contra
When you're just starting out in Spanish, one of the most useful words to learn is "contra."
It's a small word, but it carries a big meaning: "against."
Think of it like being "in opposition to" something, or "leaning against" something else.
It's a straightforward word you'll hear and use often.
When you're just starting out in Spanish (CEFR A1), you'll often encounter the word "contra." It's a handy preposition that generally means "against." Think of it like when you're leaning against a wall, or playing a game against someone. It shows opposition or contact.
When we use the word contra, it means "against." Think of it like being in opposition to something or someone.
For example, you might say, "Juan está contra la pared" which means "Juan is against the wall." Or, if you're talking about opinions, "Ella está contra la idea" means "She is against the idea."
It's a really useful word for showing opposition, proximity, or even a comparison, always in the sense of being opposite or facing something.
When used as a preposition, contra indicates opposition, either literally or figuratively. For example, you might be contra la pared (against the wall), or you might be contra una idea (against an idea). It's a very straightforward preposition to understand in this context, much like its English equivalent, 'against.'
When we use the word contra as a preposition, we're talking about opposition, something being in contact with another thing, or even an exchange. Think of it like saying "against" in English, but it has a few more nuances. For example, you might lean "contra" a wall, or exchange one thing "contra" another. It's all about how one thing relates to another in terms of interaction or placement.
§ Don't confuse "contra" with "opuesto a" or "frente a"
Many English speakers learning Spanish often translate "against" too directly, leading to incorrect usage of "contra." While "contra" does mean "against," it's important to understand the nuances and when to use other phrases like "opuesto a" (opposite to) or "frente a" (in front of/facing).
For instance, if you want to say something is "opposite" another thing in terms of position, "opuesto a" or "frente a" is usually more appropriate than "contra."
Mi casa está frente a el parque. (My house is facing/opposite the park.)
Using "contra" here (Mi casa está contra el parque) would imply your house is literally pushing against the park, or in opposition to it, which is likely not what you mean.
§ "Contra" for physical contact vs. opposition
"Contra" is often used to express physical contact, meaning "leaning against" or "up against." This is a common and correct usage.
La escalera está contra la pared. (The ladder is against/leaning against the wall.)
However, if you're talking about disagreement or opposition in an abstract sense, "contra" works well.
Estoy contra esa idea. (I am against that idea.)
§ Common pitfalls with related expressions
Be careful not to over-use "contra" when other prepositions or phrasal verbs are more natural. For example, to express "fight against," you can use "luchar contra."
Necesitamos luchar contra la injusticia. (We need to fight against injustice.)
However, for phrases like "protect against," you might use "proteger de" or "proteger contra." Both can be correct, but "de" is often more common when talking about protection from a specific threat.
Me protejo del sol. (I protect myself from the sun.)
Here, "del" (de + el) is more natural than "contra el sol."
- DEFINITION
- Against.
Remember, while direct translation can be a starting point, understanding the typical contexts in which Spanish speakers use "contra" will help you avoid these common mistakes. Pay attention to how native speakers use it in various situations.
- Don't use "contra" for positional "opposite."
- Use "contra" for physical contact.
- Use "contra" for abstract opposition.
- Be aware of phrasal verbs that might use other prepositions.
How Formal Is It?
"La decisión fue en contra de la voluntad de la mayoría. (The decision was against the will of the majority.)"
"Los niños jugaban contra la pared. (The children were playing against the wall.)"
"Estoy contra de irme tan temprano. (I'm against leaving so early.)"
"El conejito corrió contra el viento. (The little bunny ran against the wind.)"
"Vamos contra todo. (We're going against everything.)"
Le savais-tu ?
Many English words like 'contradict' and 'contrast' share this Latin root.
Guide de prononciation
- Don't pronounce the 'o' like in 'control'.
Niveau de difficulté
short and common
straightforward spelling
easy to pronounce
clear and distinct sound
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Use "contra" to express opposition or disagreement. It's often followed by a noun or pronoun.
Estoy contra esa idea. (I am against that idea.)
Use "contra" to indicate physical opposition or movement towards something.
