How to Say "opponent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “opponent” is “rival” — use 'rival' when referring to a competitor specifically in sports or games, often in a direct, competitive match..
rival
ree-VAHL/riˈβal/
Examples
El equipo perdió contra su rival directo en la final.
The team lost against their direct rival in the final.
Ella es mi rival principal por el puesto de trabajo.
She is my main competitor for the job position.
Los dos países han sido rivales históricos.
The two countries have been historical rivals.
Gender is Flexible
The word 'rival' itself never changes its ending. To show if the person is male or female, you only change the article: 'el rival' (male competitor) or 'la rival' (female competitor).
Confusing 'rival' and 'enemigo'
Mistake: “Using 'enemigo' (enemy) when you mean 'rival'.”
Correction: A rival is usually someone you compete against fairly (like in sports). An 'enemigo' is someone you have a hostile or hateful relationship with. They are not always the same!
oponente
/oh-poh-NEN-teh//opoˈnente/
Examples
Mi oponente en el ajedrez es muy inteligente.
My opponent in chess is very smart.
Los dos oponentes se saludaron antes del partido.
The two opponents greeted each other before the match.
Debemos respetar a nuestro oponente político.
We must respect our political opponent.
Existen fuerzas oponentes en este conflicto.
There are opposing forces in this conflict.
One word for both genders
This word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. To show the gender, just change the word 'the' or 'a' before it: 'el oponente' (the male opponent) or 'la oponente' (the female opponent).
Describing things
When using this as a describing word (adjective), it must match the number of what you are describing. Use 'oponente' for one thing and 'oponentes' for multiple things.
Don't say 'oponenta'
Mistake: “La oponenta.”
Correction: La oponente.
contrario
/kon-TRAH-ree-oh//konˈtɾa.ɾjo/
Examples
Pensé que llovería, pero ocurrió todo lo contrario.
I thought it would rain, but quite the opposite happened.
¿Es bueno o malo? Depende del contrario.
Is it good or bad? It depends on the opposite (situation).
No estoy de acuerdo. Al contrario, creo que deberíamos esperar.
I don't agree. On the contrary, I think we should wait.
Fixed Phrases
When used in the common fixed phrases like 'al contrario' and 'por el contrario,' 'contrario' acts like an adverb, modifying the whole sentence to introduce a contrast.
Misusing 'On the Contrary'
Mistake: “Using 'en contrario' to mean 'on the contrary.'”
Correction: Always use 'al contrario' or 'por el contrario.' The article 'el' is necessary.
oponente
/oh-poh-NEN-teh//opoˈnente/
Examples
Existen fuerzas oponentes en este conflicto.
There are opposing forces in this conflict.
Mi oponente en el ajedrez es muy inteligente.
My opponent in chess is very smart.
Los dos oponentes se saludaron antes del partido.
The two opponents greeted each other before the match.
Debemos respetar a nuestro oponente político.
We must respect our political opponent.
One word for both genders
This word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. To show the gender, just change the word 'the' or 'a' before it: 'el oponente' (the male opponent) or 'la oponente' (the female opponent).
Describing things
When using this as a describing word (adjective), it must match the number of what you are describing. Use 'oponente' for one thing and 'oponentes' for multiple things.
Don't say 'oponenta'
Mistake: “La oponenta.”
Correction: La oponente.
Rival vs. Oponente
Related Translations
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