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A2 verb #3,000 mais comum 12 min de leitura

cancelar

Top 3,000

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas cancelar em 30 segundos

Explicação cancelar in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'cancelar' is one of those wonderful 'easy' words because it looks and sounds almost exactly like the English word 'cancel.' For a beginner, you should focus on using it for simple, everyday situations. Think about things you might do in your daily life: a doctor's appointment, a meeting with a friend, or a reservation at a restaurant. Since A1 learners focus on the present tense, you will mostly use 'cancelo' (I cancel) or 'cancelamos' (we cancel). It is important to remember that 'cancelar' is a regular verb that follows the standard '-ar' pattern. This means once you learn the endings for 'hablar,' you already know how to conjugate 'cancelar.' Beginners should also learn the past participle 'cancelado' (cancelled) because you will see it often on signs or screens, especially if you are traveling. For example, 'El vuelo está cancelado' is a very useful phrase to recognize at an airport. At this stage, don't worry about complex legal meanings; just use it when a plan is not happening anymore.

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As an A2 learner, you are expected to handle basic travel and social situations. 'Cancelar' becomes a vital tool in your 'survival Spanish' kit. You should be able to use it in the preterite tense ('cancelé', 'canceló') to explain why you didn't show up somewhere or why a plan changed in the past. At this level, you should also start pairing 'cancelar' with common nouns like 'una reserva' (a reservation), 'una cita' (an appointment), or 'un evento' (an event). You might also encounter it in the context of shopping or services—for instance, knowing how to 'cancelar una suscripción' (cancel a subscription) is a practical skill. You should also be aware of the 'se' passive construction: 'Se canceló la clase' (The class was cancelled), which is common in school or work announcements. A2 is also the time to distinguish between 'cancelar' (to call off entirely) and 'posponer' (to move to a later time), ensuring your communication is accurate and you don't accidentally tell someone a party is dead when it's just moved to Saturday.

At the B1 level, you are moving into more abstract and professional uses of 'cancelar.' You should feel comfortable using it in the subjunctive mood, which is often required after expressions of regret or desire. For example, 'Siento que hayan tenido que cancelar el concierto' (I'm sorry they had to cancel the concert). You will also start to see 'cancelar' used in financial contexts more frequently, such as 'cancelar una deuda' (to pay off/nullify a debt) or 'cancelar una cuenta bancaria' (to close a bank account). This level requires you to understand that 'cancelar' isn't just about stopping an event, but also about fulfilling an obligation to make it go away. You should also be familiar with the noun 'cancelación' and how to use it in sentences like 'La política de cancelación es muy estricta' (The cancellation policy is very strict). Your ability to use the word in different tenses (future, conditional, perfect) should be solid, allowing you to discuss hypothetical situations like 'Si llueve, cancelaremos la excursión.'

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By B2, your understanding of 'cancelar' should include its formal and legal nuances. You will encounter the word in news reports, contracts, and literature. At this level, you should be able to distinguish 'cancelar' from more sophisticated synonyms like 'anular,' 'revocar,' or 'rescindir.' For instance, while you can 'cancelar' a meeting, a lawyer would 'rescindir' a contract or 'anular' a judicial sentence. You should also be aware of the cultural implications of 'cancelar' in the modern world, including the social phenomenon of 'cancel culture' (la cultura de la cancelación). B2 learners should be able to engage in a debate about whether 'cancelar a alguien' is an effective form of social justice or a threat to free speech. Additionally, you should understand the specific use of 'cancelar' in Latin American Spanish where it can mean 'to pay a bill.' This regional variation is important for achieving a higher level of fluency and avoiding confusion during travel in countries like Colombia or Venezuela.

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At the C1 level, you should have a near-native grasp of 'cancelar' and all its collocations. You will recognize it in complex bureaucratic language, such as 'cancelar los antecedentes penales' (to clear criminal records) or 'cancelar un gravamen' (to lift a lien). Your usage should be precise; you know that you don't 'cancelar' a light switch (you 'apagar' it) and you don't 'cancelar' a law (you 'derogar' it). You are also comfortable with the word's place in idiomatic expressions and can use it rhetorically. For example, you might use 'cancelar' metaphorically in a literary context to describe the nullification of a feeling or a memory. You should also be able to understand and produce complex sentences involving multiple clauses and the word 'cancelar,' such as 'Dada la insolvencia del deudor, el banco procedió a cancelar la línea de crédito de manera unilateral.' At this stage, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a precise tool for navigating the intricacies of the Spanish-speaking professional and legal world.

