The first time I saw “per annum” in a text, I scratched my head. Was it some fancy financial jargon or a new slang trend?
Turns out, it’s a term borrowed from Latin that pops up in both professional messages and social media.
If you’ve ever wondered what people really mean when they type “per annum,” you’re in the right place!
Quick Answer: Per annum means “per year.” It’s a formal and clear way of expressing something that happens or is calculated yearly.
What Does Per Annum Mean in Text?
“Per annum” is a Latin phrase that literally translates to “per year.” It’s often used to describe salaries, interest rates, fees, or recurring events that occur on a yearly basis.
Example Sentence:
“The salary for this position is $50,000 per annum.”
In short: Per Annum = Per Year = Yearly amount or rate
Where Is Per Annum Commonly Used?
- 💼 Professional Emails – Salary discussions or financial reports
- 📊 Banking & Finance – Interest rates, loans, investments
- 🏫 Education or Academic Writing – Research papers or reports
- 📱 Texting & Messaging – Rare, but sometimes in work chats or career-related discussions
It is formal and professional, so it’s usually not casual or flirty in tone.
Examples of Per Annum in Conversation
A: What’s the starting salary for the new role?
B: It’s $60,000 per annum.
A: How much interest does the bank offer?
B: 5% per annum on savings.
A: I heard your rent increased. By how much?
B: $1,200 per annum.
A: How often is this subscription billed?
B: It’s $100 per annum.
A: Did you see the new tuition fees?
B: Yes, $10,000 per annum.
When to Use and When Not to Use Per Annum
✅ When to Use
- Discussing salaries or wages
- Talking about yearly rates, fees, or subscriptions
- Professional or formal communication
❌ When Not to Use
- Casual chats with friends
- Flirty or playful messages
- Urgent, informal, or social media posts
| Context | Example Phrase | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Friend Chat | “The rent is $1,200 per annum 😅” | Might sound formal/funny |
| Work Chat | “The annual bonus is $5,000 per annum” | Clear & professional |
| “The interest will be calculated at 4% per annum” | Formal & precise |
Similar Slang Words or Alternatives
| Term | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| Annually | Once per year | General professional or casual |
| Yearly | Every year | Casual & everyday use |
| Per Year | Equivalent to per annum | Professional & formal |
| Annual Rate | Rate per year | Finance & banking |
FAQs About Per Annum
Q: Can I use per annum in casual text messages?
A: Technically yes, but it’s formal, so simpler phrases like “per year” are friendlier.
Q: Is per annum only used for money?
A: No, it can describe any yearly occurrence, such as events or subscriptions.
Q: What is the difference between per annum and annually?
A: Both mean the same, but “per annum” is more formal and often used in finance.
Q: Can I abbreviate per annum?
A: Yes, “p.a.” is common in financial documents but not recommended in casual chats.
Conclusion
“Per annum” is a straightforward, professional phrase meaning “per year.”
Use it in emails, salary talks, or financial discussions for clarity.
For casual chats, stick to “per year” or “annually” to keep it friendly and easy to understand.

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