What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a combination of the adverb contrairement (contrary/contrarily) and the preposition à (to).
Which one should you use?
contrairement à is used to contrast two subjects or ideas (e.g., 'Unlike X, Y is true'). In contrast, the related form différent de is an adjective used to describe a specific quality (e.g., 'X is different from Y').
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, you may hear the informal expression Pas pareil, which means 'not the same'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When using this phrase, you must always include the preposition à after contrairement, even though the English word 'unlike' does not require a preposition.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.tʁɛʁ.mɑ̃ a/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using contrairement de. English speakers often make this mistake by analogy with différent de, but the only correct preposition to use is à.
Did you know?
- The adjective contraire can be used to describe a person's mood, as in être contraire, which means to be grumpy or contrary in spirit.
- If you want to say something is 'unlike' someone's typical behavior, French speakers often use the phrase pas dans ses habitudes instead of contrairement à.
- In spoken French, you will often hear the term à l'inverse used as a synonym for contrairement à when emphasizing a complete reversal of a situation.
Examples in context
- Contrairement à mon frère, je ne sais pas nager.Unlike my brother, I can't swim.This sentence shows how to contrast two people's abilities.Tatoeba #10711003 by xhlulu, translation #6873425 by CK
- Contrairement à toi, je ne me moque pas des gens en public.Unlike you, I don't make fun of people in public.This sentence provides an example of contrasting personal behavior.Tatoeba #8571676 by Aiji, translation #3717826 by AlanF_US
- Contrairement à l'expression anglaise « fuck you », on ne dit jamais ça à la légère.Unlike the English "fuck you," this is never said lightly.This sentence uses the phrase to contrast an English expression with French usage.Tatoeba #14038802 by Rovo, translation #14038043 by rul
- Contrairement à Jean, Marie aime le chocolat.Unlike Jean, Marie likes chocolate.
- À la différence de son frère, Lucie est végétarienne.Unlike her brother, Lucie is a vegetarian.
- Contrairement à ce que tu penses, j'adore les olives.Contrary to what you think, I love olives.
- 12 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Nathan and Léa are discussing their preferences for the weather.
- NathanJ'adore la pluie et le vent.I love the rain and the wind.
- LéaContrairement à toi, je préfère le soleil.Unlike you, I prefer the sun.
- NathanLe soleil est trop fatiguant.The sun is too tiring.
- LéaC'est étrange, Léa n'est pas d'accord !That's strange, Léa doesn't agree!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry contrairement à, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
