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"Contra" is a form of "contra", a preposition which is often translated as "against". "Hacia" is a form of "hacia", a preposition which is often translated as "toward". Learn more about the difference between "contra" and "hacia" below.
contra(
kohn
-
trah
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
1. (opposition)
a. against
Boca Juniors juega contra Santos este sábado.Boca Juniors plays against Santos this Saturday.
2. (position)
a. against
Pon este libro en el librero que está contra aquella pared, por favor.Put this book in the bookcase that is against that wall, please.
3. (direction)
A masculine noun is used with masculine articles and adjectives (e.g., el hombre guapo, el sol amarillo).
a. con
Antes de invertir, examine los pros y los contras.Before you invest, examine the pros and cons.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
6. (medicine) (Chile) (Colombia) (Nicaragua) (Venezuela)
Regionalism used in Chile
Regionalism used in Colombia
Regionalism used in Nicaragua
Regionalism used in Venezuela
7. (sports)
a. counterpunch
Le propinó una contra a su rival que le partió el labio.She landed a counterpunch on her opponent which split her lip.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
8. (colloquial) (to express surprise)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
a. damn (colloquial)
A word or phrase that is commonly used in conversational speech (e.g., skinny, grandma).
¡Contra, qué calor hace aquí!Damn, it's hot in here!
hacia(
ah
-
syah
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. toward (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
Tenemos que ir ya hacia la salida.We have to go toward the way out.
b. towards (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
Camina hacia la iglesia y vira a la izquierda antes del parque.Walk towards the church and then take a left before the park.
a. toward (United States)
Regionalism used in the United States
El comportamiento de los alumnos hacia la nueva profesora es impecable.The students' behavior toward the new teacher is impeccable.
b. towards (United Kingdom)
Regionalism used in the United Kingdom
La actitud de la camarera hacia los clientes era preocupante.The waitress' attitude towards the clients was worrisome.
