qǔxiāo: 取消 - Cancel, Call Off, Rescind

• Keywords: 取消, qǔxiāo, cancel Chinese, how to say cancel in Chinese, cancel order Chinese, cancel meeting Chinese, rescind Chinese, call off Chinese, Chinese for cancel, HSK 4 vocabulary.
• Summary: Learn how to say “cancel” in Chinese with 取消 (qǔxiāo), one of the most essential verbs for everyday life and business. This guide explains the core meaning of 取消, how to use it for cancelling everything from meetings and flights to online orders and subscriptions, and how it differs from similar words like 放弃 (fàngqì). Master this fundamental HSK 4 word to handle changes in plans like a native speaker.

• Pinyin (with tone marks): qǔ xiāo
• Part of Speech: Verb
• HSK Level: HSK 4
• Concise Definition: To cancel, call off, or abolish something that was previously planned, arranged, or in effect.
• In a Nutshell: 取消 (qǔxiāo) is the direct and universal word for “cancel” in Mandarin. Think of it as the “undo” button for arrangements. If a plan, meeting, order, or reservation existed, and now it doesn't, 取消 is the word you use to describe that action. It's a highly practical and common verb with a clear, unambiguous meaning.

• 取 (qǔ): The primary meaning is “to take” or “to get.” The character's ancient form depicts a hand (又) taking an ear (耳), which historically represented a trophy taken from an enemy in battle. In modern Chinese, it simply means to take or to fetch.
• 消 (xiāo): This character means “to disappear,” “to eliminate,” or “to vanish.” It's composed of the water radical (氵) on the left and a phonetic component 肖 (xiāo) on the right, suggesting something being washed away, dissolving, or fading into nothing.

When combined, 取消 (qǔxiāo) literally means “to take and make disappear.” This powerful image perfectly captures the modern meaning of cancelling something—you are actively taking an arrangement and making it vanish from existence.

While 取消 (qǔxiāo) is a neutral, functional word, the *act* of cancelling carries cultural weight in China that differs from the West. In many Western cultures, especially in informal contexts, cancelling plans can be a straightforward affair. A simple text message like “Sorry, can't make it tonight!” is often sufficient. In Chinese culture, which places a high value on social harmony and giving “face” (面子 - miànzi), cancelling can be seen as a disruption.

• Preserving Harmony: A planned event, whether a business meeting or a dinner with friends, represents a small social contract. To 取消 it, especially at the last minute, can be perceived as disrespectful if not handled with care.
• The Importance of the Reason: When cancelling, it is often considered more polite to provide a legitimate-sounding reason (even a white lie, e.g., “I'm not feeling well” or “Something urgent came up at work”). This shows that the cancellation is due to unavoidable circumstances, not a lack of interest, thus preserving the other person's face.
• Formality Matters: Cancelling on a friend is different from cancelling a meeting with a superior. The more formal the relationship or situation, the more apologetic and deferential the tone should be when using 取消.

So, while the word 取消 is simple, the social ritual around it often requires more tact than a direct translation would suggest.

取消 (qǔxiāo) is used constantly in modern life. It's a verb that takes a direct object, which is the thing being cancelled.

• Daily Life & Social:
  • Cancelling plans: 取消计划 (qǔxiāo jìhuà)
  • Cancelling an appointment/reservation: 取消预约 (qǔxiāo yùyuē)
• Business & Travel:
  • Cancelling a meeting: 取消会议 (qǔxiāo huìyì)
  • Cancelling a flight: 取消航班 (qǔxiāo hángbān)
  • Cancelling a contract: 取消合同 (qǔxiāo hétong)
• Digital Life & E-commerce:
  • Cancelling an online order: 取消订单 (qǔxiāo dìngdān)
  • Cancelling a subscription: 取消订阅 (qǔxiāo dìngyuè)
  • Unfollowing someone on social media: 取消关注 (qǔxiāo guānzhù)

Its connotation is neutral. The word itself is not polite or rude; the surrounding language determines the tone. For example, adding “不好意思 (bùhǎoyìsi - excuse me)” or “很抱歉 (hěn bàoqiàn - I'm very sorry)” before you 取消 something is standard polite practice.

