Inklingo

How to Say "contradiction" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contradicción

nounB1general
Use 'contradicción' when there is a direct clash between two statements, facts, or actions that cannot both be true simultaneously.

Examples

Hay una contradicción en tu historia; primero dijiste que estabas en casa.

There is a contradiction in your story; first you said you were at home.

paradoja

/pah-rah-DOH-hah//paɾaˈðoxa/

nounB2general
Use 'paradoja' for a situation or statement that seems contradictory or absurd but may be true, often pointing to a deeper, unexpected reality.
A colorful storybook illustration of a staircase that seems to go both up and down at the same time in a continuous loop.

Examples

Es una paradoja que, teniendo tanta tecnología para ahorrar tiempo, cada vez estemos más ocupados.

It is a paradox that, having so much technology to save time, we are increasingly busier.

La famosa paradoja del huevo y la gallina siempre genera debate.

The famous chicken and egg paradox always generates debate.

Vivir en una ciudad tan ruidosa para buscar la paz parece una paradoja.

Living in such a noisy city to look for peace seems like a contradiction.

Gender Identification

Even though it is an abstract concept, 'paradoja' ends in '-a' and is feminine. You must always use feminine markers like 'la', 'una', or 'esta'.

Using it with 'que'

When explaining a paradox, we often say 'la paradoja de que...' followed by a sentence describing the contradiction.

Spelling Confusion

Mistake:La paradoxa

Correction: La paradoja. In Spanish, the 'x' from the Latin root changed to a 'j' sound, similar to how 'Texas' is pronounced 'Tejas'.

Contradicción vs. Paradoja

Learners often confuse 'contradicción' and 'paradoja' by using 'paradoja' for simple disagreements. Remember, 'contradicción' is a direct conflict, while 'paradoja' describes a more complex, often counterintuitive situation.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.