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作废 — pronunciations, definitions, and tags
HanziPinyinEnglishTags
作废zuòfèito become invalidHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #17466, Hard
作废zuòfèito cancelHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #17466, Hard
作废zuòfèito deleteHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #17466, Hard
作废zuòfèito nullifyHSK 6, v, 15 strokes, rank #17466, Hard
zuòfèi(zuo4fei4)zuo fei T4
  1. 1to become invalid
  2. 2to cancel
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March 24, 2026

作废(作廢)zuòfèi(zuo4fei4)

作废 (zuò fèi) means to become invalid or to cancel something that was previously valid. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as legal documents, tickets, or contracts when referring to the cancellation or nullification of something.

Strokes15Frequency#17466DifficultyHard
Cultural note

In Chinese culture, the validity of documents and agreements is taken very seriously, reflecting the importance of trust and integrity in personal and business relationships. The cancellation of a contract is often accompanied by formal procedures.

Memory tip

Imagine a ticket that you wrote the word '作废' on with a big red marker, indicating it's no longer usable. The character '作' means 'to do' or 'to make,' and '废' means 'to waste' or 'to discard,' suggesting the action of making something waste.

Meanings of 作废

zuòfèi(zuo4fei4)
1to become invalid
2to cancel
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About 作废

作废Simplified
作廢Traditional
15Strokes
—Radical
动词dòngcíverb (v.)Part of Speech
#17466Frequency Rank
HSK 2.0L6HSK 3.0L6IntermediateHSKKL3CEFRC1

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Podcast: 作废

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AI Study Notes for 作废

Quick Contrast

作废 (zuòfèi) vs 取消 (qǔxiāo): use 作废 when referring to something becoming invalid or nullified, while 取消 is used for canceling an action or plan.

Usage Notes

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '作废' as both characters are fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners. It is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '作废的合同' (invalid contract) and '作废的票' (canceled ticket).

HSK Study Tips

As an HSK 6 word, '作废' connects to other legal and administrative vocabulary. Focus on how to use it in sentences that discuss agreements, contracts, or any formal documents. It’s also helpful to practice its antonyms like '有效' (valid).

Common Mistakes

Learners often confuse '作废' with '失效' (shīxiào), which also means 'invalid,' but is used in different contexts like expired products. For example, saying '这张票失效了' (This ticket has expired) is incorrect if you mean it was canceled; you should say '这张票作废了'.

AI-enhanced 2026-03-24

Pronunciation of 作废

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Component Characters

作zuōto do
HSK 67 strokes亻
View full entry
废fèito abolish
HSK 78 strokes广
View full entry

How to say to become invalid in Chinese

“to become invalid” in Chinese is作废zuòfèi

作废 (zuò fèi) means to become invalid or to cancel something that was previously valid. It is commonly used in formal contexts such as legal documents, tickets, or contracts when referring to the cancellation or nullification of something.

When to use 作废

Be cautious with the tone when pronouncing '作废' as both characters are fourth tone, which can be tricky for learners. It is typically used in formal contexts, so avoid using it in casual conversations. Common collocations include '作废的合同' (invalid contract) and '作废的票' (canceled ticket).

作废 or something close to it

作废 (zuòfèi) vs 取消 (qǔxiāo): use 作废 when referring to something becoming invalid or nullified, while 取消 is used for canceling an action or plan.

What learners get wrong

Learners often confuse '作废' with '失效' (shīxiào), which also means 'invalid,' but is used in different contexts like expired products. For example, saying '这张票失效了' (This ticket has expired) is incorrect if you mean it was canceled; you should say '这张票作废了'.

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作
废

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Frequently Asked Questions about 作废

'作废' is generally used in formal contexts rather than for personal items, such as saying a ticket is invalid rather than a personal item.

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