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"De lo contrario" is a phrase which is often translated as "otherwise", and "por el contrario" is a phrase which is often translated as "on the contrary". Learn more about the difference between "de lo contrario" and "por el contrario" below.
de lo contrario(
deh
loh
kohn
-
trah
-
ryoh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. otherwise
Te invito a la fiesta porque quiero que vengas, de lo contrario, no lo haría.I'm inviting you to the party because I want you to come, otherwise I wouldn't do it.
b. or else
Tendría que operarse, de lo contrario, irá perdiendo gradualmente la visión de ese ojo.You should have an operation, or else you'll gradually lose the sight of that eye.
por el contrario(
pohr
ehl
kohn
-
trah
-
ryoh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (general)
a. on the contrary
Claro que no me molesta que hayas venido a verme; por el contrario, me alegra mucho.Of course I don't mind your coming to see me; on the contrary, I'm really pleased about it.
b. on the other hand
Tú eres todavía muy joven; por el contrario, yo ya estoy muy viejo.You are still very young; I, on the other hand, am very old now.
