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How to Say "the reverse" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “the reverse” is “contrario” — use 'contrario' when referring to an outcome, idea, or situation that is the opposite of what was expected or stated..

English → Spanish

contrario

/kon-TRAH-ree-oh//konˈtɾa.ɾjo/

nounA2general
Use 'contrario' when referring to an outcome, idea, or situation that is the opposite of what was expected or stated.
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-stoh/oˈpwesto/

nounB1general
Use 'opuesto' when directly contrasting two people, things, or concepts that are fundamentally different.
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.

Contrario vs. Opuesto

Learners often confuse 'contrario' and 'opuesto' by using them interchangeably. Remember, 'contrario' is best for unexpected outcomes or contrary ideas, while 'opuesto' emphasizes a direct contrast between two distinct entities.

Related Translations

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