au contraire
/o kɔ̃.tʁɛːʁ/
The English phrase "on the contrary" is translated into French as au contraire.
The phrase can be used as a standalone response to a question or statement to express strong disagreement or to correct a misconception.
Meaning: opposite (prep_phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of au (to the) and contraire (opposite/contrary).
How do you pronounce it?
/o kɔ̃.tʁɛːʁ/
Did you know?
- In French, au contraire is often used to politely correct a compliment. If someone says you are very talented, replying au contraire suggests you feel you still have much to learn.
- While it means 'on the contrary', the word contraire can also describe a person's personality. Calling someone contraire means they are grumpy, perverse or habitually argumentative.
- Unlike the English 'on the contrary', which usually starts a sentence, au contraire is frequently placed at the very end of a sentence in French for dramatic or rhythmic emphasis.
Examples in context
- Malheureusement non ; au contraire.No, unfortunately. On the contrary.Tatoeba #1156998 by sacredceltic, translation #6147478 by sundown
- Mary n'est pas pauvre, au contraire, elle est plutôt riche.Mary is not poor. On the contrary, she is quite rich.Tatoeba #334249 by sysko, translation #31883 by CK
- Au contraire.On the contrary.Tatoeba #8737408 by Julien_PDC, translation #8737406 by shekitten
- J'ai entendu dire que la tâche était facile, mais au contraire , elle est très complexe.I heard that the task was easy, but on the contrary, it is quite complex.
- Certains prétendent que le changement climatique n'est pas réel, mais au contraire , il est scientifiquement prouvé.Some argue that climate change isn't real, but on the contrary, it is scientifically proven.
- Ce film est ennuyeux ? Au contraire, mon frère , il est plein de rebondissements et d'émotions.This movie is boring? On the contrary, my brother, it's full of twists and emotions.
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Nathan are discussing a project at work.
- LéaTu as trouvé ce travail fatigant ?Did you find this work tiring?
- NathanPas du tout, au contraire, c'est passionnant.Not at all, on the contrary, it is exciting.
- LéaJe pensais que tu étais épuisé.I thought you were exhausted.
- NathanNon, je me sens en pleine forme.No, I feel in great shape.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “on the contrary” translations and entries au contraire, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