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At the C2 level, you possess a mastery that allows you to play with the word 'cancelar' and understand its deepest etymological and philosophical roots. You understand that the word comes from the Latin 'cancellare' (to lattice) and can appreciate how the visual act of crossing out text evolved into the abstract concept of nullification. You can use 'cancelar' in high-level academic writing, perhaps discussing the 'cancelación del sujeto' in postmodern philosophy or the 'cancelación de la deuda externa' in an economic treatise. You are sensitive to the finest shades of meaning—knowing exactly when 'invalidar,' 'infirmar,' or 'casar' (in a legal sense) would be more appropriate than 'cancelar.' You can navigate the most complex social situations where 'cancelar' might be used euphemistically or ironically. Your command of the word is so complete that you can identify regional dialects purely based on how 'cancelar' is used in a financial transaction, and you can switch between formal legal Spanish and modern internet slang with ease.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

cancelar em 30 segundos

A versatile verb meaning to call off an event, nullify a contract, or pay off a financial debt entirely.
Commonly used in travel for cancelled flights and in social life for cancelled appointments or dates.
Acts as a regular -ar verb in Spanish, making it easy to conjugate across all tenses for learners.
Has modern social meanings related to 'cancel culture' and regional meanings in Latin America related to paying bills.

The Spanish verb cancelar is a versatile and essential term that every Spanish learner must master. At its core, it refers to the act of making something void, nullifying an agreement, or calling off a planned event. While it is a direct cognate of the English word 'cancel,' its usage spans across various domains including finance, travel, law, and social interactions, making it a high-frequency word in both formal and informal contexts. In the digital age, its meaning has expanded even further to encompass the deletion of accounts and the sociological phenomenon of 'cancel culture.' Understanding the nuances of cancelar involves recognizing not just the act of stopping something, but the administrative or social finality that often accompanies the word.

Travel and Logistics: This is perhaps the most common context for travelers. Whether it is a flight, a hotel reservation, or a guided tour, cancelar is the standard term used when a service is no longer going to happen. If a train is delayed, it is retrasado, but if it is removed from the schedule entirely, it is cancelado.

Debido a la tormenta, la aerolínea tuvo que cancelar todos los vuelos hacia Madrid.

Financial Obligations: In a financial sense, cancelar is used when paying off a debt or closing an account. When you 'cancelar una deuda,' you are not merely ignoring it; you are fulfilling the payment to nullify the balance. Similarly, 'cancelar una tarjeta de crédito' means to close the account so it can no longer be used.

Finalmente logré cancelar mi hipoteca después de veinte años de esfuerzo.

Beyond these physical and financial realms, cancelar is deeply embedded in legal terminology. It refers to the annulment of contracts, stamps, or official documents. When a government 'cancela un pasaporte,' it renders the document invalid for travel. In the realm of social media and modern discourse, the term has taken on a more figurative meaning. To 'cancelar a una celebridad' involves a collective withdrawal of support due to controversial actions or statements. This usage mirrors the English 'cancel culture' and has become a staple in modern Spanish slang among younger generations. Whether you are dealing with a bureaucratic hurdle or just trying to get out of a dinner date, cancelar is the linguistic tool you will need to indicate that something is no longer on the agenda. It carries a weight of finality that words like posponer (to postpone) do not have.

Social Commitments: In daily life, people use cancelar to call off meetings, dates, or parties. It is often followed by an apology or an explanation. For example, 'Tuve que cancelar la cita médica porque surgió una emergencia.' This shows the word's utility in explaining changes in schedule.

¿Por qué decidiste cancelar nuestra cena de esta noche?

El juez decidió cancelar el contrato tras encontrar varias irregularidades.

Si no pagas la suscripción, el sistema va a cancelar tu acceso automáticamente.

Using cancelar correctly requires an understanding of its transitive nature; it almost always requires a direct object—the thing that is being cancelled. Because it is a regular '-ar' verb, its conjugation is straightforward, which is a relief for many learners. However, the context determines whether you are canceling an event, a debt, or a digital service. In this section, we will explore the grammatical structures and common pairings that make cancelar function smoothly in conversation.

The Basic Structure: The most common pattern is [Subject] + [Conjugated Form of Cancelar] + [Noun Phrase]. For example, 'Yo cancelo la suscripción.' In the past tense, which is very frequent, it becomes 'Yo cancelé la reservación.' This structure is clear and unambiguous.

Él tuvo que cancelar su viaje a Japón por motivos personales.

Passive Voice with 'Se': In news reports or formal announcements, you will often see the passive 'se'. 'Se canceló el evento' (The event was cancelled). This is useful when the person doing the canceling isn't the focus, or when the cause is external like 'the weather'.

Se han cancelado las clases debido a la fuerte nevada.

