How to Say "contrary" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “contrary” is “contrario” — use 'contrario' when expressing that two ideas, opinions, or statements are in direct opposition or conflict with each other.
contrario
kon-TRAH-ree-ohkonˈtɾa.ɾjo
Examples
Mi opinión es contraria a la suya.
My opinion is contrary to yours.
Fuimos en direcciones contrarias y nos perdimos.
We went in opposite directions and got lost.
La ley es contraria a mis principios.
The law is against my principles.
Changing Forms
As an adjective, 'contrario' must match the noun it describes in number and gender: 'una idea contraria' (feminine singular) or 'dos puntos contrarios' (masculine plural).
opuesto
oh-PWEH-stohoˈpwesto
Examples
Tienen opiniones opuestas sobre la película.
They have opposite 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'.
adverso
ad-BER-soaðˈβeɾso
Examples
El partido se suspendió por el clima adverso.
The game was suspended due to the unfavorable weather.
Esta medicina no tiene efectos adversos.
This medicine has no adverse effects.
Tuvimos que trabajar en condiciones muy adversas.
We had to work in very hostile conditions.
Matching the word it describes
Just like most Spanish adjectives, this word must match the thing it describes. Use 'adverso' for masculine things (el clima) and 'adversa' for feminine things (la situación).
Position for Emphasis
While you usually put it after the noun (clima adverso), placing it before (adverso clima) makes it sound very poetic or dramatic, which is common in literature.
Adverso vs. Adversario
Mistake: “Using 'adverso' to mean an opponent.”
Correction: Use 'adversario' for a person you are competing against. Use 'adverso' to describe a situation that is working against you.
Contrario vs. Opuesto
Related Translations
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