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How to Say "contrary" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contrario

/kon-TRAH-ree-oh//konˈtɾa.ɾjo/

adjectiveA1general
Use 'contrario' when expressing that something is in opposition or disagreement, often implying conflicting ideas or principles.
A storybook illustration showing a bright red apple placed on the far left of a green hill and a bright blue apple placed on the far right of the same hill, emphasizing opposite positions.

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-stoh/oˈpwesto/

adjectiveB1general
Choose 'opuesto' when highlighting a direct contrast or opposite nature between things, people, or ideas, emphasizing a clear divergence.
A happy sun and a grumpy rain cloud side by side.

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'.

Contrario vs. Opuesto

Learners often confuse 'contrario' and 'opuesto' because both can mean 'opposite.' Remember that 'contrario' leans more towards disagreement or conflict, while 'opuesto' emphasizes a more direct, polar opposite.

Related Translations

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