What does "al contrario de" mean?

The phrase "al contrario de" translates to "contrary to," "unlike," or "as opposed to." It is used to draw a contrast between two people, things, or situations. It is common in both spoken and written Spanish and can be followed by a noun or a pronoun.

Examples

1.
Al contrario de su hermano, ella es muy ordenada.
Unlike her brother, she is very tidy. (presente de indicativo)
2.
Al contrario de lo que pensaba, el examen fue bastante fácil.
Contrary to what I thought, the exam was quite easy. (imperfecto de indicativo)
3.
Al contrario de sus compañeros, llegó puntual a la reunión.
Unlike his colleagues, he arrived on time for the meeting. (pretérito)
4.
Al contrario de lo que se espera, este invierno no hará tanto frío.
Contrary to what is expected, this winter will not be so cold. (futuro)
5.
Al contrario de ti, yo me quedaría en casa este fin de semana.
Unlike you, I would stay at home this weekend. (potencial simple)
6.
¿Al contrario de lo que dices, crees que el proyecto tiene futuro?
Contrary to what you say, do you think the project has a future? (presente de indicativo — question)
7.
Me sorprendió que, al contrario de lo esperado, aceptara la propuesta sin dudarlo.
It surprised me that, contrary to what was expected, he accepted the proposal without hesitation. (imperfecto de subjuntivo)
8.
¿Has notado que, al contrario de antes, ahora llega siempre a tiempo?
Have you noticed that, unlike before, he now always arrives on time? (perfecto de indicativo)
9.
Cuando revisé los resultados, al contrario de lo que temía, todo había salido bien.
When I checked the results, contrary to what I had feared, everything had gone well. (pluscuamperfecto de indicativo)
10.
Apenas hubieron comprobado que, al contrario de lo previsto, los datos eran correctos, publicaron el informe.
As soon as they had confirmed that, contrary to what was expected, the data were correct, they published the report. (pretérito anterior — literary/formal)
11.
Para cuando termines, al contrario de lo que crees, habrás aprendido muchísimo.
By the time you finish, contrary to what you think, you will have learned a great deal. (futuro perfecto)
12.
Al contrario de lo que imaginaba, habría disfrutado mucho del viaje.
Contrary to what I imagined, I would have really enjoyed the trip. (potencial compuesto)
13.
No creo que, al contrario de lo que dicen, hayan tomado la decisión correcta.
I don't think that, contrary to what they say, they have made the right decision. (perfecto de subjuntivo)
14.
Si al contrario de lo que hizo hubiera pedido ayuda, todo habría sido más fácil.
If contrary to what she did she had asked for help, everything would have been easier. (pluscuamperfecto de subjuntivo)
15.
Al contrario de lo que todos hacen, sé tú mismo en la entrevista.
Contrary to what everyone does, be yourself in the interview. (imperativo)