El coche chocó contra el árbol. (The car crashed against the tree.)
When expressing comparison, "contra" can sometimes mean 'compared to' or 'versus'.
Es un partido de fútbol: España contra Francia. (It's a soccer match: Spain versus France.)
In a temporal sense, "contra" can mean 'towards' or 'around' a certain time, especially referring to the end of a period.
Volveremos contra la noche. (We will return towards/around nightfall.)
It can be used in phrases to mean 'in exchange for' or 'in return for'.
No tengo nada contra ti. (I have nothing against you. / I have no quarrel with you.)
Exemples par niveau
¡No te apoyes contra la pared!
Don't lean against the wall!
El Real Madrid juega contra el Barcelona este sábado.
Real Madrid plays against Barcelona this Saturday.
Estoy en contra de esa idea.
I am against that idea.
Luchamos contra la injusticia.
We fight against injustice.
Ella vive en la casa de enfrente, justo contra el parque.
She lives in the house across the street, right next to the park.
Tienes que ir contra la corriente para llegar a la otra orilla.
You have to go against the current to reach the other shore.
Hay un medicamento contra el dolor de cabeza.
There is medicine for headaches. (lit. against headache)
El equipo jugó bien contra todas las expectativas.
The team played well against all expectations.
Voté contra la propuesta.
I voted against the proposal.
Here 'contra' means 'against' in the sense of opposing something.
El equipo jugó contra sus rivales.
The team played against their rivals.
'Contra' is used to indicate opposition in a game or competition.
Estaba apoyado contra la pared.
He was leaning against the wall.
In this context, 'contra' means 'against' in the sense of being in contact or leaning on something.
Es difícil ir contra la corriente.
It's difficult to go against the current.
Figurative use of 'contra' to express going in opposition to a trend or flow.
No tengo nada contra ti.
I have nothing against you.
Common expression using 'contra' to mean 'against' in terms of having a grudge or negative feeling.
Puso el sofá contra la ventana.
He put the sofa against the window.
Similar to leaning, 'contra' indicates proximity and contact with a surface.
El medicamento es contra el dolor de cabeza.
The medicine is for/against headache.
Here, 'contra' means 'against' in the sense of combating or treating an ailment.
Advirtió a sus amigos contra el peligro.
He warned his friends against the danger.
'Contra' is used to express warning someone about something harmful.
La decisión del gobierno generó una ola de protestas contra la nueva ley de educación.
The government's decision generated a wave of protests against the new education law.
Here, 'contra' expresses opposition to a policy.
El equipo jugó con mucha garra, pero no pudo hacer nada contra un rival tan superior.
The team played with a lot of grit, but they couldn't do anything against such a superior opponent.
'Contra' indicates facing an adversary.
Los científicos buscan una cura contra el cáncer, invirtiendo años de investigación.
Scientists are looking for a cure against cancer, investing years of research.
In this context, 'contra' means 'to combat' or 'to protect against'.
Se estrelló el coche contra el muro debido a la niebla espesa.
The car crashed against the wall due to the thick fog.
'Contra' here shows physical contact or impact with an object.
No tengo nada contra tus ideas, pero no las comparto.
I have nothing against your ideas, but I don't share them.
This use of 'contra' expresses a lack of objection or opposition.
La lluvia golpeaba con fuerza contra los cristales de la ventana.
The rain was hitting hard against the window panes.
'Contra' describes the action of one thing impacting another surface.
El testigo declaró contra el acusado, proporcionando pruebas incriminatorias.
The witness testified against the accused, providing incriminating evidence.
Here, 'contra' means providing testimony that is detrimental to someone.
Es importante tomar precauciones contra el sol en verano.
It's important to take precautions against the sun in summer.
'Contra' signifies taking measures to protect from something.
