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B2 verb 10 min read

annullare

Examples annullare in 30 Seconds
Explanation annullare in your Level:
At the A1 level, you only need to know 'annullare' in very basic contexts. You will mostly see it on your phone or computer screen. When you are about to delete a photo or send a message and you change your mind, the button that says 'Cancel' in English will say 'Annulla' in Italian. It is a very useful word for navigating technology. You might also hear it at a train station if a train is not coming. 'Treno annullato' means 'Train canceled.' Just remember that it means something is not happening anymore. It is a regular '-are' verb, so it follows the same pattern as 'parlare' or 'mangiare.' Even at this level, knowing 'annullare' can save you from making mistakes on official forms or apps. It is one of the first 'functional' words you should learn for daily life in Italy.
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At the A2 level, you start using 'annullare' in simple sentences about your daily life and travel. You should be able to say things like 'Devo annullare il mio volo' (I need to cancel my flight) or 'Hanno annullato la partita' (They canceled the game). You will notice that in the past tense, it uses 'avere' (Ho annullato). This level also introduces the difference between 'annullare' and 'cancellare.' While 'cancellare' is for erasing things, 'annullare' is for stopping plans or official things. You might also see it in simple signs at stores or events. If an event is 'annullato causa maltempo,' it means it's canceled because of bad weather. It's a key word for managing your schedule and understanding basic public announcements.
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At the B1 level, you should understand the more formal and technical uses of 'annullare.' This includes understanding news reports where a court might 'annullare una sentenza' (annul a sentence) or a politician might 'annullare un incontro' (cancel a meeting). You should also be comfortable with the reflexive form 'annullarsi,' which can mean two things cancel each other out or someone loses their identity in a relationship. You are expected to use the word correctly in professional emails, such as 'Vorrei annullare il mio ordine numero 123' (I would like to cancel my order number 123). You will also start to see the noun form 'annullamento' (cancellation/annulment), which is common in administrative contexts. This is the stage where you refine the distinction between 'annullare' and 'disdire' (to cancel an appointment).
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At the B2 level, you have a deep understanding of the nuances of 'annullare.' You can use it in abstract and metaphorical contexts, such as 'annullare le differenze' (to eliminate differences) or 'annullare lo svantaggio' (to close the gap/disadvantage). You understand its role in legal and bureaucratic language, where it implies a retroactive invalidation (making something void from the beginning). You are also aware of its use in sports, particularly in the phrase 'gol annullato.' At this level, you should be able to explain why 'annullare' is used instead of 'revocare' or 'abrogare' in specific situations. Your vocabulary is rich enough to use the passive voice naturally: 'La delibera è stata annullata per vizio di forma' (The resolution was annulled due to a procedural defect).
At the C1 level, you use 'annullare' with precision in complex professional and academic discussions. You understand the philosophical implications of 'l'annullamento del sé' (the negation of the self) and can discuss legal precedents where 'annullabilità' (voidability) is a key issue. You can use the verb in sophisticated structures, perhaps employing the subjunctive or conditional to express nuance: 'Qualora venisse annullato il contratto, le conseguenze sarebbero gravi' (Should the contract be annulled, the consequences would be serious). You are also familiar with literary uses where 'annullare' describes the total destruction of hope, time, or space. Your mastery allows you to choose 'annullare' over synonyms like 'inficiare' or 'caducare' to convey exactly the right level of formality and legal weight.
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At the C2 level, 'annullare' is a tool for stylistic excellence. You understand its etymological roots and how it interacts with other specialized vocabulary in law, physics, and philosophy. You can appreciate and use the word in high-level literary analysis, discussing how an author might 'annullare la temporalità' (nullify temporality) in a narrative. You are perfectly comfortable with the most obscure idiomatic uses and can navigate the finest distinctions between 'annullamento,' 'rescissione,' and 'risoluzione' in contract law. Your command of the word is indistinguishable from that of an educated native speaker, allowing you to use it in everything from a casual conversation about a canceled dinner to a formal dissertation on administrative law.
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Examples

annullare in 30 Seconds

  • Annullare means to cancel or nullify, commonly used for flights, contracts, and digital 'undo' commands.
  • It is a regular -are verb, but carry more formal weight than the English 'cancel' in social contexts.
  • In sports, it is the specific term for a disallowed goal or point (gol annullato).
  • Metaphorically, it can mean to lose one's identity (annullarsi) or to bridge a gap.

