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How to Say "conflicting" in Spanish

English → Spanish

opuesto

oh-PWEH-stohoˈpwesto

adjectiveB1general
Use 'opuesto' when describing opinions, interests, or viewpoints that are directly contrary or opposing each other.
A happy sun and a grumpy rain cloud side by side.

Examples

Sus ideas sobre la política eran completamente opuestas.

Their ideas about politics were completely conflicting (opposite).

Tienen opiniones opuestas sobre la película.

They have opposite (conflicting) opinions about the movie.

El blanco y el negro son colores opuestos.

Black and white are opposite colors.

Describing Ideas

When 'opuesto' describes an idea, it usually comes after the noun, like 'ideas opuestas'.

encontrado

en-kon-TRA-doen.konˈtɾa.ðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'encontrado' to describe interests or sentiments that are in disagreement or clash, often implying a struggle or opposition.
A stylized human figure whose body is split down the middle, with one half colored bright red (joy) and the other half colored deep blue (sadness), illustrating conflicting emotions.

Examples

Había un interés encontrado entre los dos grupos sobre el uso de la tierra.

There was a conflicting interest between the two groups regarding land use.

El perro encontrado en el parque ya está con su familia.

The found dog in the park is already with its family.

Tengo sentimientos encontrados sobre irme a vivir a otro país.

I have mixed feelings about going to live in another country.

Tenemos opiniones encontradas sobre ese tema.

We have conflicting opinions on that topic.

A Describing Word That Changes

When 'encontrado' is used to describe something, it has to match the thing it's describing. It changes for masculine/feminine and singular/plural: el objeto encontrado (the found object), la carta encontrada (the found letter), los tesoros encontrados (the found treasures).

mezclado

mess-KLAH-dohmesˈklaðo

adjectiveB1general
Use 'mezclado' when referring to feelings or emotions that are mixed or blended together, creating a complex, sometimes contradictory, emotional state.
A simple character with a facial expression that shows both a smile and a small tear, representing a mix of feelings.

Examples

Sentí una emoción mezclada al dejar mi ciudad natal.

I felt a mixed (conflicting) emotion when leaving my hometown.

Siento un sentimiento mezclado de alegría y tristeza.

I feel a mixed feeling of joy and sadness.

Las opiniones sobre la nueva ley están mezcladas.

Opinions about the new law are mixed.

Él tiene un origen familiar mezclado.

He has a mixed family background.

Use with Sentiments

Just like in English, you can use this word to describe when you feel two different things at once.

Confusing with 'Mestizo'

Mistake: “Él es mezclado.”

Correction: Él es de origen mezclado (or use 'mestizo'). Saying 'él es mezclado' sounds like he was put in a blender. It's better to describe the 'origin' or 'blood' as mixed.

Confusing 'opuesto' with 'encontrado'

Learners often confuse 'opuesto' and 'encontrado'. Remember that 'opuesto' is for direct opposition (like two opposing sides), while 'encontrado' implies interests or desires that clash or are in disagreement, potentially causing friction.

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