Expressions idiomatiques
"Estar en contra de"
To be against (something/someone)
Estoy en contra de la violencia. (I am against violence.)
neutral"Ir contra corriente"
To go against the current (to go against popular opinion or trend)
A veces es necesario ir contra corriente. (Sometimes it's necessary to go against the current.)
neutral"Contra viento y marea"
Against all odds (against wind and tide)
Lucharon contra viento y marea para lograr su objetivo. (They fought against all odds to achieve their goal.)
neutral"Contra reloj"
Against the clock (working with a tight deadline)
Terminamos el proyecto contra reloj. (We finished the project against the clock.)
neutral"Contra todo pronóstico"
Against all odds (against all predictions)
Ganaron el partido contra todo pronóstico. (They won the game against all odds.)
neutral"Contra la pared"
Against the wall (in a difficult or desperate situation)
Se siente contra la pared sin trabajo. (He feels against the wall without a job.)
neutral"Poner algo contra las cuerdas"
To put something on the ropes (to put someone in a difficult position)
La crisis económica puso a la empresa contra las cuerdas. (The economic crisis put the company on the ropes.)
informal"No hay nada contra eso"
There's nothing against that (no objection)
Si quieres irte temprano, no hay nada contra eso. (If you want to leave early, there's nothing against that.)
neutral"Ir en contra de la ley"
To go against the law
Copiar software es ir en contra de la ley. (Copying software is going against the law.)
neutral"Contra natura"
Against nature (unnatural)
Considera que es contra natura actuar así. (He considers it unnatural to act that way.)
formalAstuces
Basic Use of Contra
The most straightforward use of 'contra' is to mean against. Think of it as the opposite of 'with' or 'for'.
Physical Opposition
Use 'contra' when something is physically leaning against another object. For example, 'La escalera está contra la pared' (The ladder is against the wall).
Opposition in Conflict
'Contra' is used for indicating opposition in a fight, a game, or an argument. 'Jugamos contra ellos' (We played against them).
Expressing Disagreement
When you want to say you are against an idea or a decision, use 'contra'. 'Estoy contra la propuesta' (I am against the proposal).
Protection Against
You can use 'contra' to talk about protection from or against something. 'Protección contra el sol' (Protection against the sun).
Not Always 'Against'
While 'contra' often means against, be aware that context is key. It's not a one-to-one translation in all cases. Focus on the core meaning of opposition or contact.
Common Phrase: 'En contra de'
A very common phrase is 'en contra de', which also means against or in opposition to. 'Estoy en contra de eso' (I am against that).
Think of English Equivalents
When you encounter 'contra', think of English words like against, versus, opposite, or sometimes from (in the sense of protection).
Practice with Sports
If you follow sports, try to describe a game using 'contra'. 'El Real Madrid juega contra el Barcelona' (Real Madrid plays against Barcelona). This is a natural way to practice.
Listen for 'Contra'
Pay attention to how native speakers use 'contra' in everyday conversations, movies, and music. This will help you understand its nuances beyond just the literal definition of against.
Origine du mot
Latin 'contra'
Sens originel : against, opposite
Indo-European (Italic branch)Contexte culturel
When ordering coffee or drinks in Spanish-speaking countries, you might hear 'con leche' (with milk) or 'sin leche' (without milk), but if you wanted 'contra leche' it would sound like you're fighting the milk! While 'contra' means 'against' and is super useful, it's not typically used in that specific context. You'll often hear it in sports, like 'Real Madrid contra Barcelona' (Real Madrid versus Barcelona), or in phrases like 'contra la pared' (against the wall).
Teste-toi 54 questions
Yo estoy contra el muro. (I am against the wall.)
Ella va contra la corriente. (She goes against the current.)
Nosotros jugamos contra ellos. (We play against them.)
Read this aloud:
Yo no estoy contra ti.
Focus: contra ti
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
El libro está contra la pared.
Focus: contra la
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Corremos contra el viento.
Focus: contra el
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
The team plays against the other team.
I have nothing against you.
She is against the wall.
Read this aloud:
La decisión fue contra mi voluntad.
Focus: contra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
¿Estás a favor o contra la propuesta?
Focus: contra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Él siempre va contra la corriente.
Focus: contra
Tu as dit :
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Write a sentence in Spanish saying that you are against the new rule. Use 'contra'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Yo estoy contra la nueva regla.