Another important aspect is the use of the infinitive after auxiliary verbs. We frequently see 'querer cancelar,' 'necesitar cancelar,' or 'poder cancelar.' For instance, a customer service interaction might begin with 'Quisiera cancelar mi servicio de internet.' This is a polite and standard way to initiate a request. In more formal legal or business settings, cancelar might be replaced by anular or rescindir, but cancelar remains the workhorse of the language. It is also worth noting that in the context of stamps or checks, cancelar means to mark them so they cannot be reused, similar to 'voiding' in English.

Common Direct Objects: Common objects include: una cita (an appointment), un vuelo (a flight), una cuenta (an account), un pedido (an order), and una suscripción (a subscription). Mastery of these pairs will make your Spanish sound much more natural.

¿Cómo puedo cancelar mi suscripción a la revista mensual?

El banco me permitió cancelar el préstamo sin penalizaciones adicionales.

Mañana voy a cancelar el seguro del coche porque es muy caro.

You will encounter the word cancelar in a wide variety of real-world settings, ranging from high-stress environments like airports to the mundane tasks of managing a household. Understanding where you are likely to hear it helps you prepare for the specific vocabulary that often surrounds it. It is a word that signifies a change in plans, and in Spanish-speaking cultures, where social life is vibrant but sometimes flexible, knowing how to navigate a 'cancelación' is vital.

Public Announcements: At airports (aeropuertos) or train stations (estaciones de tren), the word is ubiquitous. You will see it on screens in bright red text: 'Vuelo 452: CANCELADO.' Over the intercom, you might hear: 'Lamentamos informar que el servicio ha sido cancelado por problemas técnicos.' This is the most direct and common public use of the word.

Atención pasajeros, el tren con destino a Sevilla se ha tenido que cancelar.

In the Business Office: In a professional setting, cancelar is used for meetings (reuniones) and projects. A colleague might say, 'El jefe canceló la reunión de las tres.' It is also used in the context of 'cancelar facturas' (canceling invoices) which is a specific accounting task involving the reversal of a recorded transaction.

Por favor, proceda a cancelar el saldo pendiente en la ventanilla principal.

On social media platforms like Twitter (X), Instagram, or TikTok, the word 'cancelar' is used just like in English to refer to the social ostracization of public figures. You might see hashtags like #CancelarA[Nombre]. This is a very modern usage and is mostly heard among younger speakers. Additionally, in the context of television and entertainment, you will hear about shows being 'cancelados' due to low ratings. For example, 'Netflix decidió cancelar la serie después de solo una temporada.' This mirrors the industry standard in English-speaking countries. Finally, in medical contexts, you will hear it at the 'recepción' of a clinic when patients call to 'cancelar su turno' (cancel their appointment). Hearing this word usually implies an immediate need to reschedule or a disappointment that a plan has fallen through.

Digital Services: Apps and websites are full of buttons that say 'Cancelar.' It is the standard 'go back' or 'stop' action in a user interface. If you are about to delete a file, the system will ask: '¿Desea continuar o cancelar?' Mastery of this word is essential for navigating technology in Spanish.

Si pulsas el botón rojo, vas a cancelar toda la operación de transferencia.

Muchos fans están intentando cancelar al cantante por sus comentarios ofensivos.

El gobierno decidió cancelar la construcción del nuevo puente por falta de fondos.

While cancelar is a cognate, English speakers often fall into subtle traps when using it in Spanish. These mistakes usually stem from over-relying on the English 'cancel' or failing to recognize when a more specific Spanish verb is required. To sound like a native, you need to know when cancelar is appropriate and when it sounds slightly 'off' or overly influenced by English grammar.

Confusing 'Cancelar' with 'Posponer': In English, people sometimes say 'I need to cancel our meeting' when they actually mean they want to move it to another time. In Spanish, cancelar is very final. If you intend to reschedule, it is better to say posponer (to postpone) or aplazar. Saying you want to cancelar might make the other person think the meeting will never happen.

No quiero cancelar la boda, solo quiero posponerla para el próximo verano.

Overusing it for 'Turning Off': Some learners try to use cancelar to mean 'stopping' an appliance or a machine. For example, 'cancelar la televisión.' This is incorrect. Use apagar for lights and electronics, or detener for machines. Cancelar is for plans, debts, and documents, not for physical power states.

Es un error decir que vas a cancelar la luz; lo correcto es decir 'apagar la luz'.

Another error involves the preposition usage. In English, we 'cancel on someone.' In Spanish, you don't 'cancelar en alguien.' You simply 'le cancelas a alguien' (using the indirect object pronoun). For example, 'Ella me canceló a última hora' (She cancelled on me at the last minute). Forgetting the indirect object 'me' makes the sentence sound incomplete. Furthermore, be careful with the word 'cancelación.' While 'cancelar' is a verb, the noun is 'cancelación.' Some learners invent words like 'cancelamiento,' which exists but is much less common and often sounds archaic or overly legalistic compared to the standard 'cancelación.'

