Synonym Nuance VS
How to say "Cancellation" in Japanese
Both words can translate to "cancellation", but which should you choose?
Japanese Option A
解除
かいじょ (kaijo)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
VS
Japanese Option B
取り消し
とりけし (torikeshi)
N3 / CEFR Syllabus
Nuance Contrast & Translation Difference
When translating "cancellation" into Japanese, you must choose carefully between 解除 and 取り消し.
In Japanese, 解除 (かいじょ (kaijo)) is typically associated with "cancellation, release, unlock" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents Refers to cancelling, releasing, or unlocking something. It's often used with the verb する.
On the other hand, 取り消し (とりけし (torikeshi)) maps to "cancellation; withdrawal; annulment" (Syllabus Level: N3) and represents A noun meaning 'cancellation' or 'withdrawal'. It is often used with 'する'. A literal translation of "cancellation" can often sound unnatural to native Japanese speakers if mixed up!
Bilingual Context for "解除"
パスワードを入力してスマートフォンのロックを解除してください。
Please enter the password to unlock your smartphone.
Bilingual Context for "取り消し"
フライトの予約を取り消しました。
I cancelled my flight reservation.
Nuance Mastery Quiz
Which Japanese word perfectly fits this blank space?
Fill in the blank: "パスワードを入力してスマートフォンのロックを ＿＿＿ してください。" (Meaning: "Please enter the password to unlock your smartphone.")
🎉 Correct Answer!
Remember: "解除" fits here because it means "cancellation, release, unlock" in the context of: "Please enter the password to unlock your smartphone.". "取り消し" represents "cancellation; withdrawal; annulment".