| Expression | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 取り消し | torikeshi | Cancellation / retraction / withdrawal |
| 取り消す | torikeshi | To cancel / to retract / to undo |
| キャンセル | kyanseru | Cancel (loanword, common for reservations) |
| 撤回する | tekkai suru | To withdraw / to retract (formal) |
YukaWhat’s the difference between 取り消し and キャンセル? Both seem to mean “cancel.”
Reiキャンセル is the casual loanword for cancellations — reservations, orders, appointments. 取り消し is broader and more formal — it covers cancellations, retractions, and undoing actions, including digital operations like “undo.”
What Does 取り消し (torikeshi) Mean?
取り消し comes from 取り消す (torikeshi = to take back / to erase). It means cancellation, retraction, or undoing. It covers a wide range: cancelling an order, retracting a statement, or undoing an action on a computer.
- 予約の取り消しをお願いします。 — I would like to cancel my reservation.
- 注文を取り消した。 — I cancelled the order.
- 発言を取り消す。 — To retract a statement.
- 操作を取り消す。 — To undo an operation (computer).
取り消し vs キャンセル vs 撤回
| Word | Meaning | Best context |
|---|---|---|
| 取り消し | Cancel / retract / undo | Formal cancellations, retractions, computer undo |
| キャンセル | Cancel (loanword) | Reservations, orders, tickets — everyday use |
| 撤回する | Withdraw / retract | Formal statements, proposals, legal |
| 解約する (kaiyaku) | Terminate a contract | Contracts, subscriptions, memberships |
YukaIf I want to cancel a restaurant reservation, which should I use?
ReiBoth work! キャンセルしたいのですが is very natural and common. 予約を取り消したいのですが is slightly more formal but also perfectly natural. Restaurants understand both!
取り消す in Computer / Digital Use
In digital contexts, 取り消す is the standard word for “undo” — like Ctrl+Z. You’ll see it in Japanese software menus.
- 取り消し (torikeshi) — Undo (button/menu item)
- やり直し (yarinoshi) — Redo
- 操作を取り消す — To undo an operation
Quick Quiz
Fill in: 取り消し, キャンセル, or 撤回?
- 1. フライトの___をしたい。 (I want to cancel my flight.) [casual]
- 2. 先ほどの発言を___します。 (I retract my earlier statement.) [formal]
- 3. 予約の___をお願いできますか？ (Could you cancel my reservation?) [formal]
- 4. 間違えた！___できる？ (I made a mistake! Can I undo it?) [computer]
Answers: 1. キャンセル 2. 撤回 3. 取り消し 4. 取り消し
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Summary
| Word | Core use |
|---|---|
| 取り消し | Formal cancellation, retraction, or undo |
| キャンセル | Everyday cancellation (reservations, orders) |
| 撤回する | Withdrawing a statement or proposal (formal) |
| 解約する | Terminating a contract or subscription |