Misunderstanding the Latin American 'Payment' usage: As mentioned before, in countries like Colombia or Ecuador, cancelar means 'to pay.' If a waiter says 'Puede cancelar aquí,' they are not asking you to void your meal; they are asking you to pay the bill. Learners who don't know this might get confused and think there is a problem with their order.

En Colombia, es normal escuchar: 'Señor, ¿va a cancelar en efectivo?'

No debes cancelar tu suscripción si solo quieres cambiar el método de pago.

Si el clima no mejora, tendremos que cancelar el partido de fútbol.

To truly master Spanish, you need to expand your vocabulary beyond the most obvious cognates. While cancelar is perfectly acceptable in most situations, using its synonyms can help you express more specific meanings or adapt to different levels of formality. The following comparisons will help you choose the right word for the right moment.

Anular vs. Cancelar: These are very close, but anular often implies making something legally void or invalidating a previous decision. You 'anular' a marriage (annulment) or 'anular' a goal in a soccer match (disallow). Cancelar is more common for schedules and financial debts.

El árbitro decidió anular el gol por fuera de juego.

Suspender vs. Cancelar: Suspender often means a temporary stop or a postponement due to external factors, though it can sometimes be permanent. If a concert is 'suspendido,' there is a chance it might be rescheduled. If it is 'cancelado,' it is usually gone for good. In education, 'suspender' also means to fail an exam.

La empresa decidió rescindir el contrato de mutuo acuerdo.

Other alternatives include revocar, which is used for licenses, permits, or laws (e.g., 'revocar una licencia de conducir'), and suprimir, which means to eliminate or suppress something, often used in the context of removing features or positions (e.g., 'suprimir un párrafo' or 'suprimir un puesto de trabajo'). If you are talking about debts specifically, you might also hear saldar or liquidar, which emphasize the act of paying off the remaining balance. Choosing between these words depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of stopping (cancelar), the act of paying (saldar), or the act of making something legally dead (anular).

Abolir vs. Cancelar: Abolir is used for laws or long-standing practices (like slavery or a tax). You wouldn't 'cancelar' a law in a historical sense; you would 'abolirla'.

Muchos países buscan abolir la pena de muerte definitivamente.

Es mejor liquidar tus deudas antes de pedir un nuevo préstamo.

He decidido dar de baja mi suscripción al gimnasio.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

The word 'chancellor' (canciller) comes from the same root because these officials originally sat behind a lattice or 'cancelli' to separate them from the public.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /kan.seˈlaɾ/

US /kan.seˈlaɾ/

Last syllable (oxytone/aguda).

Rima com

hablar cantar estudiar viajar llegar mirar pensar trabajar

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 'c' as a hard 'k' like in 'cat' (it should be 's' or 'th').
Stressing the first syllable like in the English word 'CANCEL' (it must be can-se-LAR).
Failing to tap the 'r' at the end.
Over-nasalizing the 'an' sound.
Pronouncing the 'e' like the English 'ee' (it should be like 'e' in 'met').

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it is a direct cognate with English.

Escrita 2/5

Easy regular conjugation, but requires remembering the noun 'cancelación'.

Expressão oral 2/5

Requires correct stress on the last syllable and tapping the 'r'.

Audição 2/5

Easy to hear, though the Latin American 'pay' meaning can be a surprise.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

pagar cita vuelo reserva cuenta

Aprenda a seguir

posponer anular confirmar suscripción reembolso

Avançado

rescindir revocar derogar invalidar casar

Gramática essencial

Regular -ar verb conjugation in the present tense.

Yo cancelo, tú cancelas, él cancela...

Use of the past participle as an adjective with 'estar'.

La cita está cancelada.

The passive 'se' construction for impersonal events.

Se canceló el partido.

Subjunctive mood after expressions of emotion or doubt.

Siento que canceles el viaje.

Indirect object pronouns when cancelling 'on' someone.

Ella me canceló.

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Exemplos por nível

Yo quiero cancelar la cita.

I want to cancel the appointment.

Uses the present infinitive after 'querer'.

¿Puedes cancelar el hotel?

Can you cancel the hotel?

Standard question format with 'poder'.

El vuelo está cancelado.

The flight is cancelled.

Uses 'estar' + past participle as an adjective.

Nosotros cancelamos la fiesta.

We are cancelling the party / We cancelled the party.

'Cancelamos' is the same in present and preterite for 'nosotros'.

No quiero cancelar mi cuenta.

I don't want to cancel my account.

Negative sentence with 'no' before the verb.