• Example 1:
  • 经理，因为老板临时有事，我们下午三点的会取消了。
  • Pinyin: Jīnglǐ, yīnwèi lǎobǎn línshí yǒushì, wǒmen xiàwǔ sān diǎn de huì qǔxiāo le.
  • English: Manager, because the boss has a last-minute issue, our 3 PM meeting is cancelled.
  • Analysis: A very common and neutral sentence used in a business context. The reason for the cancellation is provided upfront.
• Example 2:
  • 对不起，我需要取消明天上午的牙医预约。
  • Pinyin: Duìbùqǐ, wǒ xūyào qǔxiāo míngtiān shàngwǔ de yáyī yùyuē.
  • English: Sorry, I need to cancel my dentist appointment for tomorrow morning.
  • Analysis: This shows the polite way to cancel a personal appointment, starting with an apology.
• Example 3:
  • 如果你在24小时内不付款，系统会自动取消你的订单。
  • Pinyin: Rúguǒ nǐ zài èrshísì xiǎoshí nèi bù fùkuǎn, xìtǒng huì zìdòng qǔxiāo nǐ de dìngdān.
  • English: If you don't pay within 24 hours, the system will automatically cancel your order.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates usage in a digital or e-commerce context. Here, the action is performed by a system (系统).
• Example 4:
  • 由于天气恶劣，所有的航班都被取消了。
  • Pinyin: Yóuyú tiānqì èliè, suǒyǒu de hángbān dōu bèi qǔxiāo le.
  • English: Due to the severe weather, all flights have been cancelled.
  • Analysis: This example uses the passive voice with 被 (bèi) to show that the flights “have been cancelled” by an external factor.
• Example 5:
  • 他在社交媒体上说了不恰当的话，很多粉丝都取消了对他的关注。
  • Pinyin: Tā zài shèjiāo méitǐ shàng shuōle bù qiàdàng de huà, hěnduō fěnsī dōu qǔxiāo le duì tā de guānzhù.
  • English: He said something inappropriate on social media, and many fans unfollowed him.
  • Analysis: Shows the modern usage of “unfollow,” which is literally “cancel follow” (取消关注).
• Example 6:
  • 我想取消这个音乐App的自动续费。
  • Pinyin: Wǒ xiǎng qǔxiāo zhège yīnyuè App de zìdòng xùfèi.
  • English: I want to cancel the automatic renewal for this music app.
  • Analysis: A practical sentence for managing digital subscriptions (订阅) and payments.
• Example 7:
  • 原定的周末旅行计划因为下雨只好取消了。
  • Pinyin: Yuándìng de zhōumò lǚxíng jìhuà yīnwèi xiàyǔ zhǐhǎo qǔxiāo le.
  • English: The original plan for the weekend trip had to be cancelled because of the rain.
  • Analysis: The phrase 只好 (zhǐhǎo) means “to have no choice but to,” adding a sense of reluctance to the cancellation.
• Example 8:
  • 比赛组织方宣布取消该选手的参赛资格。
  • Pinyin: Bǐsài zǔzhīfāng xuānbù qǔxiāo gāi xuǎnshǒu de cānsài zīgé.
  • English: The competition organizers announced the cancellation of that contestant's eligibility to participate.
  • Analysis: Demonstrates a very formal usage, where 取消 means “to revoke” or “rescind” a qualification (资格).
• Example 9:
  • 你确定要取消吗？这个操作无法撤回。
  • Pinyin: Nǐ quèdìng yào qǔxiāo ma? Zhège cāozuò wúfǎ chèhuí.
  • English: Are you sure you want to cancel? This action cannot be undone.
  • Analysis: A common confirmation message seen in software or on websites, showing its use as a command.
• Example 10:
  • 不好意思，我们今晚的晚餐约会得取消了，我突然要加班。
  • Pinyin: Bùhǎoyìsi, wǒmen jīnwǎn de wǎncān yuēhuì děi qǔxiāo le, wǒ tūrán yào jiābān.
  • English: I'm so sorry, we have to cancel our dinner date tonight, I suddenly have to work overtime.
  • Analysis: A perfect example of a polite, personal cancellation. It includes an apology (不好意思) and a reason (要加班).

The most common mistake for learners is confusing 取消 (qǔxiāo) with other words that imply stopping or giving up.

• `取消 (qǔxiāo)` vs. `放弃 (fàngqì)`
  • 取消 (qǔxiāo): To cancel an external event, plan, or arrangement. It applies to things that are scheduled or exist objectively.
  • 放弃 (fàngqì): To give up on an internal goal, dream, hope, or personal effort. It applies to abstract concepts or personal endeavors.
  • Example:
    • Correct: 我要 取消 明天的中文课。(Wǒ yào qǔxiāo míngtiān de Zhōngwén kè.) - I want to cancel tomorrow's Chinese class. (An arranged event).
    • Incorrect: 我要 ~~取消~~ 学中文。(Wǒ yào ~~qǔxiāo~~ xué Zhōngwén.)
    • Correct: 我要 放弃 学中文。(Wǒ yào fàngqì xué Zhōngwén.) - I want to give up on learning Chinese. (A personal goal).
• `取消 (qǔxiāo)` vs. `退 (tuì)`
  • 取消 (qǔxiāo): To cancel something, often *before* a transaction is complete or before you receive the item/service. You 取消订单 (qǔxiāo dìngdān) - cancel an order before it's shipped.
  • 退 (tuì): To return something or get a refund, usually *after* a transaction is complete. You 退货 (tuìhuò) - return goods you've already received. You 退票 (tuìpiào) - return a ticket for a refund.
  • Example:
    • I want to cancel my hotel reservation: 我想 取消 酒店预订。(Wǒ xiǎng qǔxiāo jiǔdiàn yùdìng.)
    • I want to check out of the hotel: 我要 退房。(Wǒ yào tuìfáng.)

• 放弃 (fàngqì) - A near-antonym; means “to give up” a goal or pursuit, not cancel an event.
• 撤销 (chèxiāo) - A more formal synonym, often used in legal, military, or official contexts for “to revoke” or “to repeal” a decision or command.
• 废除 (fèichú) - Even more formal and powerful; means “to abolish” a law, system, or long-standing institution.
• 退 (tuì) - To return, retreat, or get a refund. Used for things that have already been processed or paid for.
• 预约 (yùyuē) - An appointment or reservation. The most common object for the verb 取消.
• 订单 (dìngdān) - An order for goods. Another very common object for 取消.
• 计划 (jìhuà) - A plan. Plans are often changed or cancelled.
• 合同 (hétong) - A contract. A contract can be cancelled (取消).
• 资格 (zīgé) - Qualification or eligibility. This can be revoked or cancelled (取消).
• 关注 (guānzhù) - To follow (on social media). 取消关注 means “to unfollow.”