contrario
nounCEFR B2
What does “contrario” mean in English?
opposite — the contrary or reverse of something; also an opponent
opposite — the contrary or reverse of something; also an opponent (al contrario; por el contrario)
Example sentences
Al contrario de lo que se esperaba, los resultados mostraron una correlación negativa entre las variables.
Contrary to what was expected, the results showed a negative correlation between the variables.
El informe no minimiza los riesgos; por el contrario, los amplifica con datos estadísticos actualizados.
The report does not minimise the risks; on the contrary, it amplifies them with updated statistical data.
Pensábamos que la negociación sería difícil, pero ocurrió todo lo contrario: se resolvió en una reunión.
We thought the negotiation would be difficult, but quite the opposite happened: it was resolved in one meeting.
How to use it
El contrario (noun, masculine) means 'the opposite' or 'the contrary'. Key discourse markers: al contrario (on the contrary); por el contrario (on the other hand/contrary — more formal); todo lo contrario (quite the opposite). As an adjective, contrario/a means 'opposing' or 'contrary'. Key collocations: al contrario de; en sentido contrario; el equipo contrario. The phrase al contrario is essential at B2 for expressing disagreement or contrast.
Common mistake
Al contrario (conversational) vs. por el contrario (formal written Spanish) — both mean 'on the contrary'. Todo lo contrario = quite the opposite (emphatic). En contra de (against) and en sentido contrario (in the opposite direction) are related phrases. Do not use *al contrario que as a conjunction — use al contrario de + noun.