In 15 Seconds
- Use `取消` to officially cancel plans.
- It means to annul or delete an arrangement.
- Works for appointments, reservations, orders, and events.
- Avoid using it for rescheduling or vague intentions.
Meaning
This phrase is your go-to for saying something is off the schedule. Whether it's a doctor's appointment or a dinner date, use it when a plan is being deleted entirely.
Key Examples
3 of 12Texting a friend to cancel plans
抱歉，我今晚得取消聚会了，我有点累。
Sorry, I have to cancel our get-together tonight, I'm a bit tired.
Canceling a restaurant reservation
您好，我想取消明晚八点的预订。
Hello, I'd like to cancel the reservation for 8 PM tomorrow night.
Customer service call about an order
我想取消这个订单，因为我买错了。
I want to cancel this order because I bought the wrong item.
Cultural Background
In business, cancelling a meeting at the last minute is a major faux pas. It's better to 'postpone' ({推迟|tuīchí}) than to 'cancel' ({取消|qǔxiāo}) to save face. The term {取消文化|qǔxiāo wénhuà} (Cancel Culture) is widely discussed on platforms like Weibo, often referring to the de-platforming of controversial public figures. During the Spring Festival ({春节|chūnjié}), flight and train cancellations are a source of high anxiety. Announcements use very formal language. China's 'Double 11' shopping festival has strict rules about when you can {取消|qǔxiāo} an order to prevent system crashes.
The 'Cancel' Button
Look for these two characters on any Chinese website or app. It's almost always in the bottom left or top right of a pop-up.
Don't 'Cancel' People
Unless you're talking about 'Cancel Culture,' don't use this for social breakups. It sounds robotic.
In 15 Seconds
- Use `取消` to officially cancel plans.
- It means to annul or delete an arrangement.
- Works for appointments, reservations, orders, and events.
- Avoid using it for rescheduling or vague intentions.
What It Means
取消 is the word you need when you want to call off something. It means to annul, revoke, or take back an arrangement. Think of it as officially deleting something from your calendar or to-do list. It’s a straightforward way to say a plan is no longer happening. It’s like putting a big red X over something. This word is super common and useful for daily life.
How To Use It
Use 取消 when you need to officially stop or annul something that was previously planned or agreed upon. You can use it for appointments, reservations, orders, or even events. It’s a versatile verb that fits many situations. You’ll often pair it with what you are canceling. For example, you might cancel a meeting or a flight ticket. Remember, it’s about removing something that was set.
Real-Life Examples
- Your friend texts: "Can we
取消our movie night? I’m feeling sick." (我们能取消今晚的电影之夜吗？我感觉不舒服。) - You tell a restaurant: "I need to
取消my reservation for two at 7 PM." (我需要取消今晚七点的两人预订。) - A company announces: "The event has been
取消due to bad weather." (活动因天气恶劣已被取消。) - You might say to customer service: "I want to
取消my order number 12345." (我想取消我的订单号12345。)
When To Use It
Use 取消 for definite cancellations. This includes appointments you can't make. It’s perfect for canceling reservations at restaurants or hotels. You’ll use it for canceling tickets, like for a train or a concert. If you ordered something online and changed your mind, 取消 your order. It’s also used for canceling events or meetings. Basically, if a plan is off, 取消 is your word. It’s the standard way to undo something.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use 取消 for things that are not confirmed or planned. If you're just thinking about maybe going, don't 取消. It's not for ending a relationship; that's a different kind of breakup! You wouldn't use it to 'cancel' a person's existence, thankfully. It’s also not for postponing something to a later date; that’s a different verb. Think of it as a full stop, not a comma. Using it for something minor and temporary feels a bit too strong, like using a sledgehammer to crack a nut.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 取消 with similar-sounding words or use it in the wrong context. A common slip-up is using it for things that are just delayed. Another mistake is using it for something that was never really confirmed. It’s like trying to un-ring a bell that was never rung! Here are some examples:
取消 the party until next week.
✓I want to postpone the party until next week. (我想把派对推迟到下周。) - 取消 means to delete, not reschedule.
取消 my idea.
✓I gave up my idea. / I changed my mind about my idea. (我放弃了这个想法。/ 我改变了关于这个想法的主意。) - 取消 is too formal for a fleeting thought.
