opuesto
/oh-PWEH-stoh/
opposite
Two houses positioned in opposite locations across a street.
📝 In Action
Vivimos en lados opuestos de la ciudad.
A2We live on opposite sides of the city.
Ella se sentó en el extremo opuesto de la mesa.
B1She sat at the opposite end of the table.
💡 Grammar Points
Matching the Noun
This word changes its ending depending on what you are describing: use 'opuesto' for masculine nouns, 'opuesta' for feminine, and add an 's' for plurals.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'frente' vs 'opuesto'
Mistake: "Using 'frente' when you mean 'the other side of the spectrum'."
Correction: Use 'opuesto' for things that are fundamentally different or on the reverse side; 'frente' is usually just for things physically in front of you.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Side' Rule
When talking about the 'other side' of a street or room, 'lado opuesto' is the most natural way to say it.
A sun and a rain cloud representing contrary personalities.
📝 In Action
Tienen opiniones opuestas sobre la película.
B1They have opposite (conflicting) opinions about the movie.
El blanco y el negro son colores opuestos.
A2Black and white are opposite colors.
💡 Grammar Points
Describing Ideas
When 'opuesto' describes an idea, it usually comes after the noun, like 'ideas opuestas'.
Black and white cats representing the opposite of each other.
📝 In Action
Él es justo lo opuesto a su hermano.
B1He is just the opposite of his brother.
Sucedió todo lo opuesto.
B2The exact opposite happened.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Lo'
When using 'opuesto' as a noun to mean 'the opposite thing', we almost always put the word 'lo' in front of it: 'lo opuesto'.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: opuesto
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'opposite ideas' in Spanish?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'opuesto' a verb?
Technically, 'opuesto' is the past participle of the verb 'oponer' (to oppose), but it is most commonly used on its own as an adjective or a noun.
What is the difference between 'opuesto' and 'contrario'?
They are very similar! 'Opuesto' often refers to physical location (opposite side), while 'contrario' is more common for clashing ideas, though they are often interchangeable.