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B2 verb 11 min read

constar

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips constar in 30 Seconds

Explanation constar in your Level:

At the A1 level, you don't need to worry too much about the complex legal uses of 'constar'. Instead, focus on its most basic meaning: 'to consist of' or 'to have parts'. Even though it's a B2 word, you might see it in very simple descriptions of things. For example, if you are learning about a house, someone might say 'La casa consta de tres habitaciones' (The house has/consists of three rooms). Think of it as a fancy way to say 'tiene' (has) when you are listing parts of something. It helps you sound a little more organized when you describe your family, your school, or your daily schedule. Just remember to always use the word 'de' after it when you are listing things. Don't worry about the other meanings yet; just use it for 'is made of' or 'has these parts'. It's a great 'power word' to make your basic descriptions sound more professional right from the start of your Spanish journey.

At the A2 level, you can start using 'constar de' to describe groups and structures in more detail. In your past tense practice, you might say 'El examen constó de dos partes' (The exam consisted of two parts). You are also ready to recognize the phrase 'hacer constar' in very formal letters or school documents, even if you don't use it yourself yet. You might see it on a certificate: 'Se hace constar que...' (This is to certify that...). Another important step at this level is distinguishing 'constar' from 'costar' (to cost). While they sound similar, 'constar' is about parts and records, while 'costar' is about money and effort. Start noticing how 'constar' is used in textbooks to break down chapters or modules. It's a very helpful verb for organizing information in your mind and in your speaking exams when you need to describe the components of something clearly.

By B1, you should be comfortable using 'constar de' for any structural description. You should also begin to explore the 'certainty' meaning: 'me consta'. This is a very useful alternative to 'estoy seguro de que'. For example, 'Me consta que él es una buena persona' sounds more sophisticated than 'Sé que es bueno'. You are starting to understand that 'constar' is not just about physical parts, but about 'records' in the mind or on paper. You will encounter it more frequently in news articles and formal emails. This is also the stage where you should be careful with prepositions: use 'de' for components and 'en' for where things are written (e.g., 'consta en el libro'). You are moving beyond simple 'survival' Spanish and starting to use verbs that show you understand the nuances of formal communication and factual evidence.

At the B2 level, you are expected to use 'constar' with precision across all its meanings. This is the 'target level' for this word. You should be able to use 'hacer constar' in formal writing to state facts clearly (e.g., 'Hago constar que he recibido el pago'). You must also master the grammar of 'me consta que' + indicative vs. 'no me consta que' + subjunctive. This distinction is crucial for showing your advanced grasp of Spanish logic. You will use 'constar' in debates to cite evidence ('Como consta en las estadísticas...') and in professional environments to describe the composition of projects or departments. You should also be aware of its use in legal and administrative contexts, understanding that if something 'consta', it is officially recognized. Your ability to use 'constar' correctly in these varied scenarios is a hallmark of an upper-intermediate speaker who can handle formal and complex topics.

At the C1 level, 'constar' becomes a tool for stylistic precision and rhetorical strength. You use it to navigate complex legal, bureaucratic, and academic texts with ease. You understand the subtle difference between 'constar de', 'componerse de', and 'integrarse por', choosing the one that best fits the register of your writing. In speech, you use 'que conste' as a powerful interjection to set the record straight or to distance yourself from a decision. You are also familiar with more obscure uses, such as 'constar en autos' in legal settings. Your use of 'constar' reflects a deep understanding of the 'official' side of the Spanish language. You don't just use the word; you use it to project authority and clarity. When you say 'me consta', you are not just saying you know something; you are implying that you have verifiable evidence, showing a high level of communicative strategy.

