paradoja
nounCEFR B2
What does “paradoja” mean in English?
paradox — a statement that seems contradictory but may be true; an ironic situation
paradox — a statement that seems contradictory but may be true; an ironic situation (paradoja del crecimiento; caer en una paradoja)
Example sentences
La paradoja del crecimiento es que más riqueza no siempre se traduce en mayor bienestar subjetivo.
The paradox of growth is that more wealth does not always translate into greater subjective wellbeing.
Paradójicamente, los países con mayor libertad de prensa son a veces los más críticos de sus propios medios.
Paradoxically, the countries with the greatest press freedom are sometimes the most critical of their own media.
El médico señaló la paradoja de que las personas más informadas sobre salud no siempre son las más sanas.
The doctor pointed to the paradox that the most health-informed people are not always the healthiest.
How to use it
La paradoja (noun, feminine) means 'paradox' — a statement or situation that appears contradictory but may contain a deeper truth. Key collocations: la paradoja de + noun; caer en una paradoja; paradójicamente (adverb); la paradoja del crecimiento; paradoja de la elección (choice paradox). Distinguish from contradicción (contradiction — a logical inconsistency) and dilema (dilemma — a choice between two difficult options). Paradójicamente is an important B2 discourse adverb.
Common mistake
Paradoja (apparent contradiction with insight) ≠ contradicción (logical impossibility). Paradójicamente is a key connective adverb at B2. La paradoja de + noun is the standard construction. 'To be paradoxical' = ser paradójico/a. Don't confuse with dilema (a genuine dilemma — two difficult choices).