In 15 Seconds
- Officially closing or canceling a legal or formal case.
- Used for police reports, insurance claims, or HR complaints.
- Implies the matter is resolved and the record is cleared.
Meaning
This phrase literally means to 'cancel' or 'close' a case or record. It is used when a legal matter, a police report, or a formal complaint is officially resolved and removed from the active file.
Key Examples
3 of 6Finding a lost item
我的包找到了，我现在去派出所销案。
I found my bag, so I'm going to the police station to close the case.
Settling a formal dispute
既然双方已经达成和解，我们就销案吧。
Since both parties have reached a settlement, let's close the case.
Texting a friend about a misunderstanding
误会解开了，之前的投诉我已经销案了。
The misunderstanding is cleared; I've already withdrawn the complaint.
Cultural Background
The 'Social Credit System' makes {销案|xiāoàn} very important. People are very careful to ensure that any minor disputes that lead to police intervention are officially closed so they don't affect their record. In Taiwan, the term {撤案|chèàn} is often used interchangeably with {销案|xiāoàn} in police contexts, but {销案|xiāoàn} remains the standard formal term for administrative closure. Hong Kong legal terminology is influenced by British Common Law. While {销案|xiāoàn} is understood, terms like {撤销|chèxiāo} {控罪|kòngzuì} (withdraw charges) are more common in court settings.
The 'Melting' Metaphor
Remember that {销|xiāo} means to melt. You are literally melting the case away so it doesn't exist anymore.
Don't use for 'Finish'
Never use {销案|xiāoàn} to mean you finished a task. It's only for formal records.
In 15 Seconds
- Officially closing or canceling a legal or formal case.
- Used for police reports, insurance claims, or HR complaints.
- Implies the matter is resolved and the record is cleared.
What It Means
销案 is the official act of closing a file. Think of it as the 'Delete' button for legal trouble. When you report something to the police and then find your lost wallet, you need to 销案. It means the investigation stops. The record is cleared. It is a very satisfying word to say. It implies a problem is finally over.
How To Use It
You use it as a verb. Usually, you go to a place to 销案. You can say 'I want to 销案.' Or 'The police helped me 销案.' It is a functional, action-oriented word. It is not for small talk. Use it when paperwork is involved. It sounds professional and clear.
When To Use It
Use this when a formal report is no longer needed. Maybe you reported a stolen bike but found it at your friend's house. (Awkward!) You must call the station to 销案. Use it in office settings for formal complaints too. If a HR dispute is settled, the case is 销案. It brings a sense of closure to everyone involved.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for personal arguments. If you forgive your boyfriend, don't say you are 销案. That sounds like you are his lawyer, not his partner! It is too cold for friendships. Also, don't use it for finishing a book or a meal. It is strictly for 'cases' or 'reports.' Keep it for the official stuff.
Cultural Background
In China, the legal system relies heavily on clear records. 销案 is a vital step to ensure your 'credit' or 'reputation' stays clean. People are often very anxious until they see the 销案 status. It represents the restoration of peace. It reflects a culture that values order and the official resolution of conflicts.
Common Variations
You might hear 撤案 (chè àn), which means to withdraw a case. They are very similar. 销案 feels more like the record is being wiped clean. 结案 (jié àn) is another one. That means the case is finished because a judgment was made. 销案 is often used when the issue just disappears or is settled quietly.
Usage Notes
The term is neutral to formal. It is mostly used in administrative, legal, or police contexts. Avoid using it in casual personal relationships unless you are being intentionally hyperbolic or humorous.
The 'Melting' Metaphor
Remember that {销|xiāo} means to melt. You are literally melting the case away so it doesn't exist anymore.
Don't use for 'Finish'
Never use {销案|xiāoàn} to mean you finished a task. It's only for formal records.
Face and Records
In China, having an active 'case' is bad for your reputation. {销案|xiāoàn} is a very positive thing for the person involved.