The Italian verb annullare is a multifaceted term that English speakers primarily translate as 'to cancel,' 'to annul,' or 'to nullify.' At its core, it signifies the act of making something 'null' or void, effectively treating it as though it no longer exists or never happened. Unlike the English 'cancel,' which can be used casually for social plans, annullare often carries a weight of formality or technicality, though it is ubiquitous in digital interfaces and official procedures.

Legal and Formal Contexts
In the realm of law, annullare is the standard verb for voiding a contract, a marriage (annullamento del matrimonio), or a judicial sentence. It implies a retroactive invalidation where the legal effect is wiped clean.
Technology and Computing
Every Italian computer user sees this word daily. It is the universal translation for the 'Cancel' button in dialog boxes or the 'Undo' command (annulla l'azione) in software like Word or Photoshop. It represents the reversal of a digital command.
Sports and Competitions
If a referee decides a goal was scored illegally, they will annullare il gol. Here, it means to disallow or strike the score from the record due to a foul or offside position.

Il giudice ha deciso di annullare il contratto a causa di una clausola illegale.

Translation: The judge decided to annul the contract due to an illegal clause.

Understanding the nuance between annullare and cancellare is crucial for B2 learners. While cancellare can mean to erase (like pencil marks) or to cancel an event, annullare is more about the validity of the thing itself. For instance, you 'cancella' an appointment from your calendar, but the government might 'annulla' a law. However, in modern Italian, 'annullare un volo' (to cancel a flight) is very common, where the flight's existence for that day is completely voided.

L'arbitro ha dovuto annullare il punto perché il giocatore ha toccato la rete.

Translation: The referee had to nullify the point because the player touched the net.

In social contexts, annullare can also describe a person's psychological state. If someone says 'si è annullato per il lavoro,' they mean the person has completely sacrificed their own identity or needs for their job—effectively making their 'self' null. This metaphorical use is quite common in literature and deep conversations about relationships and personal growth.

Travel and Logistics
When a train is 'annullato', it is not just delayed; it is removed from the schedule entirely. Passengers must find an alternative because that specific service no longer exists for that day.

A causa dello sciopero, hanno deciso di annullare tutti i treni regionali.

Translation: Due to the strike, they decided to cancel all regional trains.

Mastering annullare requires understanding its transitive nature—it almost always takes a direct object. You 'annulla' something. Because it is a regular -are verb, its conjugation is predictable, but its application varies across different tenses to convey urgency or officiality.

Present Tense (Presente)
Used for current actions or general rules. 'Annulla l'ordine' (Cancel the order). In a digital context: 'Il sistema annulla automaticamente le richieste duplicate.'
Past Tense (Passato Prossimo)
Used for completed actions. Note that it uses the auxiliary avere. 'Abbiamo annullato la prenotazione' (We canceled the reservation).
Passive Voice (Forma Passiva)
Very common in news and official reports. 'Il concerto è stato annullato' (The concert was canceled). The past participle annullato must agree in gender and number with the subject.

Se non paghi entro domani, dovremo annullare la tua iscrizione al corso.

Translation: If you don't pay by tomorrow, we will have to cancel your enrollment in the course.

In reflexive forms, annullarsi, the meaning shifts to self-negation. This is often used in psychological or philosophical contexts. 'Si annulla per gli altri' (He loses himself/negates himself for others). It describes a total loss of individuality in favor of someone or something else.

Le due forze opposte si annullano a vicenda, creando un equilibrio perfetto.

Translation: The two opposing forces cancel each other out, creating a perfect balance.

One of the most common mistakes is using annullare when disdire would be more appropriate. Use disdire for appointments (dentist, dinner) and subscriptions (Netflix, gym). Use annullare for things that are officially voided or stopped mid-process. If a flight is canceled, it is annullato because the service itself is void for that time slot.

Non posso venire, devo annullare i nostri piani per stasera.

