Which one should you use?
While both contrario and opposto can mean 'opposite', they are used in different contexts. contrario is typically used for abstract concepts or logical contradictions. In contrast, opposto is more frequently used for physical positions or direct opposites, such as north and south.
How does it change in a sentence?
Although contrario is a noun, it can also function as an adjective. As an adjective, it must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. The masculine singular is contrario, the feminine singular is contraria, the masculine plural is contrari and the feminine plural is contrarie. The noun Contrarietà refers specifically to the state of being contrary or opposing.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable: /konˈtra.rjo/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, al contrario is not just used for logical arguments but also as a common instruction for flipping an object or wearing a piece of clothing inside out.
- The noun contrarietà is often used in Italian to describe an unexpected setback or an obstacle that goes against one's plans, rather than just a theoretical state of opposition.
- In Italian music notation, contrario can appear in the context of 'moto contrario', referring to voices moving in opposite directions.
Examples in context
- Non ho prove del contrario.I have no proof to the contrary.This sentence shows how to use contrario to mean 'to the contrary'.Tatoeba #3287932 by Guybrush88, translation #51118 by CM
- Ciò che ha detto è contrario ai fatti.What he has said is contrary to fact.This sentence demonstrates how contrario can describe something being contrary to facts.Tatoeba #12516664 by Guybrush88, translation #287904 by Dejo
- Eppure, è sempre vero anche il contrario.And yet, the contrary is always true as well.This sentence shows how to use contrario when saying 'the contrary is true'.Tatoeba #4414 by Pharamp, translation #1637 by pyrachi
- Questa idea è opposta alla miaThis idea is contrary to mine
- Non riesco a capire la sua contrarietàI can't understand his opposition
- Non penso che sia vero. Anzi, al contrario!I don't think it's true. On the contrary!
- Abbiamo opinioni contrapposte su questo argomentoWe have opposing opinions on this topic
- Noi abbiamo idee diverse su questa questioneWe have contrary opinions on this matter
- Le loro reazioni sono sempre all'opposto delle mieTheir reactions are always the opposite of mine
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Matteo are discussing a project's outcome.
- MartinaPenso che questo piano funzionerà.I think this plan will work.
- MatteoIo credo proprio il contrario, Martina.I believe exactly the opposite, Martina.
- MartinaPerché pensi che accadrà il contrario?Why do you think the opposite will happen?
- MatteoPerché non abbiamo abbastanza tempo.Because we do not have enough time.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry contrario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
