderly people who don't speak English understand it perfectly in the context of a hospital or travel booking.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈkæn.səl/

US /ˈkæn.səl/

The stress in Japanese (pitch accent) is generally flat or on the first syllable (Atamadaka), though it varies by dialect.

Rhymes With

ハンドル (handoru) キャンドル (kyandoru) サンダル (sandaru) パズル (pazuru) トラブル (toraburu) テーブル (tēburu) ルール (rūru) ゴール (gōru)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it with a clear 'L' sound instead of 'RU'.
Forgetting to add 'suru' when using it as a verb.
Using it for 'delete' (sakujo).
Misplacing the long vowel (there is no long vowel in kyanseru).
Saying 'kyanseru' when 'chūshi' is more appropriate for a public event.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy as it is written in Katakana and looks like the English word.

Writing 2/5

Easy, but must remember the specific Katakana characters.

Speaking 2/5

Easy, but requires the 'ru' ending and correct pitch.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to recognize in a sentence.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

予約 (Yoyaku) する (Suru) お願いします (Onegai shimasu) すみません (Sumimasen) 料金 (Ryōkin)

Learn Next

中止 (Chūshi) 取り消し (Torikeshi) 変更 (Henkō) 延期 (Enki) 確認 (Kakunin)

Advanced

解除 (Kaijo) 撤回 (Tekkai) 違約金 (Iyakukin) 免責 (Menseki) 遡及 (Sokyū)

Grammar to Know

Suru-Verbs

キャンセル(Noun) + する(Verb) = キャンセルする(To cancel)

Tai-form (Desire)

キャンセルしたいです (I want to cancel)

Potential-form

キャンセルできます (I can cancel)

Passive-form

キャンセルされた (It was canceled)

Causative-form

キャンセルさせる (Make someone cancel)

Examples by Level

キャンセルしてください。

Please cancel.

Standard polite request form.

これをキャンセルします。

I will cancel this.

Direct object with 'o' particle.

予約をキャンセル。

Cancel the reservation.

Noun phrase used in casual context.

キャンセルは無料ですか？

Is cancellation free?

Using the noun as the subject.

はい、キャンセルです。

Yes, it is a cancellation.

Descriptive sentence with 'desu'.

キャンセル、いいですか？

Is cancellation okay?

Casual question form.

すみません、キャンセル。

Sorry, cancel.

Short, apologetic phrase.

キャンセルボタンはどこですか？

Where is the cancel button?

Locational question.

ホテルの予約をキャンセルしたいです。

I want to cancel the hotel reservation.

'Tai' form expressing desire.

キャンセル料はかかりますか？

Is there a cancellation fee?

'Kakaru' used for costs/fees.

明日キャンセルできますか？

Can I cancel tomorrow?

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

名前をキャンセル待ちに入れます。

I will put my name on the cancellation waiting list.

'Ni ireru' (to put into).

急なキャンセルでごめんなさい。

Sorry for the sudden cancellation.

'De' particle indicating reason.

注文のキャンセルをお願いします。

Please cancel the order.

Formal request using 'onegai shimasu'.

メールでキャンセルしました。

I canceled by email.

'De' particle indicating means/method.

キャンセルは今日までです。

Cancellation is allowed until today.

'Made' indicating a deadline.

ドタキャンは本当に困ります。

Last-minute cancellations are really troublesome.

Slang term 'dotakyan' used as a noun.

キャンセルポリシーを確認してください。

Please check the cancellation policy.

Loanword 'policy' combined with 'kyanseru'.

チケットをキャンセルせざるを得ません。

I have no choice but to cancel the ticket.

'Sezaru o enai' (no choice but to...).

キャンセル待ちが３人います。

There are three people on the waiting list.

'Machi' used as a suffix for waiting.

当日のキャンセルは避けてください。

Please avoid same-day cancellations.

'Sakeru' (to avoid) in polite request form.

理由を言わずにキャンセルしました。

He canceled without giving a reason.

'Zuni' (without doing).

キャンセルが出たら教えてください。

Please let me know if a cancellation occurs.

'Deru' (to appear/come out) used for cancellations.

予約をキャンセルさせていただきます。

I will take the liberty of canceling the reservation.

Humble causative form.

不測の事態により、旅行をキャンセルした。

I canceled the trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

'Niyori' (due to) formal expression.

キャンセル料の規定が厳しすぎる。

The cancellation fee regulations are too strict.

'Kitei' (regulations).

自動的にキャンセルされる仕組みです。

It is a system where it gets canceled automatically.

