What does contra in Spanish mean?

What is the meaning of the word contra in Spanish? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use contra in Spanish.

The word contra in Spanish means against, on, cons, contra-, against the clock, in personam lawsuit, lawsuit in personam, help against , help against, opposing bet, opposing wager, bets against, charge at, lunge at, lash out at, mount an attack against, insured against fires, insure the building against fire, attack against, invasion of privacy, violation of privacy, assault against human rights, threat to human rights, attack on human rights, violate private property rights, make an attempt on 's life, battle a disease, fight a disease, fire protection pump, sprinkler pump, fire brigade, charge, crash into, crash into, upstream, upon the return of, per invoice, be trapped, be caught, unnatural, upon request, upon request, upon ordering, on demand, on application, timed, individual time trial, ITT, against the clock, against 's will, against all odds, wrong way, against traffic, against all odds, argue, crime against honor, crime against reputation, offense against honor, offense against reputation, crime against public order, breaking the peace, public order offense, sexual offense, crime against property, go against, go against, against, against, against, against, against, vaccination against, go against, go against the grain, go to great lengths, go against, revolt against, the pros and cons, the pros and cons, battle with all your might, take issue with, go against the tide, go to great lengths, agreement to the contrary, cash against documents, cash on delivery, cash on delivery, preach, urge, fire protection, protect against bumps, protect against blows, protect against shocks, rebuttal evidence, complain about, accident insurance, fire insurance, theft insurance, free-for-all, free-for-all, crash into, run into, hit a brick wall, run into an obstacle, stumble upon an obstacle, headwind, violence against women. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word contra

against

preposición (indica oposición, contrariedad o lucha) (contrary to)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Los antibióticos actúan contra las bacterias.

Antibiotics act against bacteria.

on

preposición (a cambio de)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Prefiero hacer el pago en efectivo en mi domicilio, contra entrega del paquete.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. It's quite rare these days for business to pay cash on delivery.

cons

nombre masculino (desventaja, inconveniente) (usually plural)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Es incapaz de ver el pro y el contra de la oportunidad que se le presenta.

He just can't see the pros and cons of the opportunity he's being offered.

contra-

prefijo (en contra de, contrario a)

(prefix: Added to front of word stem--for example, unsaid = un+said.)

Pedalear a contraviento es muy cansado.

The attorney presented contradictory evidence.

against the clock

locución adverbial (muy rápido)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Tenemos que trabajar a contrarreloj para terminar a tiempo.

in personam lawsuit, lawsuit in personam

locución nominal femenina (der: contra acusado personalmente)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

help against , help against

(ayudar contra algo o alguien)

opposing bet, opposing wager

locución nominal femenina (pronóstico cruzado)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El equipo recibió muchas apuestas en contra para el último partido.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. Chicago was the favorite to win the championship, but Frank made an opposing bet (or: opposing wager) in favor of St. Louis.

bets against

locución nominal femenina (figurado (predicción de fracaso)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Las apuestas en contra son una traición cuando está en juego el futuro del país.

Bets against are a betrayal when the country's future is at stake.

charge at, lunge at

(embestir)

El toro arremetió contra el torero y lo dejó malherido en el suelo.

The bull lunged (or: charged) at the bullfighter, leaving him badly injured on the ground.

lash out at

(figurado (criticar duramente)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El autor arremetió contra los directores de la película: dijo que no lograron plasmar su idea.

The author lashed out at the film's directors: he said they had failed to give shape to his idea.

mount an attack against

(atacar algo, alguien)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Un hombre arremetió contra otro a la salida del bar.

One man mounted an attack on another outside the bar.

insured against fires

locución adjetiva (cubierto por un seguro)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

La compañía estaba asegurada contra incendios y no sufrió mayores pérdidas.

The company was insured against fires and didn't suffer major losses.

insure the building against fire

locución verbal (póliza de seguro)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El contrato decía que era obligatorio asegurar el inmueble contra incendio.

attack against

(agresión contra)

Se registraron ataques contra asociaciones de extranjeros.

invasion of privacy, violation of privacy

locución nominal masculina (derecho: tipo de delito)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Se catalogó el caso como un atentado contra la intimidad.

The case was ruled an invasion of privacy.

assault against human rights, threat to human rights, attack on human rights

locución nominal masculina (derecho: tipo de delito)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El genocidio armenio fue un atentado contra los derechos humanos.

The Armenian genocide was an attack on human rights.

violate private property rights

locución verbal (robar)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Los ladrones atentaron contra la propiedad privada y fueron capturados.

