Meaning
To consider something when making a decision.
Cultural Background
In Spain, 'tener en cuenta' is the dominant form. It is often used by parents and teachers to instill a sense of responsibility and awareness of others. In Mexico, you will hear 'Tomar en cuenta' much more frequently. It sounds slightly more active, as if you are 'taking' the advice and using it. Argentines use it frequently in political and social debates. It is a key phrase in the 'café culture' where people discuss the state of the country. In pan-Hispanic business culture, 'tener en cuenta' is used to soften a 'no'. Instead of saying 'No can do,' one might say 'Lo tendremos en cuenta' (We'll keep it in mind), which is often a polite way of saying 'maybe later'.
The 'Que' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you almost always need 'que'. Example: 'Ten en cuenta QUE es tarde'.
No 'The'!
Never say 'tener en LA cuenta' unless you are talking about a bank. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Meaning
To consider something when making a decision.
The 'Que' Rule
If you follow the phrase with a verb, you almost always need 'que'. Example: 'Ten en cuenta QUE es tarde'.
No 'The'!
Never say 'tener en LA cuenta' unless you are talking about a bank. It sounds very strange to native speakers.
Use it for Empathy
When someone is upset, saying 'Tendré en cuenta tus sentimientos' is a very powerful way to show you care.
Regional Preference
If you are in Mexico, try using 'Tomar en cuenta' to sound more like a local.
Test Yourself
Conjugate the verb 'tener' correctly in the present tense.
Yo ______ en cuenta tus palabras.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the irregular first-person form 'tengo' is required.
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
Debes tener ___ cuenta que el examen es difícil.
The fixed idiom is always 'tener EN cuenta'.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural response.
A: 'Vamos a caminar por la montaña.' B: 'Vale, pero ______ que va a llover.'
'Ten en cuenta' is the standard way to introduce a warning or a factor to consider.
Match the situation to the thing you should 'tener en cuenta'.
Situation: Buying a new house.
Location and price are the most important factors to consider when buying a house.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesYo ______ en cuenta tus palabras.
The subject is 'Yo' (I), so the irregular first-person form 'tengo' is required.
Debes tener ___ cuenta que el examen es difícil.
The fixed idiom is always 'tener EN cuenta'.
A: 'Vamos a caminar por la montaña.' B: 'Vale, pero ______ que va a llover.'
'Ten en cuenta' is the standard way to introduce a warning or a factor to consider.
Situation: Buying a new house.
Location and price are the most important factors to consider when buying a house.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's safe everywhere!
Yes, 'tener en mente' means 'to have in mind', but it usually refers to a goal or a plan rather than a factor for a decision.
The most natural way is 'Lo tendré en cuenta'.
'Considerar' is slightly more formal and often used for long-term thinking. 'Tener en cuenta' is more common for immediate factors.
Both are correct! 'Tener' is more common in Spain, 'Tomar' is more common in Latin America.
Yes! 'Tuve en cuenta' (I considered) or 'Tenía en cuenta' (I used to consider).
Only if it follows a trigger like 'Es importante que...' or 'Quiero que...'. Example: 'Quiero que tengas en cuenta esto'.
Yes. 'Ten en cuenta a María' means 'Don't forget to consider María's situation/needs'.
Constantly. It's used to discuss budgets, risks, and deadlines.
'Ignorar' or 'Pasar por alto'.
Related Phrases
Tomar en cuenta
synonymTo take into account
Darse cuenta
similarTo realize
Hacer caso
similarTo pay attention / To obey
Pasar por alto
contrastTo overlook / To ignore
Contar con
builds onTo count on / To have
