Annual vs Anual Quiz: Test Yourself
Annual vs anual is a spelling mix-up that catches many writers, especially those who also speak Spanish or Portuguese. Both look right at a glance, but only one belongs in English. This guide explains what each spelling means, why the double n matters, and how to get it right every time.
| Term | Meaning | Part of speech / Category | Example sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual | Happening once a year; lasting or calculated over a year | Adjective (also a noun) | The company holds its annual meeting in May. |
| Annually | Once every year | Adverb | The subscription renews annually. |
| Anual | Not English; the Spanish and Portuguese word for annual | Misspelling in English / foreign adjective | “Informe anual” is Spanish for “annual report.” |
| Annul | To declare something legally invalid or cancel it | Verb | The court chose to annul the contract. |
What does “annual” mean?
“Annual” means happening once every year, or covering a period of one year. It comes from the Latin word for year, annus, which is also where the double n comes from. You will see it in phrases like annual report, annual salary, annual checkup and annual leave.
“Annual” can also be a noun. In gardening, an annual is a plant that completes its whole life cycle in a single growing season, such as a marigold. The word can also refer to a book or publication that comes out once a year.
The related adverb is “annually,” which keeps the same double n and adds “ly,” giving you two l’s at the end. For example: “Taxes are filed annually.”
What does “anual” mean?
“Anual” is the Spanish and Portuguese word for “annual,” and it has a single n. In those languages it is perfectly correct, as in “informe anual” (annual report) or “plano anual” (annual plan). In English, however, it is not a standard word.
That is why the mistake is so common. People who speak or read Spanish or Portuguese, as well as anyone who types quickly, can easily drop one n. The two spellings look almost the same and sound close, so the typo slips past a quick read.
Is “anual” a word in English?
No, “anual” is not an English word, and standard dictionaries do not list it. If you write it in an English sentence, spell-check will usually flag it. The only time “anual” is acceptable is when you are quoting Spanish or Portuguese text or using a proper name that includes it.
Search engines are forgiving and often show results for “annual” when you type “anual,” but readers are less forgiving. A misspelling in a headline, resume or business email can look careless. A quick check before publishing saves that embarrassment.
Annual vs anual: why does the double n matter?
In annual vs anual, the double n is what makes the English word correct. English keeps the doubled consonant from the Latin root annus, so “annual” carries two n’s, while Spanish and Portuguese reduced the spelling to one.
The same double n appears in other English words built on the same root. “Anniversary” (a yearly celebration) and “annals” (yearly records) both share it, and “per annum,” a Latin phrase meaning “per year,” keeps it too. Seeing the pattern makes the spelling easier to trust.
A good rule of thumb is that if the word relates to years in English, it will almost always have two n’s near the start. One n is the foreign spelling.
What is the difference between annual and annul?
“Annual” and “annul” are unrelated words that look alike. “Annual” is about years, while “annul” is a verb meaning to declare something legally invalid. For example, a court may annul a marriage, but a company holds an annual meeting.
They also sound different. “Annual” is pronounced with an “yoo” sound in the middle, while “annul” ends sharply with a short “ul.” Mixing the two usually changes the meaning of a sentence completely, so it is worth a second look.
How can you remember which spelling to use?
Remember that English wants two n’s for anything yearly. If you can picture “anniversary” or the Latin “per annum,” you can picture the double n in “annual.” The common mistakes and memory tricks below will help lock it in.
Common mistakes with annual vs anual
- Please read our anual report. Please read our annual report.
- The anual meeting is in June. The annual meeting is in June.
- He earns a high anual salary. He earns a high annual salary.
- The fee is paid anualy. The fee is paid annually.
- The judge will annual the marriage. The judge will annul the marriage.
Memory tricks
- Anniversary link: “annual” and “anniversary” both start with “ann” because both are about years.
- Per annum: the Latin phrase “per annum” also has two n’s, and it means “per year.”
- Look for “ann”: if the English word means yearly, it starts with “ann,” as in annual, annually and anniversary, never with a single “an.”
Frequently asked questions
Is it annual or anual?
“Annual” is correct in English. “Anual” is the Spanish and Portuguese spelling.
Is anual ever correct in English?
Only when you are quoting Spanish or Portuguese, or using a name that contains it. In regular English writing, use “annual.”
What does annual mean?
Annual means happening once a year or lasting for a year. It can also be a plant that lives one growing season.
What is the difference between annual and annually?
“Annual” is an adjective, as in annual report. “Annually” is an adverb meaning once every year.
How do you spell annual?
Annual is spelled A-N-N-U-A-L, with a double n near the start.
Final thoughts on annual vs anual
When it comes to annual vs anual, the answer is simple: “annual” is the English spelling, and “anual” is the Spanish and Portuguese one. Keep the double n, and you will avoid the typo every time. Share this with someone who mixes these up.