Ella cancela la suscripción.

She cancels the subscription.

Third person singular present tense.

Ellos cancelan el partido hoy.

They are cancelling the game today.

Third person plural present tense.

Voy a cancelar mi pedido.

I am going to cancel my order.

Future with 'ir + a + infinitive'.

Ayer cancelé mi reserva en el restaurante.

Yesterday I cancelled my reservation at the restaurant.

Preterite tense (completed action in the past).

Si llueve, vamos a cancelar el picnic.

If it rains, we are going to cancel the picnic.

First conditional structure (Si + present, future).

Se canceló la reunión de las diez.

The ten o'clock meeting was cancelled.

Passive 'se' construction.

Tuve que cancelar la clase porque estaba enfermo.

I had to cancel the class because I was sick.

Uses 'tener que' in the preterite.

¿Por qué cancelaste el viaje?

Why did you cancel the trip?

Question in the preterite second person singular.

El banco canceló mi tarjeta de crédito.

The bank cancelled my credit card.

Financial context of 'cancelar'.

Debemos cancelar el plan de inmediato.

We must cancel the plan immediately.

Uses the modal verb 'deber'.

Están cancelando muchos vuelos por la huelga.

They are cancelling many flights due to the strike.

Present progressive tense.

Espero que no cancelen el concierto de mañana.

I hope they don't cancel tomorrow's concert.

Subjunctive mood after a verb of hope ('esperar').

Si no pagas, el seguro se va a cancelar.

If you don't pay, the insurance will be cancelled.

Reflexive/Passive usage for automatic actions.

Me gustaría cancelar mi suscripción premium.

I would like to cancel my premium subscription.

Conditional tense for polite requests.

Antes de irte, recuerda cancelar todas las deudas.

Before you leave, remember to pay off all debts.

Financial usage meaning 'to pay off'.

La empresa ha decidido cancelar el proyecto.

The company has decided to cancel the project.

Present perfect tense.

Dudo que cancelen la boda por un poco de lluvia.

I doubt they will cancel the wedding for a little rain.

Subjunctive mood after a verb of doubt ('dudar').

Fue una lástima que cancelaran el festival.

It was a shame that they cancelled the festival.

Imperfect subjunctive after an impersonal expression.

Al cancelar la cuenta, perderás todos tus puntos.

Upon cancelling the account, you will lose all your points.

'Al' + infinitive meaning 'upon doing something'.

El juez ordenó cancelar el contrato de arrendamiento.

The judge ordered the lease agreement to be cancelled.

Legal context of 'cancelar'.

Muchos usuarios amenazan con cancelar su servicio.

Many users are threatening to cancel their service.

Verb + preposition 'con' structure.

La cultura de la cancelación es un tema muy debatido.

Cancel culture is a highly debated topic.

Abstract noun phrase usage.

Si hubieras avisado antes, no habríamos cancelado.

If you had warned us sooner, we wouldn't have cancelled.

Third conditional (Si + pluperfect subjunctive, conditional perfect).

Es necesario cancelar los sellos antes de enviarlos.

It is necessary to cancel the stamps before sending them.

Technical usage in philately/postage.

El gobierno canceló la licencia de la emisora.

The government cancelled the station's license.

Administrative usage.

No podemos cancelar el pedido una vez procesado.

We cannot cancel the order once it has been processed.

Passive participle 'procesado' as a condition.

La aerolínea se niega a cancelar las tasas de gestión.

The airline refuses to cancel the management fees.

Reflexive verb 'negarse a' + infinitive.

El abogado solicitó cancelar los antecedentes de su cliente.

The lawyer requested to clear his client's criminal records.

High-level legal terminology ('cancelar antecedentes').

La deuda fue cancelada tras una larga negociación.

The debt was cancelled after a long negotiation.

Passive voice with 'ser' + past participle.

Es imperativo cancelar cualquier rastro de duda.

It is imperative to cancel any trace of doubt.

Metaphorical/Literary usage.

La resolución judicial canceló los efectos del decreto.

The judicial resolution cancelled the effects of the decree.

Formal administrative Spanish.

Procederemos a cancelar su póliza si no recibimos el pago.

We will proceed to cancel your policy if we do not receive payment.

Future tense in a formal business warning.

La cancelación unilateral del contrato acarreará multas.

The unilateral cancellation of the contract will lead to fines.

Noun 'cancelación' with a formal adjective.

No es ético cancelar a alguien por un error del pasado.

It is not ethical to cancel someone for a mistake from the past.

Social/Ethical discourse.

El banco ha cancelado la línea de crédito de la empresa.

The bank has cancelled the company's line of credit.

Financial/Corporate context.

La ontología del vacío parece cancelar toda existencia.