Note: While 'annullare' is used here, 'disdire' or 'disdire l'impegno' is often more natural for social plans.
Future Tense (Futuro Semplice)
'Il maltempo annullerà la sfilata' (The bad weather will cancel the parade). This tense is used to predict an official cancellation.

If you spend any time in Italy, annullare will become a part of your daily auditory landscape. From the frantic announcements at a train station to the sterile environment of a law office, the word signals a change in plans or status.

At the Airport or Station
'Il volo AZ123 è stato annullato.' This is the phrase every traveler fears. It is often followed by instructions on how to get a refund (rimborso) or a new ticket. You will see 'ANNULLATO' in big red letters on the departure boards.
In the Office and Tech
When working on a computer in Italy, the 'Cancel' button on every pop-up window says 'Annulla'. If you make a mistake in an Excel sheet, you look for 'Annulla' (Undo). It is the primary way to stop a process.
News and Media
Journalists use it constantly. 'La Corte ha annullato la sentenza' (The Court overturned the sentence). 'Il governo ha annullato il decreto' (The government revoked the decree). It sounds authoritative and final.

Attenzione: l'operazione è stata annullata dall'utente.

Translation: Attention: the operation has been canceled by the user (common computer message).

In sports commentary, especially football (calcio), the word is emotional. When a goal is scored, the stadium erupts, but then the VAR (Video Assistant Referee) might intervene. The commentator will shout, 'Gol annullato!'—a moment of pure heartbreak for one team and relief for the other.

La pioggia battente ha costretto gli organizzatori ad annullare la corsa ciclistica.

Translation: The heavy rain forced the organizers to cancel the cycling race.

You might also hear it in a more abstract sense in political debates. Politicians often talk about 'annullare le distanze' (to bridge the gap/cancel the distance) between the government and the citizens. Here, it means to eliminate a metaphorical space or difference.

Customer Service
If you call a call center to stop a service: 'Vorrei annullare il mio contratto.' They will often ask for a reason for the 'annullamento'.

Dopo ore di attesa, hanno finalmente comunicato che l'evento è annullato.

Translation: After hours of waiting, they finally announced that the event is canceled.

For English speakers, the most common mistake is overusing annullare where disdire, cancellare, or rimandare would be more appropriate. Italian is very specific about the 'type' of cancellation occurring.

Mistake 1: Social Appointments
Saying 'Ho annullato la cena con Maria' sounds like you've officially voided the dinner as if it were a legal contract. It's better to use 'Ho disdetto la cena' or 'Ho dovuto rimandare' (I had to postpone).
Mistake 2: Physical Erasure
If you want to 'cancel' a word you wrote in a notebook, you use cancellare. Annullare is for the validity of the content, not the physical removal of ink. However, in software, 'Annulla' is correct for 'Undo'.
Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Rimandare'
If a meeting is moved to next week, it is rimandato (postponed) or posticipato. If it is annullato, it is gone forever and won't happen at all.

❌ Sbagliato: Devo annullare l'appuntamento dal dentista.
✅ Corretto: Devo disdire l'appuntamento dal dentista.

Explanation: 'Disdire' is the specific verb for canceling appointments or reservations.

Another nuance is the use of annullare in the context of 'canceling' a person (cancel culture). In Italian, this is often expressed with 'boicottare' (boycott) or 'cancellare' (cancel), but annullare would imply making the person themselves non-existent, which is a bit too literal and dramatic for social media contexts.

❌ Sbagliato: Il volo è cancellato.
✅ Corretto: Il volo è annullato.

Explanation: While 'cancellato' is increasingly used due to English influence, 'annullato' remains the standard for transportation.

Lastly, learners often forget the double 'l'. In Italian, 'anulare' (with one 'l') refers to the ring finger. So, if you say 'Devo anulare il contratto,' you are essentially saying 'I must ring-finger the contract,' which will definitely cause some confusion!

Spelling Alert
Annullare (to cancel) vs. Anulare (ring finger/annular). Always double that 'l'!

Italian offers a rich palette of verbs to describe the end of something. Choosing the right one depends on whether you are erasing, stopping, or invalidating.

