على النقيض من ذلك
In contrast to that
Literalmente: Upon the contrast from that
Use this phrase to elegantly flip a situation and highlight a complete contradiction between two points.
Em 15 segundos
- Use it to show a total opposite between two ideas.
- Place it at the start of your second contrasting point.
- Perfect for formal writing, debates, or serious explanations.
Significado
This phrase is the perfect way to flip the script in a conversation. It means 'on the contrary' or 'quite the opposite,' helping you highlight a sharp difference between two ideas.
Exemplos-chave
3 de 6Correcting a misconception about a person
ظن الجميع أنه غاضب، ولكن على النقيض من ذلك، كان يشعر بالراحة.
Everyone thought he was angry, but on the contrary, he was feeling relieved.
Discussing market trends in a meeting
توقعت الشركة خسارة، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، تضاعفت الأرباح.
The company expected a loss; in contrast to that, profits doubled.
Debating lifestyle choices
يعتقد البعض أن السفر متعب، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، أراه مصدراً للطاقة.
Some think travel is tiring; in contrast to that, I see it as a source of energy.
Contexto cultural
This expression is rooted in formal Arabic logic (Mantiq) and rhetoric. It reflects a cultural appreciation for 'Muqabala'—the literary technique of contrasting two complete ideas to reveal a deeper truth. While modern dialects use shorter forms, using the full Fusha version marks you as an educated and articulate speaker.
The 'Dramatic Pause'
When speaking, pause for a second after saying this phrase. It builds anticipation for the 'truth' you are about to reveal.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for the big, important contradictions.
Em 15 segundos
- Use it to show a total opposite between two ideas.
- Place it at the start of your second contrasting point.
- Perfect for formal writing, debates, or serious explanations.
What It Means
Think of على النقيض من ذلك as your linguistic pivot point. It is used when you want to show that reality is the exact opposite of what was just mentioned. It is stronger than a simple 'but.' It creates a dramatic bridge between two clashing ideas. You are basically saying, 'You thought it was A? Well, it is actually Z.'
How To Use It
You place this phrase right at the start of your second sentence. It acts as a transition. First, state the common assumption or the first fact. Then, drop على النقيض من ذلك to prepare your listener for the curveball. It works best when the two things you are comparing are night and day. Don't use it for small differences. Use it for total opposites. It makes you sound sharp and intellectually precise.
When To Use It
This is a star in debates or academic writing. However, it is also great for serious personal discussions. Use it when someone misinterprets your feelings. Use it in a business meeting to correct a market assumption. It is perfect for those 'actually...' moments when you want to sound sophisticated. If you are writing an essay, this phrase is your best friend for high marks.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid this at a loud party or while shouting across the street. It is too 'heavy' for casual banter about the weather. If you use it while ordering fast food, the cashier might think you are a lost philosopher. Also, do not use it if the two things are just slightly different. If you like apples and your friend likes pears, that is not a 'contrast.' That is just a different preference. Save this for when the gap is huge.
Cultural Background
Arabic culture values eloquence and the art of 'Bayan' (clarity/eloquence). Being able to distinguish between truth and falsehood using precise transitions is highly respected. This phrase comes from the classical tradition of logic and rhetoric. It reflects a mindset that enjoys deep analysis and categorization. It shows you are someone who thinks deeply about the nuances of a situation.
Common Variations
You might hear بالعكس (bil-aks) in daily life. That is the 'jeans and t-shirt' version of this phrase. You could also see خلافاً لذلك which is a close cousin. But على النقيض من ذلك remains the gold standard for formal contrast. It carries a certain weight that tells people you mean business. It is the 'tuxedo' of transitional phrases.
Notas de uso
This is a high-register transition. It is most effective in written Modern Standard Arabic or formal speeches. In casual settings, it can sound overly theatrical unless used for humor.
The 'Dramatic Pause'
When speaking, pause for a second after saying this phrase. It builds anticipation for the 'truth' you are about to reveal.
Don't Overuse It
Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a textbook. Save it for the big, important contradictions.
The Dialect Shortcut
In Egyptian or Levantine dialects, people just say 'Bil-aks.' Use the full phrase to impress your professor or boss.
Exemplos
6ظن الجميع أنه غاضب، ولكن على النقيض من ذلك، كان يشعر بالراحة.
Everyone thought he was angry, but on the contrary, he was feeling relieved.
Shows the internal state was the opposite of the external appearance.
توقعت الشركة خسارة، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، تضاعفت الأرباح.
The company expected a loss; in contrast to that, profits doubled.
Highlights a surprising and positive financial outcome.
يعتقد البعض أن السفر متعب، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، أراه مصدراً للطاقة.
Some think travel is tiring; in contrast to that, I see it as a source of energy.
Expresses a personal philosophical difference.
قال إنه سيبدأ حمية غذائية، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، رأيته في مطعم البيتزا!
He said he would start a diet; in contrast to that, I saw him at the pizza parlor!
Uses the formal phrase to mock a funny contradiction.
الطقس في لندن ممطر، وعلى النقيض من ذلك، الجو في دبي مشمس جداً.
The weather in London is rainy; in contrast to that, the weather in Dubai is very sunny.
A clear, factual geographical contrast.
الفيلم لم يكن مملاً، على النقيض من ذلك، كان مشوقاً للغاية.
The movie wasn't boring; on the contrary, it was extremely exciting.
Corrects a friend's potential assumption about a film.
Teste-se
Choose the correct phrase to complete the contrast.
اعتقدتُ أن الامتحان سيكون صعباً، ___ كان سهلاً جداً.
The sentence describes a contradiction between 'difficult' and 'easy,' requiring a contrastive phrase.
Which phrase fits a formal report comparing two results?
الخطة الأولى فشلت، ___ نجحت الخطة الثانية نجاحاً باهراً.
This phrase provides the necessary formal transition to show opposite outcomes.
🎉 Pontuação: /2
Recursos visuais
Formality Levels of Contrast
Used with friends/family
بالعكس (Bil-aks)
General conversation
لكن (Lakin)
Writing and speeches
على النقيض من ذلك
Legal or philosophical texts
وخلافاً لما سلف
Where to use 'On the Contrary'
News Reporting
Contrasting political views
Academic Essays
Comparing two theories
Business Presentations
Comparing Q1 vs Q2 results
Serious Debates
Refuting an opponent's point
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasIt is rare in casual slang but very common in educated, formal, or 'White Arabic' (standardized) conversations.
No, it almost always acts as a bridge at the beginning of the second clause or sentence.
Lakin is a simple 'but.' على النقيض من ذلك is much stronger, implying a total 180-degree difference.
Yes, نقيض (Naqid) specifically refers to a contradiction or a direct opposite in logic.
It is a C1 level phrase, so using it correctly will make you sound very advanced and articulate.
Only if the topic is serious or if you are being intentionally dramatic/poetic with a friend.
The phrase itself is Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), so it is understood perfectly from Morocco to Iraq.
Using it to compare two similar things. For example, 'I like tea, and on the contrary, I like coffee' is incorrect.
No, it is a flexible transition and can be followed by past, present, or future tenses.
While the exact phrase is modern, the root ن ق ض appears in the Quran regarding breaking covenants or structures.
Frases relacionadas
بالعكس
On the contrary / Vice versa (Casual)
خلافاً لذلك
Contrary to that
من ناحية أخرى
On the other hand
في المقابل
In contrast / In return
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