The ontology of the void seems to cancel all existence.

Philosophical/Academic usage.

El tratado busca cancelar las hostilidades definitivamente.

The treaty seeks to cancel hostilities permanently.

Diplomatic/High-level political usage.

Su silencio canceló cualquier posibilidad de reconciliación.

Her silence cancelled any possibility of reconciliation.

Abstract/Emotional literary usage.

La ley fue cancelada por ser considerada inconstitucional.

The law was cancelled for being considered unconstitutional.

Constitutional law context.

El autor juega con la idea de cancelar el tiempo narrativo.

The author plays with the idea of cancelling narrative time.

Literary analysis/Criticism.

Se requiere cancelar el gravamen hipotecario en el registro.

It is required to cancel the mortgage lien in the registry.

Highly specialized legal/real estate terminology.

La anulación no es lo mismo que cancelar el acto jurídico.

Annulment is not the same as cancelling the legal act.

Nuanced legal distinction.

La modernidad líquida tiende a cancelar los vínculos sólidos.

Liquid modernity tends to cancel solid bonds.

Sociological/Theory usage.

Colocações comuns

cancelar una cita

cancelar un vuelo

cancelar una deuda

cancelar una suscripción

cancelar una reserva

cancelar una cuenta

cancelar un pedido

cancelar un evento

cancelar un contrato

cancelar un sello

Frases Comuns

Deseo cancelar...

— A polite way to start a request for cancellation. It is used in customer service.

Deseo cancelar mi póliza de seguro.

Siento cancelar a última hora

— Used to apologize for cancelling a plan very close to the scheduled time. It is a common social courtesy.

Siento cancelar a última hora, pero me surgió un problema.

Se reserva el derecho de cancelar

— A common legal phrase found in terms and conditions. It means the provider can cancel at their discretion.

La empresa se reserva el derecho de cancelar el servicio.

Política de cancelación

— The set of rules regarding how and when something can be cancelled. It is essential for travel and bookings.

Lea atentamente la política de cancelación antes de pagar.

Sin costo por cancelar

— Indicates that there is no financial penalty for calling off a service. It is a common marketing phrase.

Puedes reservar ahora sin costo por cancelar.

Cancelar por completo

— Emphasizes that something is being totally and permanently stopped. It adds weight to the action.

Decidieron cancelar por completo el programa de becas.

Obligado a cancelar

— Used when the person cancelling has no other choice. It shifts the blame to external circumstances.

Me veo obligado a cancelar nuestra reunión.

Proceder a cancelar

— A formal way to say 'to go ahead and cancel.' Common in administrative or technical instructions.

El sistema procederá a cancelar su acceso en 24 horas.

Cancelar el saldo

— Specifically used in some regions to mean 'paying the remaining balance.' It is common in Latin American commerce.

Pase a la caja para cancelar el saldo de su compra.

Error al cancelar

— A common technical message when a digital cancellation fails. It is seen in apps and websites.

Hubo un error al cancelar su suscripción, intente de nuevo.

Frequentemente confundido com

cancelar vs posponer

English speakers often say 'cancel' when they mean 'move to a later time'. Use 'posponer' for that.

cancelar vs apagar

Don't use 'cancelar' for turning off lights or electronics.

cancelar vs borrar

Use 'borrar' for deleting text or files, though 'cancelar' works for stopping a process.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Cancelar a alguien"

— To socially boycott or reject a person, usually a public figure, due to their behavior. This is a modern loan-translation from English.

Internet intentó cancelar al actor por sus tuits.

Slang/Informal

"Borrar y cuenta nueva"

— While not using the word 'cancelar,' it is the idiomatic equivalent of 'cancelling the past' to start fresh. It means to forget old grievances.

Hagamos borrar y cuenta nueva y seamos amigos otra vez.

General

"Quedar en nada"

— Used when a plan is effectively cancelled because no one followed through. It implies the plan dissolved.

Nuestros planes para el verano quedaron en nada.

Informal

"Echar por tierra"

— To ruin or 'cancel out' a plan or theory completely. It is more aggressive than just cancelling.

Esa noticia echó por tierra todas nuestras esperanzas.

Informal

"Dar carpetazo"

— To 'shelve' or 'cancel' a matter or investigation permanently. It implies a bureaucratic end.

El juez dio carpetazo al asunto por falta de pruebas.

General/Formal

"Hacer la cruz"

— To 'cancel' someone personally; to decide never to deal with them again. It is very common in Spain.

Desde que me mintió, le hice la cruz.

Informal

"Caerse un plan"

— A common way to say a plan was cancelled or fell through. It is very natural in conversation.

Se nos cayó el plan de ir al cine.