Write a sentence in Spanish about a soccer team playing against another team. Use 'contra'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
El equipo de fútbol juega contra el otro equipo.
Describe in Spanish how you would warn someone about going against the current in a river. Use 'contra'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
No nades contra la corriente del río, es peligroso.
¿Contra qué lucha María?
Read this passage:
María siempre lucha contra las injusticias. Ella cree que es importante defender lo correcto, incluso si es difícil. Por eso, muchas personas la admiran.
¿Contra qué lucha María?
The passage states that María lucha contra las injusticias (fights against injustices).
The passage states that María lucha contra las injusticias (fights against injustices).
¿Contra qué tiene que luchar Juan?
Read this passage:
El doctor le dijo a Juan que no debe comer dulces. Es malo para su salud. Juan tiene que luchar contra la tentación de comer chocolate.
¿Contra qué tiene que luchar Juan?
The passage says Juan tiene que luchar contra la tentación de comer chocolate, referring to sweets in general.
The passage says Juan tiene que luchar contra la tentación de comer chocolate, referring to sweets in general.
¿Por qué protestaron los estudiantes?
Read this passage:
Los estudiantes organizaron una protesta contra el aumento de los precios de la matrícula. Quieren que la universidad escuche sus demandas.
¿Por qué protestaron los estudiantes?
The students organized a protest contra el aumento de los precios de la matrícula (against the increase in tuition prices).
The students organized a protest contra el aumento de los precios de la matrícula (against the increase in tuition prices).
The speaker is talking about a decision that went against the majority.
The question asks for an opinion regarding a proposal.
The sentence describes a team's performance against a challenging opponent.
Read this aloud:
Estoy en contra de la violencia.
Focus: contra
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
La ley está en contra de nuestros derechos.
Focus: en contra de
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Vamos contra el viento, pero llegaremos.
Focus: contra el
Tu as dit :
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
El equipo local jugó ferozmente ___ sus rivales en el partido decisivo.
Here, 'contra' means 'against' and indicates opposition to the rivals.
La campaña de marketing se lanzó ___ la creciente competencia en el mercado.
'Contra' is used to express 'against' the competition.
Hay que tomar medidas drásticas ___ la contaminación para proteger el medio ambiente.
'Contra' in this context means 'against' pollution.
El abogado presentó una fuerte evidencia ___ la defensa durante el juicio.
Here, 'contra' indicates the evidence was 'against' the defense.
La resolución fue aprobada por unanimidad, sin ningún voto ___.
'En contra' is a common phrase meaning 'against' or 'in opposition'.
Se ha desatado una controversia ___ la nueva política del gobierno.
'Contra' here signifies 'against' the new policy.
This sentence structure (Subject + Adverb + Verb + Preposition + Object) is common in Spanish. 'Ella' is the subject, 'siempre' is an adverb of frequency, 'argumenta' is the verb, 'contra' is the preposition, and 'mis ideas' is the object.
Here, 'la ley' is the subject, 'está' is the verb 'to be', 'contra' functions as 'against' and refers to the practices. 'Ese tipo de prácticas' is the object being referred to.
This sentence follows a typical Subject-Verb-Preposition-Object structure. 'Todos' is the subject, 'se unieron' is the reflexive verb 'to unite', and 'contra la injusticia' indicates what they united against.
You are a lead investigator for an international anti-corruption agency. Write a detailed report excerpt about a high-profile case where significant evidence was found against a prominent political figure. Focus on the nature of the evidence and the implications for the ongoing investigation.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
En el caso 'Sol Naciente', se ha descubierto evidencia contundente contra el exministro de finanzas, Ricardo Vargas. Los documentos bancarios y las grabaciones de audio presentadas apuntan a un esquema de sobornos y lavado de dinero que operaba en la administración anterior. Esta nueva información es crucial para la investigación, ya que establece un patrón de actividad criminal directamente contra Vargas y sus asociados, lo que podría llevar a acusaciones formales de gran envergadura.