Passive form 'sareru'.

キャンセルを検討せざるを得ない状況だ。

It is a situation where we have no choice but to consider cancellation.

'Kentō' (consideration).

一週間前ならキャンセル料は無料だ。

If it is a week before, the cancellation fee is free.

Conditional 'nara'.

ウェブサイトから簡単にキャンセル可能です。

Cancellation is easily possible from the website.

'Kanō' (possible) suffix.

彼は頻繁に約束をキャンセルする。

He frequently cancels appointments.

'Hinpan-ni' (frequently).

キャンセルによって生じた損失を補填する。

To compensate for the losses caused by the cancellation.

'Sōshitsu' (loss) and 'hoten' (compensation).

契約解除の条件を詳細に確認する。

Check the conditions for contract cancellation in detail.

Using 'kaijo' as a formal synonym.

キャンセルに伴う違約金が発生いたします。

A penalty fee accompanying the cancellation will be incurred.

'Ni tomonau' (accompanying).

無断キャンセルは営業妨害になりかねない。

No-show cancellations could potentially constitute obstruction of business.

'Narikanenai' (could possibly become).

キャンセル権の行使を留保する。

To reserve the exercise of the right of cancellation.

Legal terminology 'kōshi' and 'ryūho'.

社会的なキャンセル文化の是非を問う。

Questioning the pros and cons of social cancel culture.

'Zehi o tou' (questioning right or wrong).

天候不良によるイベントの中止とキャンセル。

Event suspension and cancellation due to bad weather.

Distinguishing between 'chūshi' and 'kyanseru'.

顧客のキャンセル行動を分析する。

Analyze the cancellation behavior of customers.

'Kōdō bunseki' (behavioral analysis).

キャンセル不可の条件で安く購入した。

I bought it cheaply under non-cancelable conditions.

'Fuka' (impossible/not allowed) suffix.

一方的なキャンセルは信義則に反する。

Unilateral cancellation violates the principle of good faith.

Legal term 'shingisoku' (principle of good faith).

キャンセル条項の解釈を巡って争う。

Disputing over the interpretation of the cancellation clause.

'Megutte' (concerning/over).

予約システムの不備が誤キャンセルを招いた。

Defects in the reservation system led to erroneous cancellations.

'Maneku' (to invite/lead to).

キャンセル料の妥当性を法的に検証する。

Legally verify the validity of the cancellation fee.

'Datōsei' (validity/appropriateness).

不可抗力による免責条項とキャンセルの関係。

The relationship between force majeure exemption clauses and cancellations.

'Menseki jōkō' (exemption clause).

キャンセル率の推移が経営を圧迫している。

The trend in cancellation rates is putting pressure on management.

'Keiei o appaku' (pressuring management).

契約の遡及的キャンセルは認められない。

Retrospective cancellation of the contract is not permitted.

'Sokyū-teki' (retrospective).

キャンセルに伴う機会損失の算出は困難だ。

Calculating the opportunity cost accompanying a cancellation is difficult.

'Kikai sōshitsu' (opportunity loss).

Common Collocations

キャンセル料

キャンセル待ち

キャンセルポリシー

無断キャンセル

当日キャンセル

自動キャンセル

キャンセル不可

途中キャンセル

キャンセルボタン

キャンセル期限

Common Phrases

キャンセルが出ました。

— A cancellation has occurred (an opening is available).

キャンセルが出たので予約できました。

キャンセルさせてください。

— Please let me cancel (polite).

急用でキャンセルさせてください。

キャンセル料はいくらですか？

— How much is the cancellation fee?

今キャンセルすると、キャンセル料はいくらですか？

ドタキャンされた。

— I was stood up (last minute cancellation).

友達にドタキャンされて悲しい。

キャンセル待ちです。

— I am on the waiting list.

今は満席なので、キャンセル待ちです。

キャンセルは可能ですか？

— Is cancellation possible?

一週間前ならキャンセルは可能ですか？

キャンセルを承りました。

— We have accepted your cancellation (formal).

ご予約のキャンセルを承りました。

キャンセルが相次ぐ。

— Cancellations are occurring one after another.

台風でキャンセルが相次いでいる。

キャンセル分を販売する。

— To sell the canceled portions (tickets/rooms).

キャンセル分を再販売します。

キャンセルを申し出る。

— To request/propose a cancellation.

電話でキャンセルを申し出た。

Often Confused With

キャンセル vs 中止 (Chūshi)

Chūshi is for events being stopped by organizers; Kyanseru is for individuals withdrawing.

