How to say "cancel" in Japanese

• 取り消すとりけすJLPT N2approx.Common
  godan verb, transitive verbThe verb for retracting or taking back something already said, decided, or arranged — a statement, an order. It suits canceling that amounts to withdrawing what once stood, not abandoning a plan.
  ごめん、取り消とりけすよ。↗

  I'm sorry. I take back my words.
• 取り消しとりけしCommon
  nounThe noun for the cancellation itself: a withdrawal, abolition, or revocation. Use it when you need to name the act or fact of something being canceled, as the noun counterpart of 取り消す.
• やめるJLPT N4approx.Common
  ichidan verb, transitive verbCanceling as calling something off: abandoning a plan or giving up an activity you had intended. Not the word for taking back words or decisions; usually written in kana alone.

Use 「取り消す」, or its noun 「取り消し」, for taking back or canceling something already said, decided, or arranged; use 「やめる」 to call off or give up a plan or activity.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

• 取り消すとりけすto cancel
• 取り消しとりけしcancellation
• 取りやめるとりやめるto cancel
• ボツるto scrap (work in progress, esp. illustration)
• やめるto cancel
• 流すながすto cancel (a plan, meeting, etc.)
• とくto dissolve (a contract)
• 取り上げるとりあげるto take away