Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cancel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cancel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
中止する
ちゅうしする (chuushi suru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
キャンセル
キャンセル (kyanseru)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cancel" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 中止する and キャンセル.
In Japanese, 中止する (ちゅうしする (chuushi suru)) is typically associated with "to cancel, to call off" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents 計画、イベント、試合など、予定されていたことを取りやめる際に使われます。通常、何らかの理由で実行できなくなった場合です。/ Used when an scheduled event, plan, or activity is called off or stopped, often due to unforeseen circumstances..
On the other hand, キャンセル (キャンセル (kyanseru)) maps to "cancel" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A common loanword. A literal translation of "cancel" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "中止する"
大雨のため、今日のサッカーの試合は中止になった。
Due to heavy rain, today's soccer match was canceled.
Bilingual Context for "キャンセル"
ホテルの予約をキャンセルしました。
I canceled the hotel reservation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "大雨のため、今日のサッカーの試合は中止になった。" (Meaning: "Due to heavy rain, today's soccer match was canceled.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "中止する" fits here because it means "to cancel, to call off" in the context of: "Due to heavy rain, today's soccer match was canceled.". "キャンセル" represents "cancel".