The thieves violated private property rights and were caught.

make an attempt on 's life

locución verbal (intento de asesinato)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Martín atentó contra su vida e intentó suicidarse.

Martin made an attempt on his life and tried to commit suicide.

battle a disease, fight a disease

expresión (intentar curarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

María batalla contra una enfermedad degenerativa.

Maria is battling a degenerative disease.

fire protection pump, sprinkler pump

(alimentación de agua)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Las bombas de los sistemas contra incendios deben estar aprobadas por el Ministerio.

Fire protection pumps must be approved by the ministry.

fire brigade

locución nominal femenina (rama de bomberos)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

La brigada de bomberos llegó justo a tiempo.

The fire brigade arrived just in time.

charge

(atacar, acometer)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")

Los soldados cargaron contra el enemigo.

The soldiers charged the enemy.

crash into

locución verbal (estrellarse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

El auto se chocó contra un poste de luz.

The car crashed into a light post.

crash into

(chocar contra algo)

El autobús colisionó con una moto.

The bus crashed into a motorbike.

upstream

locución adverbial (contra el sentido del agua) (river)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

En esta época del año, los salmones nadan contra corriente para desovar.

At this time of year, salmon swim upstream to lay eggs.

upon the return of

locución preposicional (a cambio de algo)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El depósito se entrega contra devolución del vehículo retirado.

The deposit is handed over upon the return of the borrowed vehicle.

per invoice

locución adverbial (al recibir la factura)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

El pago se realiza contra factura.

Payment is provided per invoice.

be trapped, be caught

locución adverbial (acorralado, sin escape)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

El Gobierno está contra las cuerdas entre la troika y los ciudadanos.

The government is trapped between the troika and the citizens.

unnatural

locución adverbial (en contra de la moral)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Casi todas las culturas de la historia han considerado el asesinato una práctica contra natura.

Almost all cultures in history have considered murder an unnatural practice.

upon request

locución adjetiva (por solicitud)

upon request, upon ordering, on demand, on application

locución adverbial (por solicitud)

timed

locución adjetiva (competición: plazo corto)

(adjective: Describes a noun or pronoun--for example, "a tall girl," "an interesting book," "a big house.")

Es una carrera contra reloj, por lo que gana el que lo haga en menos tiempo.

It is a timed race, so the one to finish it in the shortest time wins.

individual time trial, ITT

locución nominal femenina (tipo de carrera)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Contador volvió a ganar en la contra reloj.

Contador won the individual time trial yet again.

against the clock

locución adverbial (figurado (rápidamente)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Tenemos que trabajar contra reloj si queremos acabar en plazo.

We have to work against the clock if we want to finish.

against 's will

locución adverbial (sin desearlo)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

La hicieron firmar contra su voluntad.

They made her sign against her will.

against all odds

locución adverbial (pese a predicciones)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Contra todo pronóstico, a Marta le fue muy bien en la entrevista.

Against all odds, Marta did very well in the interview.

wrong way, against traffic

adverbio (HN, coloquial (tráfico: sentido prohibido)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

No te metas por ahí con el carro que es contravía.

against all odds

locución adverbial (sin importar las dificultades)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Camila y Carlos se casaron contra viento y marea.

Camila and Carlos got married, against all odds.

argue

locución verbal (AmL (llevar la contraria)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

Siempre le das la contra a toda la gente, por eso nadie te soporta.

crime against honor, crime against reputation, offense against honor, offense against reputation

locución nominal masculina (der: calumnia, injuria, difamación) (US)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

crime against public order, breaking the peace, public order offense

(der: contra la paz social) (US)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

sexual offense

locución nominal masculina (ES (violación a mujeres, niñas) (US)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

crime against property

(Derecho: contra patrimonio)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El delito contra la propiedad puede ser penalizado hasta con cinco años de cárcel.

Crimes against property can be punished by up to five years in jail.

go against

(coloquial (tenerle tirria, manía)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")

No la emprendan contra el profesor por sus malos resultados.

go against

(coloquial (contradecirle en todo)

(phrasal verb, intransitive: Verb with adverb(s) or preposition(s), having special meaning and not taking direct object--for example, "make up" [=reconcile]: "After they fought, they made up.")

Mejor no digo nada porque la emprendiste contra mí.

against

locución adverbial (en desacuerdo)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Aunque con esta iniciativa se podría combatir el desempleo, el presidente está en contra.

