Inklingo

How to Say "the opposite" in Spanish

English → Spanish

contrario

kon-TRAH-ree-ohkonˈtɾa.ɾjo

nounA2general
Use 'contrario' when referring to the opposite concept, idea, or outcome, often implying a surprising or unexpected reversal.
A storybook illustration of a single circle split vertically down the middle, depicting opposite concepts. The left half is bright yellow with a smiling sun (day), and the right half is deep indigo blue with a simple white crescent moon (night).

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.

opuesto

oh-PWEH-stohoˈpwesto

nounB1general
Use 'opuesto' to describe someone or something that is the direct reverse or antithesis of another person or thing.
A black cat and a white cat sitting back to back.

Examples

Él es justo lo opuesto a su hermano.

He is just the opposite of his brother.

Sucedió todo lo opuesto.

The exact opposite happened.

inverso

een-VEHR-sohinˈbeɾso

nounB2general
Use 'inverso' when describing an action or result that is the exact contrary of what was previously done or requested, emphasizing a direct reversal of action.
A pair of socks where one is bright yellow with black spots and the other is black with bright yellow spots.

Examples

Hizo exactamente lo inverso de lo que le pedí.

He did exactly the opposite of what I asked him.

El inverso de dos es un medio.

The inverse of two is one half.

Lo inverso también es una posibilidad.

The reverse is also a possibility.

Using 'Lo'

When you want to say 'the opposite' as a general concept, use the neuter article 'lo' followed by 'inverso'.

Using 'el' instead of 'lo'

Mistake: “El inverso es cierto.”

Correction: Lo inverso es cierto.

Contrario vs. Opuesto

Learners often confuse 'contrario' and 'opuesto.' Remember that 'contrario' usually refers to an opposite outcome or idea, while 'opuesto' is typically used for direct opposites in terms of characteristics or identity.

Related Translations

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