Examples
6我的包找到了，我现在去派出所销案。
I found my bag, so I'm going to the police station to close the case.
A very common real-world scenario for this phrase.
既然双方已经达成和解，我们就销案吧。
Since both parties have reached a settlement, let's close the case.
Used in a professional or legal mediation context.
误会解开了，之前的投诉我已经销案了。
The misunderstanding is cleared; I've already withdrawn the complaint.
Shows the phrase used for formal complaints in a casual text.
你请我喝这杯咖啡，咱们那笔‘欠账’就销案了！
Buy me this coffee and we'll consider that 'debt' case closed!
Using formal language for a small favor adds a touch of humor.
等了三年，这桩案子终于销案了，我总算放心了。
After waiting three years, this case is finally closed; I can finally relax.
Expresses deep relief when a long-standing issue ends.
保险公司说赔偿完成后就可以销案。
The insurance company said the case can be closed once the compensation is complete.
Standard terminology for administrative procedures.
Test Yourself
Choose the most appropriate situation to use {销案|xiāoàn}.
{下面|xiàmiàn} {哪|nǎ} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {最|zuì} {适合|shìhé} {用|yòng} “{销案|xiāoàn}”？
{销案|xiāoàn} is used for formal police reports. Finding a lost phone and notifying the police is a classic example.
Fill in the blank with the correct form of {销案|xiāoàn}.
{既然|jìrán} {你们|nǐmen} {已经|yǐjīng} {私下|sīxià} {解决|jiějué} {了|le}，{那|nà} {我|wǒ} {就|jiù} {帮|bāng} {你们|nǐmen} ____ {了|le}。
Since they settled privately, the case is being cancelled/withdrawn, which is {销案|xiāoàn}.
Complete the dialogue.
A: {警察|jǐngchá} {同志|tóngzhì}，{我|wǒ} {丢|diū} {的|de} {钱包|qiánbāo} {在|zài} {家里|jiālǐ} {找到|zhǎodào} {了|le}。 B: {好|hǎo} {的|de}，{那|nà} {请|qǐng} {过来|guòlái} ____ {一下|yíxià}。
The person found their wallet, so the police need to cancel the report.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercises{下面|xiàmiàn} {哪|nǎ} {种|zhǒng} {情况|qíngkuàng} {最|zuì} {适合|shìhé} {用|yòng} “{销案|xiāoàn}”？
{销案|xiāoàn} is used for formal police reports. Finding a lost phone and notifying the police is a classic example.
{既然|jìrán} {你们|nǐmen} {已经|yǐjīng} {私下|sīxià} {解决|jiějué} {了|le}，{那|nà} {我|wǒ} {就|jiù} {帮|bāng} {你们|nǐmen} ____ {了|le}。
Since they settled privately, the case is being cancelled/withdrawn, which is {销案|xiāoàn}.
A: {警察|jǐngchá} {同志|tóngzhì}，{我|wǒ} {丢|diū} {的|de} {钱包|qiánbāo} {在|zài} {家里|jiālǐ} {找到|zhǎodào} {了|le}。 B: {好|hǎo} {的|de}，{那|nà} {请|qǐng} {过来|guòlái} ____ {一下|yíxià}。
The person found their wallet, so the police need to cancel the report.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsUsually no. A ticket is a penalty. {销案|xiāoàn} is for investigations or disputes. You 'pay' a ticket, you don't 'cancel the case' unless it was issued in error.
Not exactly. It just means the legal process has stopped. You might be innocent, or there might just be not enough evidence.
Usually the police, the court, or the person who filed the report (by requesting it).
Yes, for formal customer complaints or insurance claims.
Related Phrases
{报案|bàoàn}
contrastTo report a case to the police
{立案|lìàn}
builds onTo officially register a case
{结案|jiéàn}
similarTo close/conclude a case
{撤案|chèàn}
synonymTo withdraw a case
