Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'Annul'

English Word: Annul

Key Russian Translations:

• аннулировать [ɐnʊlʲɪˈrovətʲ] - [Formal, Commonly used in legal or official contexts]
• отменить [ɐtˈmʲenʲɪtʲ] - [Neutral, Broad usage across contexts]

Frequency: Medium (used in specific contexts like legal or administrative matters)

Difficulty: B1-B2 (Intermediate - both translations require understanding of context)

Pronunciation (Russian):

аннулировать: [ɐnʊlʲɪˈrovətʲ]

Note on аннулировать: Stress falls on the third syllable. The 'р' sound is rolled slightly, typical of Russian pronunciation.

отменить: [ɐtˈmʲenʲɪtʲ]

Note on отменить: Stress on the second syllable. The soft 'н' sound requires tongue positioning near the palate.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. To make something officially invalid (e.g., a contract, marriage)

Translation(s) & Context:

• аннулировать - Primarily used for legal or formal invalidation (e.g., contracts, licenses).

Usage Examples:

• Суд аннулировал договор из-за нарушений.

  The court annulled the contract due to violations.

• Они аннулировали мой билет без предупреждения.

  They annulled my ticket without warning.

• Брак был аннулирован по обоюдному согласию.

  The marriage was annulled by mutual consent.

2. To cancel or abolish (e.g., a decision, plan)

Translation(s) & Context:

• отменить - Used for canceling events, decisions, or plans in a general sense.

Usage Examples:

• Концерт пришлось отменить из-за погоды.

  The concert had to be annulled due to the weather.

• Руководство отменило собрание в последнюю минуту.

  The management annulled the meeting at the last minute.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

аннулировать (Verb, Perfective): Regular verb of the 1st conjugation. Below is the present tense conjugation (note: as a perfective verb, it is mainly used in past and future tenses).

отменить (Verb, Perfective): Also a regular verb of the 1st conjugation, with similar patterns to аннулировать. Primarily used in past and future tenses.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

Synonyms for аннулировать:

• расторгнуть (used specifically for contracts or agreements)
• упразднить (used for abolishing institutions or laws)

Synonyms for отменить:

• аннулировать (in some overlapping contexts)
• отложить (to postpone, in less formal cancellations)

Antonyms:

• утвердить (to confirm or approve)
• ратифицировать (to ratify, in formal contexts)

Related Phrases:

• аннулировать договор - To annul a contract (common in legal contexts).
• отменить решение - To annul a decision (used in administrative or personal contexts).
• отменить рейс - To annul a flight (common in travel contexts).

Usage Notes:

• Choosing between translations: Use "аннулировать" for formal or legal annulments, especially regarding documents or contracts. Use "отменить" for general cancellations, such as events or decisions.
• Aspectual Nuance: Both verbs are perfective, indicating a completed action. They do not have direct imperfective counterparts for ongoing annulment processes.
• Register: "аннулировать" is more formal and specific, while "отменить" is more versatile and neutral.

Common Errors:

• Incorrect word choice: English learners often use "аннулировать" for casual cancellations like events, which sounds overly formal. Correct usage: Use "отменить" for events or plans. Example of error: *аннулировать концерт* (incorrect); Correct: отменить концерт.
• Aspect misuse: Since both verbs are perfective, using them in contexts implying ongoing action can be incorrect. Example of error: *Я аннулирую это каждый день* (incorrect for habitual action); Correct: Rephrase or use a different verb.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian-speaking contexts, the formal annulment of documents or contracts (using "аннулировать") often involves bureaucratic processes, and the term carries a strong legal connotation. Understanding the context of cancellation is crucial, as Russians may expect specific terminology depending on the situation.

Related Concepts:

• расторжение (termination, often of contracts)
• упразднение (abolition, often of organizations or laws)
• отказ (refusal or cancellation in a broader sense)