Similar Expressions
While 取消 is the most common, there are related terms. 撤销 (chèxiāo) means to revoke or rescind, often used for official decisions or policies. It feels more formal and legalistic. 停止 (tíngzhǐ) means to stop or cease, which can be similar but often implies a pause rather than a complete annulment. 作废 (zuòfèi) means to nullify or become invalid, often used for documents or tickets that are no longer usable. 取消 is the general-purpose cancellation verb.
Common Variations
Sometimes you'll see 取消 used with other words to add detail. For instance, 取消预订 (qǔxiāo yùdìng) specifically means to cancel a reservation. 取消订单 (qǔxiāo dìngdān) is for canceling an order. 取消资格 (qǔxiāo zīgé) means to disqualify someone. These are specific applications of the main verb 取消. The core meaning of 'canceling' remains consistent.
Memory Trick
Imagine a giant “X” (like X-Men!) marking an event on your calendar. That “X” is 取消 (qǔxiāo). The sound 'qu' in 取消 can remind you of 'cut'. You're cutting the plan out! So, picture cutting out a plan with scissors, leaving an 'X'. It’s a visual and auditory cue that sticks.
Quick FAQ
Q. Can I use 取消 for canceling a subscription? A: Yes, you absolutely can! It's perfect for canceling subscriptions like Netflix or a gym membership. Just say, "我想取消我的订阅" (Wǒ xiǎng qǔxiāo wǒ de dìngyuè). Q: Is 取消 polite? A: Generally, yes, it's a neutral and standard term. However, the politeness depends on how you say it and the situation. Adding "请" (qǐng - please) or explaining briefly can help. Q: What if I just want to change the time? A: Then you don't want to 取消! You want to reschedule or change it. Use words like "改期" (gǎiqī - reschedule) or "更改" (gēnggǎi - change).
Usage Notes
`取消` is a neutral verb suitable for most situations. Use it for definite cancellations of appointments, reservations, orders, and events. Avoid using it for rescheduling (use `推迟` or `改期`) or for vague intentions. In formal contexts, adding polite phrases is recommended.
The 'Cancel' Button
Look for these two characters on any Chinese website or app. It's almost always in the bottom left or top right of a pop-up.
Don't 'Cancel' People
Unless you're talking about 'Cancel Culture,' don't use this for social breakups. It sounds robotic.
Passive Voice
In news, you'll almost always see it as {被取消了|bèi qǔxiāo le}. Memorize this chunk for listening exams.
Politeness
When cancelling with a friend, always add {不好意思|bù hǎoyìsi} (I'm sorry/excuse me) before saying you need to {取消|qǔxiāo}.
Examples
12抱歉，我今晚得取消聚会了，我有点累。
Sorry, I have to cancel our get-together tonight, I'm a bit tired.
Here, `取消` is used directly with the noun 'get-together' (聚会). It's a common and casual way to back out.
您好，我想取消明晚八点的预订。
Hello, I'd like to cancel the reservation for 8 PM tomorrow night.
This is a polite, standard usage when dealing with services. `取消` is paired with 'reservation' (预订).
我想取消这个订单，因为我买错了。
I want to cancel this order because I bought the wrong item.
Directly stating the intent to `取消` an order (订单) is clear and effective.
很遗憾，由于天气原因，原定于周六的音乐节已被取消。
Regrettably, due to weather conditions, the music festival originally scheduled for Saturday has been canceled.
This uses `取消` in a passive construction ('has been canceled'), common in official announcements.
原计划的周末爬山因为下雨取消了，下次再约！⛰️☔️
The planned weekend mountain climb was canceled due to rain, let's try again next time! ⛰️☔️
A common scenario for social media, `取消` is used casually to explain a change.
我需要在App里找到取消会员的选项。
I need to find the option to cancel the membership in the app.
Modern usage, `取消` is directly linked to canceling a membership (会员).
✗ 我想取消会议到下午。
✗ I want to cancel the meeting until this afternoon.
This is incorrect because `取消` means to delete, not postpone. The speaker wants to reschedule.
✗ 我可能取消这个项目。
✗ I might cancel this project.
This is too strong for a maybe. `取消` implies a definite decision. Better to say 'I'm thinking about canceling' or 'I might abandon'.
