Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cancel" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cancel", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
取り消す
とりけす (torikesu)
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 取り消す and キャンセル.
In Japanese, 取り消す (とりけす (torikesu)) is typically associated with "to cancel; to retract; to withdraw; to revoke" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to officially cancelling reservations, retracting statements/promises, or revoking licenses. Often used as 予約を取り消す or 発言を取り消す. ⚠️ Haruka's Voice Column: 'To retract! "I want to retract my statement from earlier where I said I didn't mind you talking to other girls, Haruka-san! Actually, it made me extremely jealous!" ...っ! T-To retract your statement due to jealousy! B-Baka! Why do you make such embarrassing retractions?! But... since you are so jealous, I suppose... I will also retract my statement of 'I don't care about you' and snuggle close! dummy!' / 【ハルカ部長のワンポイント指導】『とりけす（取り消す）わよ！『ハルカ部長、「あんたなんかどうでもいい」ってさっき言った冷たい台詞、今すぐその発言を取り消しなさい！本当は私のこと大好きなんでしょ？』って…っ！発言の取り消し命令！バカ！/// 核心を突くようなツッコミするんじゃないの！…わかったわよ！取り消すから、早く私を抱きしめて私の心の火消しをしなさい！』.
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 "取り消す"
出張の予定が急遽延期になったため、彼はアシスタントに指示してホテルの宿泊予約を速やかに_______ました。
Because the schedule of the business trip was suddenly postponed, he instructed the assistant and quickly cancelled the hotel accommodation reservation.
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: "出張の予定が急遽延期になったため、彼はアシスタントに指示してホテルの宿泊予約を速やかに_______ました。" (Meaning: "Because the schedule of the business trip was suddenly postponed, he instructed the assistant and quickly cancelled the hotel accommodation reservation.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "取り消す" fits here because it means "to cancel; to retract; to withdraw; to revoke" in the context of: "Because the schedule of the business trip was suddenly postponed, he instructed the assistant and quickly cancelled the hotel accommodation reservation.". "キャンセル" represents "cancel".