Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| contra | /kontɾa/ |
| en contra de | /en kontɾa de/ (from spelling rules) |
| en pugna de | /en puɡna de/ (from spelling rules) |
| al opósito de | /al oposito de/ (from spelling rules) |
| en contrario de | /en kontɾaɾjo de/ (from spelling rules) |
You can use the preposition contra directly before a noun, but when you want to express your opinion or stance regarding a specific idea or proposal, it is more common to use the adverbial phrase estar en contra.
Which one should you use?
While contra is a direct preposition used before a noun (e.g., contra la ley), en contra de is a prepositional phrase that is more commonly used to express an opinion or stance (e.g., estoy en contra de la idea). Other forms include en pugna de, al opósito de and en contrario de.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the phrase en oposición a can be used to convey the idea of 'against' in a formal context. In Spain, the phrase en contra is widely used both formally and informally to convey 'against'.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontɾa/
Did you know?
- The term pugna used in the phrase en pugna de shares the same Latin root as the English word 'pugilist', referring to a fighter or boxer.
- In Spanish, the phrase ir contra is used not only for opposition but also to describe something that defies logic or nature, like a 'law of nature'.
- The word contra is a direct inheritance from Latin contrā, which is also the root for the English word 'contrast'.
Examples in context
- Yo estoy en contra.I'm against it.This sentence shows how to use the form contra to express being against something.Tatoeba #1393733 by Shishir, translation #1356958 by sacredceltic
- Nadie votó en contra.No one voted against it.This sentence uses contra to describe voting against something.Tatoeba #1387981 by marcelostockle, translation #804297 by Source_VOA
- ¿Está ella contra ti?Is she against you?This sentence uses contra to ask if someone is against another person.Tatoeba #13436469 by Seael, translation #13436464 by rul
- Estoy en contra de esa leyI am against that law
- Estamos en desacuerdo con la decisión del gobiernoWe are against the government's decision
- Estamos en contra de lo que hicieronWe are against what they did
- 383 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Elena are discussing a new rule at work.
- MateoYo estoy contra el nuevo horario.I am against the new schedule.
- Elena¿Por qué piensas eso, Mateo?Why do you think that, Mateo?
- MateoEs injusto contra los empleados nocturnos.It is unfair against the night employees.
- ElenaTienes razón, Elena está de acuerdo contigo.You are right, Elena agrees with you.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “against” translations and entries contra, en contra de, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contra, de, en, pugna, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