キャンセル vs 削除 (Sakujo)

Sakujo is for deleting files or data; Kyanseru is for stopping plans.

キャンセル vs 変更 (Henkō)

Henkō is changing a plan; Kyanseru is stopping it entirely.

Idioms & Expressions

"ドタキャン (Dotakyan)"

— Last-minute cancellation (slang).

ドタキャンはマナー違反だ。

Informal

"キャンセル待ちの身 (Kyanseru-machi no mi)"

— Being in a state of waiting for a chance.

私はまだキャンセル待ちの身です。

Neutral

"白紙撤回 (Hakushi Tekkai)"

— To completely withdraw or cancel something to a blank slate.

新国立競技場の計画を白紙撤回する。

Formal

"契約解除 (Keiyaku Kaijo)"

— Formal termination of a contract.

違反があったので契約解除となった。

Formal

"予約取消 (Yoyaku Torikeshi)"

— Formal cancellation of a reservation.

予約取消の手続きを行う。

Formal

"注文取消 (Chūmon Torikeshi)"

— Formal cancellation of an order.

出荷前の注文取消は可能です。

Business

"ノーショー (Nō-shō)"

— A 'no-show' (failing to arrive without canceling).

飲食店がノーショー対策を強化する。

Business

"キャンセル界隈 (Kyanseru Kaiwai)"

— The 'cancellation circle' (slang for people who often cancel).

彼はキャンセル界隈の有名人だ。

Slang

"キャンセル料詐欺 (Kyanseru-ryō Sagi)"

— Cancellation fee fraud.

キャンセル料詐欺に注意してください。

Legal

"キャンセル一択 (Kyanseru Ittaku)"

— Cancellation is the only choice.

この状況ではキャンセル一択だ。

Informal

Easily Confused

キャンセル vs 取り消し

Both mean cancel.

Torikeshi is more formal and used in legal/official contexts.

免許の取り消し。

キャンセル vs 解約

Both involve stopping something.

Kaiyaku is specifically for subscriptions or recurring contracts.

スマホの解約。

キャンセル vs 撤回

Both mean withdrawal.

Tekkai is used for withdrawing words, proposals, or demands.

発言の撤回。

キャンセル vs 辞退

Both mean not doing something.

Jitai is politely declining an offer or an award.

優勝を辞退する。

キャンセル vs 延期

Both involve not doing something now.

Enki is moving the plan to a later date.

試合を延期する。

Sentence Patterns

[Noun] をキャンセルします。

予約をキャンセルします。

[Noun] をキャンセルしたいです。

注文をキャンセルしたいです。

[Noun] をキャンセルできますか？

ホテルをキャンセルできますか？

[Noun] はキャンセル待ちです。

チケットはキャンセル待ちです。

[Reason] でキャンセルになりました。

雨でキャンセルになりました。

[Time] までにキャンセルしてください。

三日前までにキャンセルしてください。

キャンセルに伴い [Result] が発生します。

キャンセルに伴い違約金が発生します。

[Condition] の場合、キャンセルとみなします。

連絡がない場合、キャンセルとみなします。

Word Family

Nouns

キャンセル (Cancellation)

キャンセル料 (Cancellation fee)

キャンセル待ち (Waiting list)

キャンセルポリシー (Policy)

Verbs

キャンセルする (To cancel)

キャンセルされる (To be canceled)

キャンセルさせる (To make someone cancel)

Adjectives

キャンセル不可の (Non-cancelable)

キャンセル可能な (Cancelable)

取り消し

中止

解除

撤回

解約

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely frequent in daily life.

Common Mistakes

Saying 'kyanseru' for 'delete'. → 削除 (sakujo)
'Kyanseru' is for plans/orders; 'sakujo' is for removing files/data.
Saying 'yoyaku o kyanseru' without 'suru'. → 予約をキャンセルする。
Japanese needs a verb to complete the action.
Using 'kyanseru' for a rain-delayed match. → 中止 (chūshi)
Events stopped by organizers are 'chūshi'.
Pronouncing it like English 'cancel'. → Kyanseru (Japanese phonetics)
English 'L' sounds are not used; use 'ru'.
Confusing 'kyanseru' with 'jitai'. → 辞退 (jitai)
Use 'jitai' when politely declining an award or candidacy.

Tips

Always pair with 'suru'

Remember that キャンセル is a noun. To use it as a verb, you must add する (suru).

