al contrario
Lemma Details
Translation: on the contrary; quite the opposite; conversely
Part of Speech: adverbial phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines the preposition 'a' (to) with the definite article 'el' (the), which contract to form 'al', plus 'contrario' (contrary, opposite). 'Contrario' derives from Latin 'contrarius' (opposite, contrary), which shares the same root as English 'contrary'. The phrase literally means 'to the contrary' and functions similarly to the English expression 'on the contrary'.
Commonality: 80%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
No estoy enfadado, al contrario, estoy muy contento.
I'm not angry, on the contrary, I'm very happy.
No me molesta, al contrario, me parece una buena idea.
It doesn't bother me, quite the opposite, I think it's a good idea.
Pensaba que no te gustaba el jazz, pero al contrario, te encanta.
I thought you didn't like jazz, but on the contrary, you love it.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'contrary' in English - 'al contrario' means 'to the contrary'
- Visualize an arrow pointing in the opposite direction - 'al contrario' indicates moving in the opposite direction of thought
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is commonly used in Spanish conversation and writing to introduce a contrasting idea or to correct a misconception. It's a standard way to politely contradict someone or present an opposing viewpoint.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'al contrario' and 'por el contrario' are very similar in meaning and often interchangeable, 'por el contrario' can sometimes emphasize a stronger opposition or contradiction.
This word:
No me disgusta, al contrario, me encanta.
I don't dislike it, on the contrary, I love it.
Notes: Both phrases are commonly used in everyday Spanish and can often be used interchangeably.
Mnemonic: 'Al' is shorter and more casual, 'por el' is longer and can feel slightly more formal or emphatic.
Explanation: 'Al contrario' directly contradicts a previous statement, while 'en cambio' (on the other hand) simply presents a contrast without necessarily contradicting.
This word:
No es difícil, al contrario, es muy fácil.
It's not difficult, on the contrary, it's very easy.
Confused word:
Juan es alto; María, en cambio, es baja.
Juan is tall; María, on the other hand, is short.
Notes: 'En cambio' presents a contrast but doesn't necessarily negate the previous statement.
Mnemonic: Think of 'al contrario' as saying 'that's wrong, it's actually the opposite' while 'en cambio' is more like saying 'here's a different perspective'.