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"Por el contrario" is a phrase which is often translated as "on the contrary", and "al contrario" is a phrase which is also often translated as "on the contrary". Learn more about the difference between "por el contrario" and "al contrario" below.
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.
al contrario(
ahl
kohn
-
trah
-
ryoh
)A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
a. on the contrary
¿Te importa si abro la ventana? - Al contrario, por favor, abre.Do you mind if I open the window? - On the contrary, please do.
b. quite the opposite
No me disgusta que salgas con Lupita; al contrario, me parece que hacen buena pareja.I don't disapprove of you going out with Lupita. Quite the opposite, I think you make a lovely couple.
c. quite the contrary
Disculpa que me presente así sin llamar. - Al contrario, estás en tu casa.I'm sorry for coming by without calling first. - Quite the contrary, make yourself at home.
d. far from it
Nadie se enojó conmigo por decir lo que dije, al contrario.No one was angry with me for saying what I said; far from it.
a. the other way around
Ponte mirando al contrario, para que no te dé el sol en los ojos.Turn the other way around so the sun is not in your eyes.
