Inklingo
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contrario

/kon-TRAH-ree-oh/

opposite

A storybook illustration showing a bright red apple placed on the far left of a green hill and a bright blue apple placed on the far right of the same hill, emphasizing opposite positions.

When used as an adjective, contrario means 'opposite' in position or nature.

contrario(adjective)

m/fA1

opposite

?

as in position or nature

,

contrary

?

as in conflicting ideas

Also:

against

?

hostile to an idea or person

📝 In Action

Mi opinión es contraria a la suya.

A2

My opinion is contrary to yours (or, opposite of yours).

Fuimos en direcciones contrarias y nos perdimos.

A1

We went in opposite directions and got lost.

La ley es contraria a mis principios.

B1

The law is against my principles.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • opuesto (opposed)
  • divergente (divergent)

Antonyms

  • similar (similar)
  • igual (same)

Common Collocations

  • sentido contrario – opposite direction/meaning
  • fuerzas contrarias – opposing forces

💡 Grammar Points

Changing Forms

As an adjective, 'contrario' must match the noun it describes in number and gender: 'una idea contraria' (feminine singular) or 'dos puntos contrarios' (masculine plural).

⭐ Usage Tips

Preposition 'A'

When 'contrario' means 'against' or 'opposed to,' it almost always needs the preposition 'a' (contrario a) to connect it to the thing it is opposing.

A storybook illustration of a single circle split vertically down the middle, depicting opposite concepts. The left half is bright yellow with a smiling sun (day), and the right half is deep indigo blue with a simple white crescent moon (night).

As a noun, contrario refers to 'the opposite' concept or outcome.

contrario(noun)

mA2

the opposite

?

the opposite concept or outcome

,

the reverse

?

the inverse idea

Also:

opponent

?

competitor or adversary (less frequent)

📝 In Action

Pensé que llovería, pero ocurrió todo lo contrario.

A2

I thought it would rain, but quite the opposite happened.

¿Es bueno o malo? Depende del contrario.

B1

Is it good or bad? It depends on the opposite (situation).

No estoy de acuerdo. Al contrario, creo que deberíamos esperar.

A2

I don't agree. On the contrary, I think we should wait.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • reverso (reverse side)
  • adversario (adversary/opponent)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • al contrario – on the contrary
  • todo lo contrario – quite the opposite
  • por el contrario – on the other hand

💡 Grammar Points

Fixed Phrases

When used in the common fixed phrases like 'al contrario' and 'por el contrario,' 'contrario' acts like an adverb, modifying the whole sentence to introduce a contrast.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Misusing 'On the Contrary'

Mistake: "Using 'en contrario' to mean 'on the contrary.'"

Correction: Always use 'al contrario' or 'por el contrario.' The article 'el' is necessary.

⭐ Usage Tips

Emphasizing Opposition

'Todo lo contrario' (quite the opposite) is excellent for strongly rejecting a previous statement, often with surprise or emphasis.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: contrario

Question 1 of 2

Which phrase correctly expresses strong disagreement, meaning 'Quite the opposite!'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

contra(against) - preposition
contrariedad(annoyance or setback) - noun
contrastar(to contrast) - verb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'al contrario' and 'por el contrario'?

Both mean 'on the contrary' or 'on the other hand' and are largely interchangeable. 'Al contrario' is perhaps more common in conversational speech to flatly contradict something, while 'por el contrario' often introduces a differing perspective or piece of information.

Can 'contrario' refer to a person?

Yes. While less common than using words like 'oponente' or 'rival,' 'el contrario' or 'la contraria' can be used to mean 'the opponent' or 'the adversary,' especially in competitive contexts like sports or games.