Cancellare
The closest cousin. Use it for: erasing text, deleting a file, or 'canceling' a person. It focuses on the removal of the physical or digital presence.
Example: 'Cancella quel paragrafo.' (Delete that paragraph.)
Disdire
The professional choice for appointments and subscriptions. It implies a notification of withdrawal.
Example: 'Devo disdire l'abbonamento alla rivista.' (I need to cancel the magazine subscription.)
Invalidare
Very formal. It means to make something legally or logically invalid. Used in science and law.
Example: 'Un errore tecnico può invalidare l'intero esperimento.' (A technical error can invalidate the whole experiment.)
Revocare
To revoke or rescind. Used for licenses, permits, or orders.
Example: 'Gli hanno revocato la patente.' (They revoked his driver's license.)

Mentre annullare rende qualcosa nullo, sospendere lo ferma solo temporaneamente.

Comparison: 'Annullare' is permanent; 'Sospendere' is temporary.

In a literary context, you might encounter vanificare. This means to make something vain or useless, often used for efforts or hopes. 'I suoi sforzi sono stati vanificati' (His efforts were thwarted/made useless). This is more poetic than the technical annullare.

Il decreto è stato abrogato dal nuovo governo.

Note: 'Abrogare' is the specific legal term for repealing a law.

For software developers, the distinction between annullare (cancel), eliminare (delete), and chiudere (close) is vital. Annullare usually means 'stop the current process and go back,' whereas eliminare means 'destroy the data permanently.'

Quick Comparison Table
  • Annullare: Flights, contracts, goals, computer actions.
  • Disdire: Appointments, subscriptions, hotel rooms.
  • Cancellare: Files, words, names from a list.
  • Rimandare: Events that will happen later.
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Examples by Level

1

Clicca su 'Annulla' per uscire.

Click 'Cancel' to exit.

Imperative form 'Annulla'.

2

Il treno è annullato.

The train is canceled.

Passive past participle used as an adjective.

3

Posso annullare l'ordine?

Can I cancel the order?

Infinitive after the modal verb 'potere'.

4

L'appuntamento è annullato.

The appointment is canceled.

Subject-verb agreement.

5

Non annullare la foto!

Don't cancel the photo!

Negative imperative 'non' + infinitive.

6

Il volo per Roma è annullato.

The flight to Rome is canceled.

Noun phrase + verb.

7

Devo annullare tutto.

I have to cancel everything.

Use of 'tutto' as a direct object.

8

Perché hai annullato?

Why did you cancel?

Passato prossimo with 'avere'.

1

Hanno annullato la partita a causa della pioggia.

They canceled the match because of the rain.

Third person plural 'hanno annullato'.

2

Voglio annullare la mia iscrizione.

I want to cancel my registration.

Infinitive after 'voglio'.

3

Il professore ha annullato la lezione di oggi.

The professor canceled today's lesson.

Passato prossimo.

4

Se annulli ora, non paghi nulla.

If you cancel now, you pay nothing.

First conditional structure.

5

Abbiamo annullato la nostra vacanza.

We canceled our vacation.

First person plural past tense.

6

L'hotel ha annullato la prenotazione.

The hotel canceled the reservation.

Direct object 'la prenotazione'.

7

Puoi annullare l'invio dell'email?

Can you cancel sending the email?

Infinitive phrase.

8

Il concerto è stato annullato ieri.

The concert was canceled yesterday.

Passive voice 'è stato annullato'.

1

La compagnia ha annullato il contratto senza preavviso.

The company canceled the contract without notice.

Prepositional phrase 'senza preavviso'.

2

L'arbitro ha annullato il gol per un fallo.

The referee disallowed the goal due to a foul.

Technical sports usage.

3

Devi annullare l'ultima modifica sul documento.

You need to undo the last change on the document.

Noun 'modifica' as object.

4

Le due forze si annullano a vicenda.

The two forces cancel each other out.

Reflexive reciprocal form 'si annullano'.

5

Hanno annullato l'evento per motivi di sicurezza.

They canceled the event for security reasons.

Prepositional phrase 'per motivi di'.

6

Il giudice potrebbe annullare la multa.