For the C2 learner, 'constar' is integrated into a vast repertoire of formal and administrative vocabulary. You use it effortlessly in the most demanding contexts, such as drafting legal contracts, writing philosophical essays, or engaging in high-level political discourse. You understand its historical roots and how it functions as a 'stative' verb that provides a foundation for other arguments. You can manipulate the word in complex structures, such as 'de lo cual se hace constar lo siguiente' or 'sin que conste prueba en contrario'. At this level, you also appreciate the rhythmic and formal qualities the word brings to a sentence. It is no longer a 'vocabulary word' to you; it is a fundamental building block of formal Spanish logic. You use it to precisely delineate the boundaries of knowledge, evidence, and structure in a way that is indistinguishable from a highly educated native speaker.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

constar in 30 Seconds

Constar is a formal Spanish verb primarily used to describe what something is made of or to confirm that information is officially recorded or known.
When followed by 'de', it lists components or parts. When followed by 'en', it points to a specific document or registry where information exists.
The phrase 'me consta que' expresses strong personal certainty based on evidence, while 'hacer constar' is used to officially put something on the record.
Avoid confusing it with 'costar' (to cost). Constar is vital for professional, legal, and academic communication, adding precision and authority to your Spanish.

The Spanish verb constar is a sophisticated and multi-faceted term that every intermediate to advanced Spanish learner must master. At its core, it refers to the state of being established, recorded, or composed of specific elements. Unlike simpler verbs like 'ser' or 'tener', constar carries a weight of formality and precision, making it a staple in academic, legal, and professional contexts. It essentially serves two primary functions: describing the composition of an object or group, and affirming the certainty or existence of information in a documented or known form.

Composition (Constar de): When followed by the preposition 'de', it means 'to consist of' or 'to be composed of'. It is used to break down a whole into its constituent parts, such as chapters in a book, members in a committee, or ingredients in a recipe.

La novela consta de doce capítulos fascinantes.

Certainty and Evidence (Me consta que): In its intransitive form, often used with indirect object pronouns (me, te, le), it means 'to be clear' or 'to be known for certain'. If you say 'me consta', you are asserting that you have personal knowledge or evidence of a fact.

In everyday conversation, you might hear it when someone wants to emphasize that they are sure about something. For example, 'Me consta que él estuvo allí' (I know for a fact he was there). In more formal settings, such as a courtroom or a business meeting, the phrase 'hacer constar' is used to officially record a statement or fact, ensuring it is documented for the future. This versatility makes it an indispensable tool for expressing clarity and structure in Spanish.

Quiero hacer constar mi protesta en el acta de la reunión.

Documentary Presence (Constar en): When used with 'en', it refers to information that is physically written or recorded in a specific place, like a database, a list, or a public registry.

Sus datos no constan en nuestros archivos actuales.

Understanding 'constar' requires recognizing that it is not just a synonym for 'to consist'. It encapsulates the idea of 'standing firm' (from the Latin constare). Whether a team stands firm because of its members (consta de) or a fact stands firm in the records (consta en), the underlying theme is stability and verification. As you progress toward B2 and C1 levels, you will find yourself using this verb to add authority and detail to your descriptions, moving away from repetitive uses of basic verbs like 'tener' or 'decir'.

¿Te consta que hayan recibido la invitación?

Using constar correctly involves navigating three distinct grammatical patterns. Each pattern changes the meaning of the verb significantly, so paying attention to prepositions and pronouns is vital for accuracy. Because it is a regular verb in the present tense (consto, constas, consta...), the difficulty lies not in conjugation, but in syntax and context.

Pattern 1: Constar de + [Components]: This is the most common usage. It identifies what makes up a whole. It is almost always used in the third person (singular or plural). You use this when describing structures, organizations, or physical objects.

El comité consta de cinco expertos en salud pública.

Pattern 2: [Indirect Object Pronoun] + Constar + que + [Clause]: This pattern expresses certainty. 'Me consta que' translates to 'I know for a fact that' or 'It is clear to me that'. It functions similarly to 'me parece' or 'me gusta' in its structure, where the subject is the clause following 'que'.

Nos consta que han trabajado muy duro en este proyecto.

Pattern 3: Constar en + [Location/Document]: This describes where information is officially recorded. It is used extensively in administrative and legal writing to refer to files, registries, and certificates.

La fecha de nacimiento debe constar en el pasaporte.

When you want to be formal, you can use the phrase 'Hacer constar'. This is a verbal locution meaning 'to state for the record' or 'to certify'. You will see this on official certificates (e.g., 'Hace constar que el alumno ha superado el curso'). It is a powerful way to make your Spanish sound more professional and authoritative.

