al contrario

on the contrary

al contrario(ahl kohn-trah-ryoh)

phrase

1. (used to state that the opposite is true)

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.

2. (facing the opposite direction)

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.

b. back to front

Llevas el suéter al contrario.

Your sweater is on back to front.

3. (with the inner part on the outside)

a. inside out

Tienes un calcetín al contrario.

One of your socks is inside out.