How to Say "contradiction" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “contradiction” is “contradicción” — use 'contradicción' when there is a direct clash between two statements, facts, or actions that cannot both be true simultaneously..
contradicción
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/

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
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.
