A1 preposition ニュートラル #2,000 よく出る 3分で読める

Contra

ˈkɔ̃tɾɐ
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Overview

The Portuguese word 'contra' is a versatile and fundamental preposition, directly translating to 'against' in English. Its usage extends beyond simple opposition, encompassing a range of nuanced meanings depending on the context. Understanding these variations is key to mastering its application.

**Core Meaning: Opposition and Adversity**

The most common and straightforward use of 'contra' signifies direct opposition or being in conflict with something or someone.

  • Physical Opposition: 'O carro bateu contra a árvore.' (The car hit against the tree.) Here, it denotes a physical impact or collision.
  • Ideological/Personal Opposition: 'Ele é contra a nova lei.' (He is against the new law.) This implies disagreement or disapproval. Similarly, 'Eu sou contra a violência.' (I am against violence.) expresses a moral stance.
  • Competition: 'Portugal jogou contra o Brasil.' (Portugal played against Brazil.) In this context, it indicates two parties competing.

**Beyond Simple Opposition: Nuances and Extended Meanings**

'Contra' also carries meanings that go beyond direct opposition, enriching its utility:

  • Direction/Movement Towards: While 'para' is often used for 'towards,' 'contra' can sometimes imply movement in the direction of something, often with an element of resistance or effort. 'Ele nadava contra a corrente.' (He swam against the current.) This suggests moving in opposition to a force.
  • Comparison/Contrast: It can be used to set two things in comparison, often highlighting a discrepancy or difference. 'O custo-benefício contra a qualidade do produto.' (The cost-benefit against the product's quality.)
  • Protection/Defense: Paradoxically, 'contra' can also imply defense or protection from something. 'Remédio contra a gripe.' (Medicine against the flu.) or 'Proteção contra o sol.' (Protection against the sun.) Here, it means 'to counteract' or 'to guard against.'
  • Exchange/In Return For: In some specific phrases, 'contra' can denote an exchange or something given in return. For instance, 'Dar algo contra recibo.' (To give something against receipt.) This is less common in everyday speech but appears in formal contexts.
  • Disadvantage/Detriment: It can also highlight a disadvantage or something detrimental to a situation. 'Isso joga contra nós.' (That plays against us.) meaning it's to our detriment.

**Common Expressions and Idioms:**

Several idiomatic expressions incorporate 'contra,' further expanding its meaning:

  • 'Contra a vontade de alguém': Against someone's will.
  • 'Contra a parede': Against the wall (meaning in a difficult situation, cornered).
  • 'Contra fatos não há argumentos': Against facts, there are no arguments (meaning facts are indisputable).
  • 'Ir contra a maré': To go against the tide (meaning to oppose popular opinion or trends).

**Grammatical Considerations:**

As a preposition, 'contra' is invariable, meaning it does not change its form based on gender or number. It always precedes the noun or pronoun it modifies. It can also combine with articles (though less common than 'em' or 'a') but typically stands alone.

In summary, 'contra' is a highly adaptable word in Portuguese, essential for expressing opposition, comparison, direction, and even protection. Its meaning is heavily reliant on context, and a deep understanding of its various applications is crucial for fluency.

例文

1

Ele votou contra a proposta.

Politics

He voted against the proposal.

2

Estou contra a guerra.

Opinion

I am against the war.

3

Nadar contra a corrente é difícil.

Figurative/Physical

Swimming against the current is difficult.

4

Ele jogou contra o melhor time.

Sports

He played against the best team.

5

Não tenho nada contra ele pessoalmente.

Personal relationships

I have nothing against him personally.

よく使う組み合わせ

protestar contra
votar contra
lutar contra
ir contra

よく混同される語

Contra vs w

80+ WORDS

文法パターン

p1 p2 p3

How to Use It

使い方のコツ

'Contra' can also be used as a prefix in many words, like 'contradizer' (to contradict).

よくある間違い

One common mistake is confusing 'contra' with similar-sounding words or prepositions that have different meanings. For instance, 'com' means 'with,' and 'para' means 'for' or 'to.' While 'contra' indicates opposition, these prepositions indicate association or direction. Another mistake is using it incorrectly in phrases. For example, 'contra a parede' means 'against the wall,' but you wouldn't use 'contra' for 'leaning on the wall' (which would be 'apoiado na parede'). Also, sometimes learners might over-use 'contra' where a more natural-sounding construction in Portuguese might use a verb with a different preposition or a different phrasing altogether. For instance, instead of saying 'Eu sou contra a ideia' (I am against the idea), which is grammatically correct, sometimes 'Eu não concordo com a ideia' (I don't agree with the idea) might be a more common way to express disagreement depending on the context. Always pay attention to idiomatic expressions.

