verb HSK 4
Traditional 刪
to delete · to remove · to cut out
Meaning
删 means to delete or remove something, typically text, content, or information. It's commonly used in digital contexts like deleting files, messages, or posts, but also applies to editing written work by cutting out unnecessary parts.
Usage
This is the standard verb for deletion in both digital and print contexts. Very common in computing (删除文件 'delete a file') and editing. Often combined with 除 to form 删除, which is more formal and complete. Used in both written and spoken Mandarin.
Examples
- 01你可以把这段话删了。.You can delete this paragraph.
- 02我不小心删了那个文件。.I accidentally deleted that file.
Common collocations
- 删除to delete
- 删掉to delete (casual)
- 删减to cut down, to abridge
- 删帖to delete a post
Antonyms
Origin
The traditional form 刪 consists of the knife radical 刂(knife) and 册 (books/records), literally suggesting cutting out parts from written records.