El secretario hizo constar la ausencia de los directivos.

Finally, remember that constar is often used in the negative to express lack of evidence or missing records. 'No me consta' is a very common way to say 'I have no record/knowledge of that', which sounds much more formal and cautious than 'No lo sé'. It is the preferred phrase for politicians and lawyers when they want to avoid making a definitive statement about something they cannot verify.

No nos consta que se haya recibido ninguna queja formal.

While constar might not be the first word you use at a bar, it is omnipresent in Spanish society once you step into any formal or semi-formal environment. Its frequency increases as the stakes of the conversation or document rise. Understanding where it appears will help you recognize its nuances and use it with confidence.

In the Legal System: This is the natural habitat of 'constar'. Lawyers use it to refer to evidence that is 'consta en autos' (recorded in the legal proceedings). Judges use it to determine facts that have been proven. If something 'no consta', it legally does not exist for the purposes of the trial.

Como consta en el informe policial, el sospechoso huyó a pie.

Academic and Scientific Writing: When researchers describe the methodology or the structure of their study, they use 'constar de'. It provides a clear, objective breakdown of the elements involved. You will see it in abstracts, introductions, and technical manuals.

La muestra del estudio consta de quinientos participantes voluntarios.

Bureaucracy and Administration: Whenever you deal with the Spanish 'Administración Pública', you will encounter this word. From your birth certificate to your tax records, everything must 'constar' in a registry. If you are applying for a visa or a residency permit, you might be asked to 'hacer constar' your income or address.

Debe constar por escrito cualquier cambio en el contrato.

In more casual but still serious social situations, people use 'que conste' as an interjection. It means 'for the record' or 'let it be known'. For instance, if you are giving a friend advice but you know they won't follow it, you might say: 'Que conste que te lo advertí' (For the record, I warned you). This usage bridges the gap between the rigid legal world and everyday social interaction, showing how deeply the concept of 'the record' is embedded in the language.

Solo para que conste, no estoy de acuerdo con esta decisión.

Finally, in the business world, 'constar' is used in minutes of meetings (actas). The phrase 'Se hace constar que...' is the standard way to begin a point that needs to be officially noted. If you work in a Spanish-speaking office, you will see this in every email summary and official report. It provides a level of clarity that 'decir' or 'escribir' simply cannot match.

Even for advanced learners, constar can be tricky because of its specific prepositional requirements and its phonetic similarity to other common verbs. Avoiding these pitfalls will make your Spanish sound more natural and precise.

Mistake 1: Confusing 'Constar' with 'Costar': This is the most common error for beginners. 'Costar' means 'to cost' or 'to be difficult', while 'constar' means 'to consist of' or 'to be recorded'. Because they only differ by one letter ('n'), students often mix them up in speech. Remember: Constar has an 'n' for 'Noted' or 'Numbers of parts'.

Incorrect: El libro costa de diez páginas. (The book costs ten pages? No.)
Correct: El libro consta de diez páginas.

Mistake 2: Using the wrong preposition (Constar en vs. Constar de): Many learners use 'constar en' when they mean 'to consist of'. Remember that 'de' is for parts/components, and 'en' is for locations/documents. Saying 'La ensalada consta en tomate' implies the salad is recorded inside a tomato, which is nonsensical.

Usa de para partes: 'Consta de tres piezas'.
Usa en para registros: 'Consta en el acta'.

Mistake 3: Overusing the Subjunctive with 'Me consta que': Learners often default to the subjunctive after any complex verbal phrase. However, 'me consta que' expresses certainty and knowledge, which triggers the indicative. You only use the subjunctive when you negate it: 'No me consta que haya venido' (I have no record/knowledge that he came).

Afirmativo: Me consta que está (indicativo) aquí.
Negativo: No me consta que esté (subjuntivo) aquí.

Another subtle mistake is using 'constar' as a direct synonym for 'consistir' in every situation. While 'constar de' and 'consistir en' are often interchangeable, 'consistir' is more about the essence or nature of something, while 'constar' is more about the physical or structural breakdown. For example, 'Mi trabajo consiste en ayudar' (essence) is better than 'Mi trabajo consta de ayudar'.

