How to Say "to gainsay" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to gainsay” is “contradecir” — B1 level.
Examples
No me gusta que me contradigan en público.
I don't like it when people contradict me in public.
Sus acciones contradicen sus palabras.
His actions contradict his words.
Es importante no contradecirse durante el juicio.
It is important not to contradict oneself during the trial.
It acts like 'decir' (mostly)
This word follows the pattern of 'decir' (to say). However, in the future tense, use 'contradeciré' instead of 'contradiré'.
The 'G' and 'J' changes
Just like 'decir,' it gains a 'g' in the 'yo' form (contradigo) and uses a 'j' for the past tense (contradije).
The past tense 'they' form
Mistake: “Ellos contradicieron.”
Correction: Say 'Ellos contradijeron'. Verbs with a 'j' in the past drop the 'i' in the 'they' ending.
The command form
Mistake: “¡No me contradi!”
Correction: Say '¡No me contradigas!' or '¡Contradice!' for the affirmative. It doesn't use the short 'di' form that 'decir' uses.
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.