Informal

"Poner punto final"

— To 'cancel' or end a situation once and for all. It implies a definitive conclusion.

Es hora de poner punto final a esta discusión.

General

"Anular del mapa"

— To completely 'cancel' or eliminate something's presence. It is hyperbolic.

El nuevo centro comercial anuló del mapa a las tiendas pequeñas.

Informal

"Cortar por lo sano"

— To 'cancel' a situation by taking a drastic or quick measure to solve a problem. It implies a clean break.

Decidió cortar por lo sano y cancelar todas sus tarjetas.

Informal

Fácil de confundir

cancelar vs anular

Both mean 'to cancel'.

'Anular' is more about making something invalid or null, often in a legal or technical sense. 'Cancelar' is more common for schedules.

Anularon el matrimonio.

cancelar vs suspender

Both can mean an event is not happening.

'Suspender' suggests a pause or a temporary halt, whereas 'cancelar' is usually permanent.

Suspendieron las clases por hoy.

cancelar vs pagar

Only in Latin America.

In some regions, 'cancelar' is a synonym for 'pagar' (to pay). In Spain, 'cancelar' only means to call off.

Voy a cancelar la cuenta (I am going to pay the bill).

cancelar vs revocar

Both involve stopping something official.

'Revocar' is specifically for withdrawing an authority, a law, or a mandate.

Revocaron su licencia.

cancelar vs rescindir

Both mean to end a contract.

'Rescindir' is the formal, legal term. 'Cancelar' is more everyday.

Rescindieron el contrato de mutuo acuerdo.

Padrões de frases

Yo + [cancelar conjugated] + el/la + [noun]

Yo cancelo la cita.

Tener que + cancelar + [noun]

Tengo que cancelar el hotel.

Espero que + [cancelar in subjunctive]

Espero que no cancelen el vuelo.

Se + [cancelar in preterite] + por + [reason]

Se canceló el evento por la lluvia.

[Noun] + fue + cancelado/a + por + [agent]

El contrato fue cancelado por el abogado.

Dada la [circumstance], se procede a + cancelar

Dada la insolvencia, se procede a cancelar el crédito.

Any

¿Puedo + cancelar + [object]?

¿Puedo cancelar mi pedido?

Any

No + [cancelar conjugated] + todavía

No canceles todavía.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

cancelación (cancellation)

cancelador (person or thing that cancels)

canceladura (obsolete term for cancellation)

Verbos

cancelar (to cancel)

Adjetivos

cancelado (cancelled)

cancelable (cancellable)

Relacionado

cáncer (etymologically related via 'lattice' shape of cells)

canciller (chancellor - originally a secretary behind a lattice)

cancela (a small gate or lattice)

anulación (annulment)

nulo (null)

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Como usar

frequency

Extremely high in daily conversation and business.

Erros comuns

Yo cancelo la luz. → Yo apago la luz.
You use 'apagar' for lights and electronics, never 'cancelar.'
Él canceló en mí. → Él me canceló.
In Spanish, we use indirect object pronouns ('me', 'te', 'le') instead of prepositions for 'cancelling on' someone.
Quiero cancelamiento de mi reserva. → Quiero la cancelación de mi reserva.
'Cancelación' is the standard noun. 'Cancelamiento' is rarely used and sounds awkward.
Cancelo mi reunión para mañana. → Pospongo mi reunión para mañana.
If you are moving it to tomorrow, it's 'posponer.' 'Cancelar' means it's gone.
Cáncelo el ruido. → Anule el ruido.
While 'cancelación de ruido' is a noun phrase, the verb 'cancelar' is rarely used for physical phenomena like noise; 'anular' is better.

Dicas

Regular Endings

Since it's a regular -ar verb, just memorize the stem 'cancel-' and add the standard endings. It's one of the easiest verbs to conjugate!

Travel Vocabulary

Always look for 'Cancelado' in red on airport boards. It's the most important word to know when your plans go wrong while traveling.

Latin American 'Pay'

If someone asks you to 'cancelar' at a store in Colombia or Ecuador, they aren't being mean; they just want you to pay the bill.

Noun Form

The noun is 'cancelación.' Don't forget the accent on the 'o'. Use it when talking about 'política de cancelación'.

Apologizing

When you cancel, it's polite to say 'Siento tener que cancelar.' This uses the infinitive after 'tener que' and sounds very natural.

Cancel Culture

To sound like a native youth, use 'cancelar a alguien' when talking about social media drama. It's a very current phrase.

Formal Contracts

In legal documents, you might see 'anular' instead. Both work, but 'cancelar' is more common for the act of terminating a service.

Stress the End

Remember the stress is on the last syllable: can-se-LAR. If you stress the first syllable like in English, people might not understand you.

