de otra manera
/de otɾa maneɾa/from spelling rules
The English word 'otherwise' can be translated into Spanish as de otra manera. Wiktionary also lists otramente.
Meaning: differently, in another way (adv)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| de otra manera | /de otɾa maneɾa/ (from spelling rules) |
| otramente | /ˌotɾaˈmente/ |
The phrase is used as an adverb to indicate that something is done or occurs differently, or in another way.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase de otra manera is composed of de (of/from), otra (another) and manera (way/manner).
Which one should you use?
While de otra manera is a standard way to express this, you may also use the synonym de otro modo interchangeably in most contexts. The form otramente is an archaic adverbial form that is no longer used in modern standard Spanish.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For formal situations, you can use the expression de lo contrario. In legal or contractual contexts, the formal term en caso contrario is commonly used to express 'otherwise'.
How do you pronounce it?
/de otɾa maneɾa/
Did you know?
- The word manera in de otra manera descends from the Latin word manuārius, which relates to the word for 'hand'.
- Spanish has a distinct split between 'otherwise' as a method (de otra manera) and 'otherwise' as a logical alternative (de lo contrario).
- While de otra manera is common, using otramente today would make a speaker sound like they are reciting a text from the Middle Ages.
Examples in context
- Déjalo ser de otra manera.Let it be otherwise.This sentence shows how to use de otra manera to describe a state of being.Tatoeba #5569186 by albrusgher, translation #5095233 by mhenderson5
- La madre decidió de otra manera.Mother decided otherwise.This sentence illustrates the use of de otra manera regarding a decision.Tatoeba #5566135 by albrusgher, translation #1540800 by Scott
- Yo lo recomendaría de otra manera.I would recommend otherwise.This sentence demonstrates using de otra manera to describe how something is recommended.Tatoeba #5566145 by albrusgher, translation #4499667 by CK
- Necesitamos recibir el informe lo antes posible. De lo contrario, no podremos avanzar con el proyecto.We need to receive the report as soon as possible, otherwise, we won't be able to proceed with the project.
- Debes entregar tu informe antes de la fecha límite, de lo contrario, se te penalizará.You must submit your report before the deadline, otherwise, you will be penalized.
- El cliente debe cumplir con los términos pactados. En caso contrario, se tomarán acciones legales.The client must comply with the agreed terms, otherwise, legal actions will be taken.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Mateo are discussing a work project.
- María¿Crees que podemos presentarlo de otra manera?Do you think we can present it differently?
- MateoNo lo sé, María, parece que no.I don't know, María, it seems like we can't.
- MaríaPero Mateo, hay que intentar algo distinto.But Mateo, we must try something different.
- MateoTienes razón, lo intentaremos de otra manera.You're right, we will try it in another way.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “otherwise” translations and entries otramente, 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 de, manera, otramente, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
