取り消す

とりけす

to cancel

JLPT N2

Character Breakdown

Meaning and Usage

The verb 取り消す (とりけす) means "to cancel" or "to retract." It is commonly used when you want to cancel reservations, appointments, or statements. It implies formally or explicitly withdrawing something that was previously decided or said.

Common Contexts

  • Canceling bookings or orders: 予約を取り消す
  • Retracting statements or promises: 発言を取り消す
  • Undoing actions or decisions, often in formal or official contexts

Collocations and Patterns

  • 予約を取り消す: to cancel a reservation
  • 発言を取り消す: to retract a statement
  • 注文を取り消す: to cancel an order
  • 取り消しの連絡をする: to notify about a cancellation

Register and Politeness

取り消す is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal situations. When speaking politely, it is often combined with します (取り消します).

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 取り消す with やめる (to stop/quit). 取り消す specifically means to cancel or retract something already decided or stated, while やめる means to stop doing something ongoing.

Use 取り消す when you want to explicitly cancel or withdraw something that was previously confirmed or declared.

Example Sentences

よやくをとりけすばあいは、ぜんじつまでにれんらくしてください。

If you want to cancel your reservation, please contact us by the day before.

かれはじぶんのはつげんをすぐにとりけした。

He immediately retracted his statement.

まちがいをとりけすことはできません。

You cannot undo a mistake.