Spanish vocabulary · Beginner
Opposite in Spanish: Opuesto, Contrario, Enfrente, and More
Opuesto / Opuesta · adjective · oh-PWEHS-toh / oh-PWEHS-tah
Opposite in Spanish is most commonly opuesto (adjective, masculine) or opuesta (feminine). For expressing the opposite idea, you can also use contrario. When describing physical location — directly across from something — use enfrente. The phrase al revés covers the sense of reversed or the other way around.
Pronounce opuesto as oh-PWEHS-toh. The ue combination forms a diphthong, so both vowels blend into one syllable. Stress falls on the second syllable.
Nuestras opiniones son completamente opuestas.
Our opinions are completely opposite.
Opposite in Spanish: Quick Reference
Below are the most common Spanish words for opposite, with pronunciation and regional usage notes.
| Spanish | English | Pronunciation | Region / Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| opuesto / opuesta | opposite | oh-PWEHS-toh / oh-PWEHS-tah | Default, widely understood |
| contrario | opposite | contrary / the opposite (noun or adjective) | |
| enfrente | opposite | physically opposite, across from | |
| al revés | opposite | the other way around / reversed |
How Native Speakers Use Opuesto / Opuesta
Real example sentences across three contexts you'll actually run into.
Describing opposite ideas
Ella piensa lo opuesto de lo que yo pienso.
She thinks the opposite of what I think.
Opuesto used as a noun with the neuter article lo.
Physical location (across from)
La farmacia está enfrente del hospital.
The pharmacy is opposite the hospital.
Enfrente de is the standard phrase for physically across from.
The other way around
No es así, es al revés: primero pagas y luego entras.
It's not like that, it's the opposite: first you pay and then you enter.
Al revés conveys reversal of order or direction.
Using contrario
Todo salió al contrario de lo que esperábamos.
Everything turned out the opposite of what we expected.
Al contrario de is a common phrase meaning contrary to.
Avoid These Mistakes When Using Opuesto / Opuesta
Using enfrente for abstract opposition
Incorrect: Mi idea es enfrente de la tuya.
Correct: Mi idea es opuesta a la tuya.
Enfrente is for physical position (across from). For ideas, beliefs, or opinions, use opuesto or contrario.
Forgetting gender agreement on opuesto
Incorrect: Las direcciones son opuesto.
Correct: Las direcciones son opuestas.
Opuesto must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: opuesto/opuesta/opuestos/opuestas.
Lock in Opposite Vocabulary with the Parrot Method
Why word lists alone don't stick
Memorizing a translation feels productive, but most learners forget 70% of what they studied within 48 hours. Vocabulary needs spaced repetition AND real-world exposure to transfer to long-term memory.
See Opuesto / Opuesta used by native speakers
Parrot's short-form videos feature native speakers using opuesto / opuesta in real situations. Context-based exposure beats flashcards, you hear Nuestras opiniones son completamente opuestas. while watching someone live the moment, connecting meaning, sound, and rhythm at once.
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Common Questions About Opposite in Spanish
- How do you say opposite in Spanish?
- The main translation is opuesto (masculine) or opuesta (feminine). For example: Son ideas opuestas means They are opposite ideas. You can also use contrario as a synonym.
- What is the difference between opuesto, contrario, and enfrente?
- Opuesto and contrario both describe abstract opposition (ideas, opinions). Enfrente means physically across from a location. Al revés means the other way around or reversed.
- How do you say across from in Spanish?
- Use enfrente de for across from: El banco está enfrente de la iglesia means The bank is across from the church.