You are a renowned literary critic reviewing a controversial novel. Write an excerpt of your review discussing how the author effectively uses satire to criticize societal norms and established institutions. Mention specific elements that play against conventional narratives.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
La novela 'El Eco Silencioso' de Elena Márquez se erige como un monumento a la sátira moderna. Su narrativa, ingeniosamente tejida, no solo desafía sino que se posiciona firmemente contra las hipocresías inherentes a nuestra sociedad contemporánea. Márquez desmantela hábilmente los pilares de instituciones veneradas, presentando personajes que actúan en contradicción directa con lo que se espera de ellos, lo que obliga al lector a confrontar sus propias preconcepciones y a cuestionar la moralidad impuesta.
You are a human rights advocate drafting a statement for an international summit. Write a paragraph outlining the core arguments against a proposed policy that would restrict freedom of speech in digital spaces, highlighting its potential negative impacts on democracy and civil liberties.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Nos oponemos vehementemente a la propuesta de ley que busca imponer restricciones significativas a la libertad de expresión en los espacios digitales. Argumentamos que esta medida va directamente contra los principios fundamentales de la democracia y las libertades civiles que tanto hemos luchado por proteger. Limitar el discurso en línea no solo sofoca la disidencia legítima, sino que también crea un precedente peligroso que podría ser utilizado para silenciar voces críticas y manipular la opinión pública, comprometiendo gravemente la integridad de nuestras sociedades abiertas.
¿Cuál es el principal efecto de la investigación del Dr. Ríos?
Read this passage:
En un giro inesperado de los acontecimientos, el renombrado científico Dr. Alejandro Ríos presentó pruebas irrefutables contra la teoría predominante sobre el origen de la vida en Marte. Su investigación, publicada en la prestigiosa revista 'Cosmos Científico', detalla hallazgos que contradicen directamente las suposiciones que durante décadas han sido la base del consenso científico. Esto ha provocado un intenso debate dentro de la comunidad astronómica, con muchos colegas del Dr. Ríos defendiendo fervientemente la antigua teoría, mientras otros empiezan a considerar la validez de sus nuevas afirmaciones. La controversia ha reavivado el interés público en la exploración espacial, y la NASA ya ha anunciado planes para futuras misiones destinadas a verificar o refutar los datos del Dr. Ríos.
¿Cuál es el principal efecto de la investigación del Dr. Ríos?
El pasaje indica claramente que la investigación 'ha provocado un intenso debate dentro de la comunidad astronómica' y 'ha reavivado el interés público en la exploración espacial'.
El pasaje indica claramente que la investigación 'ha provocado un intenso debate dentro de la comunidad astronómica' y 'ha reavivado el interés público en la exploración espacial'.
¿Qué ha causado el descontento de la población?
Read this passage:
La reciente sentencia judicial en el caso de corrupción política ha generado un profundo descontento entre la población. A pesar de las abrumadoras evidencias presentadas por la fiscalía contra el exalcalde, la condena fue significativamente más leve de lo esperado por la mayoría de los ciudadanos y expertos legales. Este resultado ha alimentado la percepción de que existe impunidad para los poderosos y ha provocado una serie de protestas masivas en las principales ciudades del país. Los manifestantes exigen una reforma judicial y una aplicación más estricta de la ley, argumentando que la justicia debe ser igual para todos, sin importar su posición social o política.
¿Qué ha causado el descontento de la población?
El pasaje menciona que 'la condena fue significativamente más leve de lo esperado por la mayoría de los ciudadanos y expertos legales' a pesar de 'las abrumadoras evidencias presentadas por la fiscalía contra el exalcalde'.
El pasaje menciona que 'la condena fue significativamente más leve de lo esperado por la mayoría de los ciudadanos y expertos legales' a pesar de 'las abrumadoras evidencias presentadas por la fiscalía contra el exalcalde'.
¿Cuál es la principal preocupación de los críticos de la IA?