Postpone vs. Cancel

If you just want to change the time, use 'posponer.' Using 'cancelar' sounds much more final and might offend someone.

App Buttons

On almost every Spanish app, the 'Cancel' button will say 'Cancelar.' It's your universal 'get out of here' button.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of a 'CANCELLATION' and 'CELLS' in a grid. You are crossing out the cells of your calendar because the plan is dead.

Associação visual

Imagine a giant red 'X' being drawn over a grid-like lattice (cancelli) covering a contract.

Word Web

Vuelo Cita Deuda Reserva Cuenta Suscripción Contrato Evento

Desafio

Try to use 'cancelar' in three different sentences today: one about a meeting, one about money, and one about a digital app.

Origem da palavra

From the Latin verb 'cancellare,' which means to make like a lattice or to cross out with lines. This comes from 'cancelli,' meaning a grid or lattice-work.

Significado original: To cross out writing with lines suggesting a lattice.

Romance (Latin)

Contexto cultural

Be careful when using 'cancelar' for people in a social context, as 'cancel culture' is a sensitive and polarizing topic in the Spanish-speaking world just as it is in the US.

English speakers use 'cancel' almost identically, but should be wary of the Latin American 'pay' meaning.

Netflix 'cancelando' series (common news topic in Spanish tech blogs). La cultura de la cancelación (frequent topic in Hispanic op-eds). Canción 'Cancelado' (various Latin artists use the term in lyrics about ending relationships).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the Airport

¿Por qué se canceló el vuelo?
Mi vuelo ha sido cancelado.
¿Me pueden reubicar o tengo que cancelar?
¿Hay compensación por la cancelación?

At a Restaurant

Quiero cancelar mi reserva.
¿Hay algún cargo por cancelar?
¿Puedo cancelar en la mesa? (Latin America - meaning pay)
Tuvimos que cancelar la cena.

Online Shopping

Deseo cancelar mi pedido.
El pedido fue cancelado con éxito.
¿Cómo cancelo mi suscripción?
No puedo cancelar este artículo.

At the Bank

Vengo a cancelar mi cuenta.
Quiero cancelar mi deuda total.
¿Qué documentos necesito para cancelar el préstamo?
Han cancelado mi tarjeta por seguridad.

Social Life

Te tengo que cancelar, lo siento.
Me cancelaron a última hora.
¿Cancelamos el plan si llueve?
No me gusta cancelar compromisos.

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Alguna vez has tenido que cancelar un viaje importante en el último momento?"

"¿Qué opinas sobre la cultura de la cancelación en las redes sociales?"

"¿Es difícil cancelar una suscripción de gimnasio en tu país?"

"¿Prefieres posponer una cita o cancelarla definitivamente si estás cansado?"

"¿Qué haces cuando una aerolínea te cancela un vuelo y no te da soluciones?"

Temas para diário

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que cancelar un plan que te hacía mucha ilusión. ¿Cómo te sentiste?

Escribe sobre las ventajas y desventajas de cancelar deudas lo antes posible en lugar de invertir el dinero.

¿Crees que 'cancelar' a personas famosas ayuda a mejorar la sociedad o es un acto de intolerancia?

Imagina que eres un recepcionista y tienes que explicarle a un cliente por qué se canceló su reserva.

Escribe una carta formal para cancelar un contrato de servicios que ya no necesitas.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Mostly, yes. However, in several Latin American countries, it also means 'to pay.' If you are in a restaurant in Colombia, 'cancelar la cuenta' means paying it, not voiding it. This is a crucial distinction for travelers.

No, that is a common mistake. For electronics, lights, or engines, use the verb 'apagar.' 'Cancelar' is reserved for plans, debts, and documents.

'Cancelar' means the event is not going to happen at all. 'Posponer' means you are moving it to a later date or time. English speakers often confuse these in social settings.

Yes! It follows the standard conjugation for verbs ending in -ar. This makes it very easy to use once you know the basic patterns like 'hablo,' 'hablas,' 'habla.'

The most common term is 'la cultura de la cancelación.' You will hear this frequently in news discussions and social media debates.

It exists, but it is very rare. You should almost always use 'cancelación' instead. 'Cancelamiento' sounds very old-fashioned or overly technical.

Yes, in the modern sense of 'cancelling' someone socially. In this case, you must use the personal 'a': 'La gente canceló a la cantante.'

It means to pay off the debt completely so that you no longer owe anything. It is a very common financial term.

You use the indirect object pronoun. 'Me canceló' means 'He/She cancelled on me.' You don't use a preposition like 'en' or 'sobre.'

Yes, in the world of mail and philately, 'cancelar un sello' means to put a postmark on a stamp so it cannot be used again.

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