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contrario

kon-TRAH-ree-oh/konˈtɾa.ɾjo/

“contrario” means “opposite” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

opposite, contrary

Also: against
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.

📝 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

Common Collocations

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

the opposite, the reverse

Also: opponent
NounmA2
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).

📝 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

Translate to Spanish

✏️ 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
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin word *contrarius*, meaning 'opposite' or 'facing.' It is built from the preposition *contra* (against) and the suffix *-arius* (pertaining to).

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: contraryFrench: contraire

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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.