Apologize first

When canceling in Japan, start with 'Mōshiwake gozaimasen' (I'm very sorry) to show sincerity.

Learn 'kyanseru-ryō'

This is the most common compound word you will need in Japan.

Watch the 'ru'

Make sure your 'ru' at the end of kyanseru is short and crisp.

Katakana check

Ensure you write キ・ャ・ン・セ・ル correctly; don't confuse 'se' with 'ke'.

Avoid 'dotakyan'

Try to cancel at least 24 hours in advance to maintain your social reputation.

Look for the button

On Japanese websites, the 'Cancel' button is almost always the one on the left or in a lighter color.

Listen for 'machi'

If you hear 'kyanseru-machi', it means there's a chance you can still get in!

Check the policy

Always ask 'Kyanseru pōrishi wa?' when booking expensive services.

Use 'torikeshi' for formal cases

If you want to sound more professional in a legal sense, switch to 'torikeshi'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of a 'Can' of soda that you 'Sell' back because you want to cancel your drink. 'Can-Sell' sounds like 'Kyanseru'.

Visual Association

Imagine a big red 'X' over a hotel bed or a restaurant table. That 'X' is the 'Kyanseru'.

Word Web

Reservation Hotel Fee Waitlist Button Policy Apology Phone call

Challenge

Try calling a fake restaurant in Japanese and canceling a reservation for four people at 7 PM.

Word Origin

Derived from the English word 'cancel'. It entered Japanese during the modernization period and became widely used in the post-war era with the rise of the service industry.

Original meaning: To cross out or nullify.

English (Germanic/Latin roots).

Cultural Context

Be careful not to 'dotakyan' on friends, as it can damage relationships significantly in Japan.

English speakers might cancel more casually; in Japan, it requires a formal apology.

Hotel cancellation scenes in Japanese dramas. The 'Dotakyan' trope in anime where a character is stood up. News reports on 'Kyanseru-ryō' disputes.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Travel/Hotels

キャンセル料はいつからですか？
予約をキャンセルしたいです。
キャンセル待ちをお願いします。
キャンセル不可のプランですか？

Restaurants

人数の変更とキャンセル。
当日キャンセルはできますか？
キャンセルが出たら連絡ください。
無断キャンセルはしません。

Online Shopping

注文をキャンセルするボタン。
キャンセル履歴を確認する。
発送後のキャンセルは不可。
誤ってキャンセルした。

Medical/Clinics

診察のキャンセル。
前日までにキャンセルする。
キャンセルの電話を入れる。
急用でキャンセル。

Social Plans

ドタキャンしてごめん。
明日の予定、キャンセルでいい？
キャンセルになったから暇だよ。
急なキャンセル。

Conversation Starters

"すみません、予約のキャンセルをお願いしたいのですが。"

"キャンセル料はいくらになりますか？"

"キャンセル待ちは何人目ですか？"

"もしキャンセルが出たら、教えていただけますか？"

"急な仕事が入ってしまい、今日の予約をキャンセルさせてください。"

Journal Prompts

今日は友達にドタキャンされてしまいました。どう思いましたか？

旅行の予約をキャンセルしたことがありますか？その理由は何ですか？

キャンセル料を払ったことがありますか？納得できましたか？

レストランの無断キャンセルについて、どう思いますか？

キャンセル待ちをして、やっと予約が取れた時の気持ちを書いてください。

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

The word itself isn't rude, but the action of canceling can be. Always apologize when using it in a personal context. Using 'sasete itadakimasu' makes it sound more humble and polite.

Yes, 'kaigi o kyanseru suru' is common, though 'kaigi o chūshi suru' (cancel the meeting entirely) or 'henkō suru' (change) might be better depending on the situation.

It is a combination of 'dotabata' (hectic) and 'kyanseru'. it means a last-minute cancellation. It is usually used negatively about someone who is unreliable.

You can say 'Kyanseru-ryō wa ikura desu ka?' or 'Kyanseru-ryō wa kakarimasu ka?'

No, it is a loanword and is always written in Katakana. The native equivalent is '取り消し' (torikeshi).

It means 'waiting for a cancellation.' You use it when a place is full but you hope someone cancels so you can take their spot.

Technically yes, if it's a 'Cancel' button, but the action of 'undoing' is usually 'moto ni modosu'.

Yes, it is very common, though 'torikeshi' or 'kaijo' might be used in formal contracts.

In Japan, this is called 'mudan kyanseru' (cancellation without notice). It is highly frowned upon.

Not always, but in service industries, it often implies a discussion about fees.