中止 zhōngzhǐ to cease
to cease; to suspend; to break off; to stop; to discontinue
How to remember 中止: 中 middle + 止 to stop = to cease.
Characters
How it is used
- To suspend, break off partway - 中止谈判 (zhōngzhǐ tánpàn) to break off negotiations; 比赛中止 (bǐsài zhōngzhǐ) the match was halted.
- Stresses stopping midway before completion, often temporarily; contrast 终止 (zhōngzhǐ, to terminate/end completely).
- The two are homophones - 中止 = stop in the middle, 终止 = bring to a final end; a classic trap.
Example sentences
- 谈判中止了。 Tánpàn zhōngzhǐ le.The negotiation is off.
- 说服他中止旅行真是件苦差事。 Shuōfú tā zhōngzhǐ lǚxíng zhēnshì jiàn kǔchāishì.I had a hard time trying to persuade him to cancel the trip.