Meaning
中止 means to stop or suspend an action, process, or agreement that is already in progress. Unlike 停止 (which can mean any kind of stopping), 中止 often implies a temporary or formal suspension, particularly in legal, business, or official contexts. It suggests interrupting something midway rather than bringing it to a natural conclusion.
Usage
中止 is more formal than everyday words like 停 or 停止. It's commonly used in written Chinese, contracts, legal documents, and news reports. Native speakers often use it when discussing the suspension of projects, agreements, negotiations, or official procedures. The word carries a sense of formality and is less common in casual conversation.
Examples
- 01由于资金不足，这个项目已经被中止了。, .Due to insufficient funding, this project has been suspended.
- 02双方决定中止谈判，暂时休会。, .Both sides decided to halt negotiations and temporarily adjourn.
Characters
Common collocations
- 中止合同to suspend a contract
- 中止谈判to break off negotiations
- 中止妊娠to terminate a pregnancy
- 中止协议to suspend an agreement
Antonyms
Origin
The word combines 中 (middle, in progress) with 止 (to stop), literally meaning 'to stop in the middle.' This etymology reflects the word's core meaning of halting something that is already underway.