Tips

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Usage and Nuances of 'Contra'

The word 'Contra' in Portuguese generally translates to 'against' in English, but its usage carries several nuances depending on the context. It can express opposition, contrast, or even a counter-action. For instance, 'estar contra' means 'to be against,' as in 'Eu estou contra a proposta' (I am against the proposal). It can also indicate movement towards an opposing force, like 'nadar contra a corrente' (to swim against the current). Furthermore, 'contra' can be used in expressions of comparison or disadvantage, such as 'prós e contras' (pros and cons), or 'jogar contra o tempo' (to race against time). Understanding these variations is key to using 'Contra' effectively and naturally in Portuguese.

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Common Pitfalls and Misunderstandings

A common mistake learners make is to over-apply 'contra' in situations where other prepositions or phrasal verbs might be more appropriate. For example, while 'contra' implies opposition, it's not always interchangeable with 'anti-' prefixes in English. Also, in certain contexts, 'contra' can sound more aggressive or confrontational than intended. For instance, if you want to express disagreement politely, you might use phrases like 'não concordo com' (I don't agree with) instead of a direct 'sou contra.' Another pitfall is confusing 'contra' with 'contrapartida,' which means 'counterpart' or 'in return.' Always consider the specific shade of meaning you wish to convey to avoid miscommunication.

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Mastering 'Contra' in Different Contexts

To master 'contra,' practice using it in various grammatical constructions and idiomatic expressions. Pay attention to its role in fixed phrases such as 'contra a parede' (against the wall, meaning in a difficult situation), 'contra a vontade' (against one's will), or 'contra capa' (back cover of a book). Observe how it combines with verbs to create specific meanings, like 'lutar contra' (to fight against) or 'proteger contra' (to protect against). Listening to native speakers and reading Portuguese texts will help you internalize its diverse applications. Don't shy away from experimenting with 'contra' in your own sentences, and always seek feedback to refine your understanding and usage.

語源

From Latin contra

文化的な背景

In Portuguese-speaking cultures, the word "contra" is widely understood and used in various contexts, much like "against" in English. It can be found in everyday conversations, media, literature, and political discourse. Brazil and Portugal, the two largest Portuguese-speaking nations, share a common understanding of "contra," though regional nuances in usage or idiomatic expressions might exist. For instance, in Brazilian Portuguese, one might hear "ir contra a maré" (to go against the tide), meaning to oppose popular opinion. Culturally, the concept of being "contra" something often implies a stance of opposition, disagreement, or resistance, which can be seen in historical movements, social activism, and personal choices. Understanding the context is crucial, as "contra" can range from a mild preference (e.g., "sou contra café forte" - I'm against strong coffee) to strong political or ethical opposition (e.g., "somos contra a injustiça" - we are against injustice).

覚え方のコツ

The word 'contra' in Portuguese means 'against.' A good way to remember this is to think of the English word 'contrary,' which also implies opposition. So, if something is 'contra' something else, it is contrary to it or against it. You can also think of 'contrast,' where two things are set against each other.

よくある質問

4 問

'Contra' in Portuguese generally means 'against' or 'opposite to'. It's a versatile preposition used in many contexts to express opposition, disagreement, or a position contrary to something else. For instance, you might say 'contra a parede' (against the wall) or 'votar contra uma proposta' (to vote against a proposal). It can also indicate a disadvantage or a negative point in a discussion, as in 'os prós e os contras' (the pros and cons).

Certainly! 'Contra' is very common. You'll hear it in phrases like 'lutar contra o tempo' (to fight against time), 'estar contra algo' (to be against something), 'remédio contra a dor' (medicine for pain, literally 'against the pain'), or even in sports, like 'jogo contra o time adversário' (game against the opposing team). It’s also used when discussing opposing forces or viewpoints, such as 'argumentos contra a ideia' (arguments against the idea). Its meaning is usually quite clear from the context.

Yes, there are a few interesting idiomatic expressions. One common one is 'ir contra a corrente' (to go against the current), which means to act contrary to popular opinion or established norms. Another is 'colocar alguém contra a parede' (to put someone against the wall), implying cornering someone or forcing them into a difficult situation where they have to make a decision. These phrases highlight the sense of opposition or challenge that 'contra' often conveys.

While 'Contra' and 'Em oposição a' both convey opposition, 'Contra' is a more general and frequently used preposition, often more direct and concise. 'Em oposição a' is a phrasal expression that is a bit more formal and explicit in stating 'in opposition to'. You can almost always use 'contra' where you'd use 'em oposição a', but 'em oposição a' might feel a little clunkier in some very common, everyday contexts where 'contra' is perfectly natural. Think of 'contra' as the everyday word for 'against', and 'em oposição a' as a more formal way to say 'in opposition to'.

自分をテスト

fill blank

Ele votou _____ a proposta.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
fill blank

Nós estamos _____ a injustiça.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:
fill blank

A evidência estava toda _____ ele.

正解！ おしい！ 正解:

スコア： /3

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