lo contrario
/lo kontɾaɾjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "the opposite" is translated into Spanish as lo contrario.
lo contrario is typically used to refer to an opposite idea, opinion or situation.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the neuter article lo and the adjective contrario (opposite/contrary).
Which one should you use?
lo contrario is typically used to refer to an opposite idea, opinion or situation, whereas el opuesto (masculine) or la opuesta (feminine) is more commonly used when referring to a specific physical or mathematical opposite (like a pole or a number). Additionally, lo opuesto can also be used to mean 'the opposite' or 'the opposing thing'.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because it uses the neuter article lo, lo contrario functions as a noun phrase that does not change gender to match a preceding noun. It remains constant regardless of whether the subject was masculine or feminine.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo kontɾaɾjo/
Did you know?
- The word lo in lo contrario comes from the Latin illud, which was used for neuter nouns. While Spanish mostly lost its neuter gender for nouns, it kept it for articles like lo to turn adjectives into abstract concepts.
- The word 'contrario' in Spanish can also be used as a noun to describe a person who always takes the opposing view in an argument.
- While lo contrario refers to an opposite idea, the phrase al contrario is used as a conversational filler meaning 'on the contrary'. It is often used to politely correct someone's assumption about a person's feelings.
Examples in context
- Mi opinión es lo contrario.My opinion is the opposite.This sentence is useful for expressing that a specific opinion is the opposite.Tatoeba #4934754 by DarkHollow, translation #4933870 by konkorde
- Sigo opinando lo contrario.I still think the opposite.This sentence is useful for stating that one continues to think the opposite.Tatoeba #5716523 by arh, translation #5827433 by arh
- No puedo decir lo contrario.I can't say the opposite.This sentence is useful for saying that one cannot say the opposite.Tatoeba #449801 by Shishir, translation #2384 by Eldad
- caliente es el antónimo de fríohot is the antonym of cold
- No conozco a nadieI don't know anybody
- Nunca voy allíI never go there
- No tengo ningún libroI don't have any books
- lo contrario de feliz es tristethe opposite of happy is sad
- queda descartado que bueno sea lo opuesto a maloit's ruled out that good is the opposite of bad
- 19 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing whether the movie was good or bad.
- Elena¿Crees que la película fue aburrida?Do you think the movie was boring?
- DanielNo, creo lo contrario.No, I think the opposite.
- Elena¿Entonces te gustó mucho?So you liked it a lot?
- DanielSí, fue muy emocionante.Yes, it was very exciting.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contrario, lo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