我的床太舒服了，我决定取消今天的出门计划。
My bed is too comfortable, I've decided to cancel my plan to go out today.
A relatable and humorous use of `取消` for everyday, personal decisions.
听到演唱会被取消的消息，我太失望了！
I'm so disappointed to hear the concert has been canceled!
Expressing disappointment after something is `取消`d highlights the emotional impact.
请问，如果我需要取消面试，应该提前多久通知？
Excuse me, if I need to cancel the interview, how far in advance should I notify?
A professional and polite inquiry about the procedure for `取消`ling an interview.
✗ 我们能取消下午的会议吗？ → ✓ 我们能把下午的会议改到明天吗？
✗ Can we cancel the afternoon meeting until later? → ✓ Can we move the afternoon meeting to tomorrow?
This highlights the difference between `取消` (cancel) and rescheduling.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
{因为|yīnwèi}{天气|tiānqì}{不好|bùhǎo}，{足球|zúqiú}{比赛|bǐsài}_____{了|le}。
Events like sports matches are 'cancelled' ({取消|qǔxiāo}).
Fill in the blank with the correct characters.
{我|wǒ}{想|xiǎng}____{订单|dìngdān}，{因为|yīnwèi}{我|wǒ}{买|mǎi}{错|cuò}{了|le}。
You 'cancel' an order ({订单|dìngdān}) when you make a mistake.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {下午|xiàwǔ}的{课|kè}{还|hái}{上|shàng}{吗|ma}？ B: {不|bù}{上|shàng}{了|le}，_____{了|le}。
If a class is not happening, it has been cancelled.
Match the action to the object.
Which object goes with {取消|qǔxiāo}?
You cancel meetings, not photos or fruit.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Common things to {取消|qǔxiāo}
Life
- • {会议|huìyì}
- • {约会|yuēhuì}
- • {预约|yùyuē}
Travel
- • {航班|hángbān}
- • {行程|xíngchéng}
- • {酒店|jiǔdiàn}
Digital
- • {订单|dìngdān}
- • {订阅|dìngyuè}
- • {会员|huìyuán}
Practice Bank
4 exercises{因为|yīnwèi}{天气|tiānqì}{不好|bùhǎo}，{足球|zúqiú}{比赛|bǐsài}_____{了|le}。
Events like sports matches are 'cancelled' ({取消|qǔxiāo}).
{我|wǒ}{想|xiǎng}____{订单|dìngdān}，{因为|yīnwèi}{我|wǒ}{买|mǎi}{错|cuò}{了|le}。
You 'cancel' an order ({订单|dìngdān}) when you make a mistake.
A: {下午|xiàwǔ}的{课|kè}{还|hái}{上|shàng}{吗|ma}？ B: {不|bù}{上|shàng}{了|le}，_____{了|le}。
If a class is not happening, it has been cancelled.
Which object goes with {取消|qǔxiāo}?
You cancel meetings, not photos or fruit.
🎉 Score: /4
Video Tutorials
Find video tutorials on YouTube for this phrase.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, 'undo' is usually {撤销|chèxiāo}. {取消|qǔxiāo} is for stopping a process or closing a dialog without saving.
It is neutral. It works in both a legal contract and a text to your mom.
{取消|qǔxiāo} means the event is dead. {推迟|tuīchí} means it's just sleeping and will happen later.
It is {取消文化|qǔxiāo wénhuà}.
Only in the context of 'Cancel Culture.' In a relationship, use {分手|fēnshǒu}.
Usually, yes, if the cancellation has already happened: {取消了|qǔxiāo le}.
Yes, {取消订阅|qǔxiāo dìngyuè} is the standard phrase.
In very casual speech, people might just say {不去了|bù qù le} (not going) instead of 'cancelling the plan.'
{确认|quèrèn} (confirm) or {预订|yùdìng} (book/reserve).
Yes, it means to abolish or repeal a law.
Related Phrases
{撤销|chèxiāo}
similarTo revoke or withdraw
{作废|zuòfèi}
specialized formTo become invalid
{推迟|tuīchí}
contrastTo postpone
{中止|zhōngzhǐ}
similarTo suspend or break off
{删除|shānchú}
contrastTo delete