The judge could cancel the fine.

Conditional mood 'potrebbe'.

7

Non posso annullare l'abbonamento online.

I can't cancel the subscription online.

Adverb 'online'.

8

Il rumore bianco annulla i suoni esterni.

White noise cancels out external sounds.

Scientific/technical context.

1

La Corte Costituzionale ha annullato la legge.

The Constitutional Court has struck down the law.

Formal legal context.

2

L'atleta è riuscito ad annullare lo svantaggio iniziale.

The athlete managed to close the initial gap.

Metaphorical use for 'gap' or 'disadvantage'.

3

Si è annullato completamente per dedicarsi alla famiglia.

He completely lost himself to dedicate himself to his family.

Reflexive 'annullarsi' meaning self-negation.

4

La clausola vessatoria può annullare l'intero accordo.

The unfair clause can void the entire agreement.

Adjective 'vessatoria' (unfair/burdensome).

5

Il maltempo ha rischiato di annullare la cerimonia.

The bad weather risked canceling the ceremony.

Verb 'rischiare di' + infinitive.

6

Hanno dovuto annullare i francobolli prima di spedire.

They had to cancel the stamps before mailing.

Specific use for postal cancellation.

7

L'effetto del farmaco viene annullato dall'alcol.

The drug's effect is nullified by alcohol.

Passive voice with 'venire'.

8

Dobbiamo annullare le distanze tra noi e i clienti.

We must bridge the distance between us and the customers.

Figurative usage.

1

La sentenza è stata annullata con rinvio alla corte d'appello.

The sentence was overturned and remanded to the appeals court.

Highly formal legal terminology.

2

L'opera d'arte tenta di annullare il confine tra realtà e finzione.

The artwork attempts to blur the line between reality and fiction.

Abstract philosophical context.

3

Un vizio di forma ha portato ad annullare le elezioni.

A procedural flaw led to the cancellation of the elections.

Noun phrase 'vizio di forma'.

4

Il silenzio assordante sembrava annullare ogni altro pensiero.

The deafening silence seemed to drown out every other thought.

Literary/poetic usage.

5

Si teme che l'inflazione possa annullare gli aumenti salariali.

It is feared that inflation might negate the wage increases.

Subjunctive mood 'possa'.

6

L'intervento tempestivo ha annullato il rischio di esplosione.

The timely intervention neutralized the risk of explosion.

Adjective 'tempestivo'.

7

La nuova tecnologia annulla la necessità di cavi fisici.

The new technology eliminates the need for physical cables.

Context of innovation.

8

Il debito è stato annullato grazie a un accordo internazionale.

The debt was canceled thanks to an international agreement.

Geopolitical context.

1

La dottrina giuridica discute ampiamente l'annullabilità dell'atto amministrativo.

Legal doctrine extensively discusses the voidability of administrative acts.

Academic legal register.

2

In fisica quantistica, certe particelle possono annullarsi a vicenda producendo energia.

In quantum physics, certain particles can annihilate each other, producing energy.

Scientific register (annihilation).

3

L'autore mira ad annullare la soggettività del narratore.

The author aims to efface the subjectivity of the narrator.

Literary theory context.

4

La delibera è nulla e non può essere annullata poiché non è mai esistita giuridicamente.

The resolution is void and cannot be annulled because it never legally existed.

Nuanced legal distinction.

5

Il misticismo spesso aspira ad annullare l'ego nell'infinito.

Mysticism often aspires to dissolve the ego into the infinite.

Philosophical/Religious register.

6

L'entropia tende ad annullare le differenze termiche nell'universo.

Entropy tends to equalize thermal differences in the universe.

Scientific register.

7

Ogni tentativo di riforma è stato annullato da un'opposizione ostruzionistica.

Every attempt at reform was thwarted by obstructionist opposition.

Political science context.

8

La grazia sovrana può annullare gli effetti penali di una condanna.

Sovereign grace can nullify the penal effects of a conviction.

Historical/Legal register.

Common Collocations

annullare un volo
annullare un contratto
annullare un gol
annullare l'azione
annullare un matrimonio
annullare il debito
annullare le distanze
annullare un ordine
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