de lo contrario
adverbCEFR B2
What does “de lo contrario” mean in English?
otherwise — in other circumstances; or else; if that is not the case
otherwise — in other circumstances; or else; if that is not the case (hay que solicitar a tiempo; de lo contrario, se archiva)
Example sentences
Debes salir ahora; de lo contrario, llegarás tarde.
You must leave now; otherwise you will be late.
Sigue las instrucciones al pie de la letra; de lo contrario, fallará.
Follow the instructions to the letter; otherwise it will fail.
Paga antes del viernes; de lo contrario, se anulará el pedido.
Pay before Friday; otherwise the order will be cancelled.
How to use it
'De lo contrario' means otherwise — if not, or else. It is a fixed three-word connective used to introduce the negative consequence of not fulfilling a condition. Equivalent to 'si no' (if not) but more formal. It usually begins the second clause.
Common mistake
Don't confuse 'de lo contrario' (otherwise/if not) with 'por el contrario' (on the contrary) — these introduce opposite logical relationships.