Ao Contrário vs. Pelo Contrário: Correct a Contrast in Portuguese — Practice

Use ao contrário to describe an opposite way or order

Ao contrário means the opposite way, in reverse, or contrary to what is expected. It often describes how something is arranged or how someone acted.

The expression can modify an action or start a sentence that names the opposite situation.

Use pelo contrário to reject a previous idea

Pelo contrário means on the contrary. Use it when you want to say that the previous assumption is wrong and offer the opposite information. The following clause should correct the point that came before.

It often follows a negative statement: Não achei difícil. Pelo contrário, achei bem simples (I didn't find it difficult. On the contrary, I found it quite simple).

Choose based on whether you mean direction or correction

Ask yourself whether you are describing a reversed direction or correcting an earlier statement. If you are correcting an assumption, pelo contrário is usually the clearer choice.

For a gentler comparison between two perspectives, por outro lado may fit better than either expression.

Remember: Use ao contrário for an opposite or reversed arrangement and pelo contrário to correct the idea that came before.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. You opened the box upside down / the wrong way around.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Você abriu a caixa ao contrário.

2. The elevator went down; contrary to what I expected, it did not go up.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O elevador desceu; ao contrário do que eu esperava, não subiu.

3. She isn't tired. On the contrary, she wants to continue the walk.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Ela não está cansada. Pelo contrário, quer continuar a caminhada.

4. The course did not get more complicated; on the contrary, it became clearer.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   O curso não ficou mais complicado; pelo contrário, ficou mais claro.

5. The sign is facing the wrong way.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   A placa está virada ao contrário.

6. I don't want to give up. On the contrary, I'll try again.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Não quero desistir. Pelo contrário, vou tentar outra vez.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use ao contrário for an opposite or reversed arrangement and pelo contrário to correct the idea that came before.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Ao Contrário vs. Pelo Contrário: Correct a Contrast in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.