作废

• Pinyin: zuò fèi
• Hanzi breakdown: 作 = to make/become; 废 = 广 (shelter) + 发, meaning discarded/invalid

Meaning

To become invalid; to void; to cancel; to declare null and void.

Used when documents, tickets, contracts, or other official items are cancelled or declared invalid. Can happen due to expiration, errors, or deliberate cancellation. Common in administrative and legal contexts.

Examples

1. 这张过期的优惠券已经作废了，不能再使用了。 This expired coupon is already void and can no longer be used.
2. 由于合同中存在严重违规条款，法院判定该合同作废。 Due to serious violations in the contract terms, the court ruled the contract invalid.
3. 考试作弊被发现后，他这次考试的成绩全部作废。 After being caught cheating on the exam, all his test scores were voided.

Usage Guide

Context: administrative, legal, official

Tone: neutral

Do Say

• 这张票作废了。(This ticket is void.)
• 合同被宣布作废。(The contract was declared invalid.)

Don't Say

• 我的计划作废了。(For personal plans that failed, use 泡汤了 or 取消了)

Origin & History

Compound of 作 (to make, to become) and 废 (waste, invalid). Together they mean to become invalid or be declared void.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal