删除 (shān chú) — Chinese Word

verb HSK 4

Traditional 刪除

shān chú

to delete · to remove · to erase

Meaning

删除 means to delete or remove something, typically text, data, files, or records. It's commonly used in computing and digital contexts, but also applies to physical removal of written content. The word combines 删 (to delete) and 除 (to eliminate), creating a compound that emphasizes complete removal.

Usage

This is the standard term for 'delete' in digital contexts like computers, phones, and apps. Native speakers use it for removing files, messages, accounts, or any unwanted content. It's neutral in register and appropriate for both formal and informal situations. Often paired with objects like 文件 (files), 信息 (messages), or 记录 (records).

Examples

01
你可以删除不需要的照片来释放空间。
Nǐ kěyǐ shān chú bù xūyào de zhàopiàn lái shìfàng kōngjiān.
You can delete unnecessary photos to free up space.
02
这条消息已经被删除了。
Zhè tiáo xiāoxi yǐjīng bèi shān chú le.
This message has already been deleted.

Characters

Common collocations

删除文件
shān chú wén jiàn
to delete files
删除记录
shān chú jì lù
to delete records
删除账号
shān chú zhàng hào
to delete an account
彻底删除
chè dǐ shān chú
to completely delete

Antonyms

Origin

删 originally meant to cut bamboo slips (ancient writing material), metaphorically extended to removing text. 除 means to eliminate or get rid of. Together they form a compound emphasizing thorough removal.