Although the proposal could combat unemployment, the president says he is against it.

against

locución adverbial (en oposición)

(adverb: Describes a verb, adjective, adverb, or clause--for example, "come quickly," "very rare," "happening now," "fall down.")

En la consulta, pienso votar en contra.

In the consultation, I'm going to vote against.

against

locución preposicional (en desacuerdo con)

(preposition: Relates noun or pronoun to another element of sentence--for example, "a picture of John," "She walked from my house to yours.")

Aunque mis padres estén en contra de nuestro matrimonio, vamos a casarnos en junio. Laura siempre va en contra de los intereses de la empresa.

Even though my parents are against our marriage, we're getting married in June.

against

locución preposicional (en perjuicio de)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

La víctima presentó una demanda en contra de su atacante.

The victim filed charges against her attacker.

against

locución adverbial (contra alguien)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Cuando todos se lanzaron en su contra, el protagonista decidió huir.

The protagonist decided to flee when everyone turned against him.

vaccination against

(vacunación)

Esta vacuna provee inmunización contra la rubeola.

This injection provides immunization against measles.

go against

(oponerse)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

A veces es necesario ir contra el sistema.

go against the grain

locución verbal (figurado (oponerse a la costumbre)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Este artista polémico siempre va contra corriente con su obra.

go to great lengths

locución verbal (figurado (hacer grandes esfuerzos)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go against

(dificultar, oponerse a)

Laura siempre va en contra de los intereses de la empresa.

Laura always goes against the interests of the company.

revolt against

(rebelarse, resistir)

El pueblo de Madrid se levantó contra los invasores franceses.

The city of Madrid revolted against the invading French.

the pros and cons

(ventajas e inconvenientes)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Antes de tomar una decisión, analiza los pro y los contra.

Before making a decision, analyse the pros and the cons.

the pros and cons

expresión (ventajas y desventajas)

(plural noun: Noun always used in plural form--for example, "jeans," "scissors.")

Piensa en los pros y los contras antes de tomar una decisión.

Weigh up the pros and cons before you make a decision.

battle with all your might

expresión (con todas las fuerzas)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

La organización luchó contra viento y marea por mantener a sus empleados.

take issue with

locución verbal (mostrarse contrario)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

María se manifestó contra la medida.

Maria took issue with the measure.

go against the tide

locución verbal (figurado (oponerse a la costumbre) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

go to great lengths

locución verbal (figurado (hacer grandes esfuerzos)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

agreement to the contrary

(der: acuerdo entre las partes)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

Unless otherwise agreed to, there shall be no contact between the two parties.

cash against documents

(pago a la presentación de documento)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

cash on delivery

(pago a la recepción)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El paquete se envía con pago contra entrega.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. One way to send parcels is cash on delivery.

cash on delivery

locución nominal masculina (derecho: abono)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

preach, urge

(criticar, reprochar)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

La campaña predica contra el uso de las drogas.

The campaign preaches against the use of drugs.

fire protection

(defensa en caso de incendio)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

protect against bumps, protect against blows, protect against shocks

locución verbal (acolchar para amortizar choques)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

Debes proteger contra golpes a tu auto.

You must protect your car against bumps

rebuttal evidence

locución nominal femenina plural (der: prueban lo contrario a lo dicho)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

complain about

locución verbal (demandar a)

accident insurance

(pago por cobertura de accidentes)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

fire insurance

(pago por cobertura contra incendios)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

theft insurance

(pago cobertura contra robo)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

free-for-all

locución adjetiva (tipo de competición)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El mejor equipo será elegido en un torneo todos contra todos.

ⓘEsta oración no es una traducción de la original. The competition was organized as a free-for-all.

free-for-all

locución nominal masculina (discusión, desacuerdo)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

El debate se convirtió pronto en un todos contra todos en el que solo se oían gritos e insultos.

The debate soon descended into a free-for-all in which only shouts and insults were heard.

crash into, run into

(chocar con algo)

El auto rodó lentamente y topó con un árbol.

The car rolled slowly and crashed into a tree.

hit a brick wall

locución verbal (figurado (deportes: fatiga intensa) (colloquial)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

run into an obstacle, stumble upon an obstacle

locución verbal (coloquial, figurado (afrontar gran obstáculo)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

headwind

(aire de frente)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Un fuerte viento en contra impedía el avance a la embarcación.

A headwind prevented the advance towards the boat.

violence against women

(maltratos, agravios)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

Debemos detener la violencia contra la mujer.

We must put an end to violence against women.

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