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"Otherwise" is a conjunction which is often translated as "de lo contrario", and "or else" is a phrase which is often translated as "si no". Learn more about the difference between "otherwise" and "or else" below.
otherwise(
uh
-
thuhr
-
wayz
)A conjunction is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences (e.g., The cat and the dog slept.).
a. de lo contrario
I hope we have good weather, otherwise I'll be disappointed.Espero que nos haga buen tiempo, de lo contrario me llevaré una desilusión.
An adverb is a word that describes a verb, an adjective, or other adverbs (e.g., to run quickly, very tired).
a. por lo demás
My cat is sick, but otherwise it's a great day.Mi gato está enfermo, pero por lo demás es un día excelente.
b. aparte de eso
Jeremy just got divorced. Otherwise, his life is going well.Jeremy se acaba de divorciar. Aparte de eso, su vida va bien.
c. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Apart from her long, flowing hair, Ruby was an otherwise plain girl.Aparte de su larga cabellera, no había más que hiciera destacar a Ruby.
The café provided a welcome relief in an otherwise dreary neighborhood.El café proporcionaba un bienvenido alivio en lo que si no era un barrio deprimente.
d. otramente (old-fashioned)
A word or phrase that is seldom used in contemporary language and is recognized as being from another decade, (e.g., cat, groovy).
It had been an otherwise ordinary day until that fortuitous visit.Había sido un día otramente ordinario hasta esa visita fortuita.
a. de lo contrario
Jake is determined to join the military and I'm not sure we can persuade him otherwise.Jake está decidido a alistarse y no creo que seamos capaces de convencerlo de lo contrario.
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Unless otherwise specified, all times given are Eastern Standard Time.A menos que se especifique lo contrario, todas las horas se refieren a la hora estándar del este.
Unless otherwise stated in the contract, the term shall not exceed 12 months.Salvo indicación contraria en el contrato, el plazo no excederá los 12 meses.
or else(
or
ehls
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
1. (contrarily)
a. si no
You need to pay us, or else we can no longer do business with you.Necesitas pagarnos; si no, ya no podemos hacer negocios contigo.
b. de lo contrario
You need to ask questions when you have them, or else I won't be able to help you.Necesitan hacer preguntas cuando las tengan; de lo contrario no podré ayudarles.
An interjection is a short utterance that expresses emotion, hesitation, or protest (e.g., Wow!).
2. (informal) (expressing threat)
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
b. o te vas a enterar
Go tell your brother you're sorry, or else!Anda a disculparte con tu hermano, ¡o ya te vas a enterar!