Read this passage:
El debate sobre la inteligencia artificial (IA) ha alcanzado un nuevo nivel de complejidad. Mientras algunos expertos defienden fervientemente el potencial transformador de la IA para el progreso humano, otros advierten contra los riesgos éticos y la posible deshumanización que podría acarrear su desarrollo sin control. Se argumenta que la autonomía de las máquinas podría ir en contra de la libre voluntad humana y que la dependencia excesiva de la IA podría atrofiar nuestras propias capacidades cognitivas y de toma de decisiones. Es evidente que la sociedad debe encontrar un equilibrio delicado entre la innovación y la precaución para garantizar que el futuro de la IA beneficie a la humanidad y no la subyugue.
¿Cuál es la principal preocupación de los críticos de la IA?
El pasaje indica que 'otros advierten contra los riesgos éticos y la posible deshumanización que podría acarrear su desarrollo sin control. Se argumenta que la autonomía de las máquinas podría ir en contra de la libre voluntad humana y que la dependencia excesiva de la IA podría atrofiar nuestras propias capacidades cognitivas y de toma de decisiones.'
El pasaje indica que 'otros advierten contra los riesgos éticos y la posible deshumanización que podría acarrear su desarrollo sin control. Se argumenta que la autonomía de las máquinas podría ir en contra de la libre voluntad humana y que la dependencia excesiva de la IA podría atrofiar nuestras propias capacidades cognitivas y de toma de decisiones.'
This sentence structure (Las probabilidades estaban en contra de ellos) is common when expressing that the odds are unfavorable. 'Contra de' translates to 'against' in this context.
Here, 'contra' indicates opposition to a policy, a common usage in Spanish.
'Contra' is used to describe physical contact or leaning against something. The sentence structure 'Ella se apoyó contra la pared cansada' is grammatically correct and natural.
La construcción del nuevo complejo se llevó a cabo ___ la voluntad de los residentes locales, quienes protestaron enérgicamente contra el proyecto.
In this context, 'contra' means 'against' or 'contrary to', indicating opposition from the residents towards the construction.
A pesar de las promesas iniciales, la empresa actuó ___ los principios de transparencia y ética, lo que generó un escándalo.
'Contra' is used here to express that the company's actions were in opposition to or violated the principles of transparency and ethics.
El abogado presentó pruebas irrefutables ___ las acusaciones de fraude, logrando la absolución de su cliente.
'Contra' signifies that the evidence was presented to refute or oppose the accusations of fraud.
La nueva ley se implementó ___ la férrea oposición de varios grupos políticos, quienes argumentaron que violaba derechos fundamentales.
'Contra' in this sentence conveys the idea of something being implemented despite or in defiance of strong opposition.
El equipo médico luchó ___ reloj para salvar la vida del paciente, cuyo estado de salud era crítico.
'Contra el reloj' is a common idiom meaning 'against the clock' or 'racing against time', indicating urgency.
Las medidas económicas impuestas por el gobierno generaron un fuerte descontento popular, con manifestaciones masivas ___ la reforma.
Here, 'contra' expresses that the demonstrations were in opposition to or directed against the economic reform.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
Basic Use of Contra
The most straightforward use of 'contra' is to mean against. Think of it as the opposite of 'with' or 'for'.
Physical Opposition
Use 'contra' when something is physically leaning against another object. For example, 'La escalera está contra la pared' (The ladder is against the wall).
Opposition in Conflict
'Contra' is used for indicating opposition in a fight, a game, or an argument. 'Jugamos contra ellos' (We played against them).
Expressing Disagreement
When you want to say you are against an idea or a decision, use 'contra'. 'Estoy contra la propuesta' (I am against the proposal).
Exemple
No hay nada contra la pared.
Contenu associé
Apprendre en contexte
Ce mot dans d'autres langues
Expressions liées
Plus de mots sur general
a causa de
A2For the reason of; owing to.
a condición de que
B2On condition that, provided that, or given that.
a dónde
A1To what place or destination?
a lo mejor
A2Maybe; perhaps.
a menos que
B1Unless.
a no ser que
B2Unless; should it not be that.
a pesar de
B1In spite of; despite.
a_pesar_de
B2In spite of; notwithstanding; despite.
a propósito
B2By the way, on purpose; incidentally; or intentionally.
a raíz de
B2As a result of; following directly from.
