How to Say "opponent" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “opponent” is “rival” — use 'rival' when referring to a competitor in sports or games, especially in a direct and often long-standing competition.
rival
ree-VAHLriˈβal
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-tehopoˈnente
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.
adversario
ad-ber-SA-ryoaðβeɾˈsaɾjo
Examples
El equipo saludó al adversario al final del partido.
The team greeted the opponent at the end of the game.
En política, es importante respetar al adversario.
In politics, it is important to respect your rival.
No debes subestimar a un adversario tan inteligente.
You shouldn't underestimate such an intelligent adversary.
Describing the 'Other Side'
This word acts as a naming word (noun) for a person or group you are competing against. It usually takes 'el' or 'un' because it is masculine.
Using 'de' for connection
To say whose opponent they are, use the word 'de'. For example: 'el adversario de Juan' (Juan's opponent).
Opponent vs. Enemy
Mistake: “Using 'enemigo' for a soccer match.”
Correction: Use 'adversario' or 'rival' for games. 'Enemigo' is much stronger and implies hatred or war.
contrario
kon-TRAH-ree-ohkonˈtɾa.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.
opositor
oh-poh-see-tohropoˈsitoɾ
Examples
Es un fuerte opositor a la nueva ley de transporte.
He is a strong opponent of the new transport law.
Los opositores al régimen fueron arrestados.
The opponents of the regime were arrested.
El principal opositor del alcalde criticó su discurso.
The mayor's main opponent criticized his speech.
Using with 'a' and 'de'
You can be an 'opositor a' (opponent to a plan) or 'opositor de' (opponent of a person/group).
Opositor vs. Oponente
Mistake: “El opositor en el partido de tenis fue muy difícil.”
Correction: El oponente/rival en el partido de tenis fue muy difícil.
anti
AHN-teeˈan.ti
Examples
Los antis del proyecto se manifestaron ayer.
The opponents of the project protested yesterday.
Había más antis que seguidores en el evento.
There were more detractors than followers at the event.
Plural Form
When used as a noun for people, we usually say 'los antis' to refer to a group of opponents.
Gender Consistency
Mistake: “Saying 'las anti' for a group of women.”
Correction: Even though it ends in 'i', it usually stays 'los antis' or 'las antis' depending on the group gender.
oponente
oh-poh-NEN-tehopoˈnente
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.
Confusing Competition vs. Disagreement
Related Translations
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