Use consistir en for definitions and constar de for enumerations.

Finally, avoid using 'constar' with a person as the subject in the sense of 'consisting'. You cannot say 'Yo consto de tres brazos'. The subject must be the whole that contains the parts. However, a person can be the subject of 'hacer constar' (e.g., 'Yo hago constar mi opinión'). Keeping these distinctions clear will help you navigate the complexities of B2-level Spanish grammar with ease.

Spanish offers several verbs that overlap with constar. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want to emphasize the composition, the evidence, or the formality of the situation. Here is a breakdown of the most common alternatives and how they differ from 'constar'.

Consistir en vs. Constar de: As mentioned before, 'consistir en' is used for definitions or the nature of an activity. 'Constar de' is used for the physical or structural breakdown of components. 'La felicidad consiste en pequeñas cosas' (essence) vs. 'El equipo consta de once jugadores' (structure).

Componerse de vs. Constar de: These are very close synonyms. 'Componerse de' is slightly more flexible and can be used for chemical compositions or artistic arrangements. 'Constar de' is more common in administrative or strictly structural descriptions.

El agua se compone de hidrógeno y oxígeno. (More common for chemistry).
El informe consta de tres secciones. (More common for documents).

Resultar vs. Constar: In the sense of 'being evident', 'resultar' is more about an outcome or a discovery (e.g., 'Resultó ser mentira'). 'Constar' is about established, verifiable facts (e.g., 'Me consta que es mentira'). 'Constar' implies you already have the evidence in hand.

Figurar vs. Constar: When talking about being 'in a list or record', 'figurar' and 'constar en' are very similar. However, 'figurar' can also mean 'to appear' or 'to play a role', whereas 'constar' is strictly about the record itself. 'Su nombre figura en la lista' is slightly more visual, while 'Su nombre consta en la lista' is more bureaucratic.

¿Figuran los gastos en el presupuesto? (Are they showing up?)
¿Constan los gastos en el presupuesto? (Are they officially recorded?)

In formal declarations, you might replace 'hacer constar' with 'certificar' (to certify), 'manifestar' (to state), or 'declarar' (to declare). 'Hacer constar' is the most neutral and administrative of these options. If you are writing a legal document, 'hacer constar' is your best friend because it avoids the personal bias that 'declarar' or 'afirmar' might suggest.

By understanding these nuances, you can tailor your Spanish to the specific context. Use 'constar' when you want to sound objective, precise, and official. Use the alternatives when you want to focus on the essence, the visual appearance, or the personal action of stating something.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'constant' in English comes from the same Latin root. While 'constant' refers to something that stays the same, 'constar' refers to things that 'stand firm' in a record or structure.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /konˈstaɾ/

US /konˈstaɾ/

The stress is on the last syllable: con-STAR.

Rhymes With

estar hablar cantar llegar mirar pensar tomar dar

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'costar' (dropping the 'n').
Stressing the first syllable (CON-star) instead of the last.
Making the 'o' sound like a diphthong (koun-star).
Over-rolling the final 'r' (it should be a single tap).
Pronouncing the 's' too much like a 'z'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 4/5

Easy to understand in context but requires knowing the specific prepositions.

Writing 7/5

Difficult to use correctly in formal structures like 'hacer constar'.

Speaking 6/5

Often confused with 'costar' in rapid speech.

Listening 5/5

Can be missed if the listener isn't tuned into formal registers.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ser tener estar consistir parte

Learn Next

constatar ratificar certificar fehaciente acta

Advanced

testimoniar dar fe compendiar estatutos

Grammar to Know

Prepositional Verbs (Verbos con preposición)

Constar siempre requiere 'de' para enumerar partes.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive with expressions of certainty

Me consta que VIENE (Indicativo) vs No me consta que VENGA (Subjuntivo).

Impersonal 'Se'

Se hace constar que el documento es válido.

Indirect Object Pronouns with Verbs like Gustar

'Me consta' sigue la estructura de 'Me gusta'.

Passive Voice with 'Hacer'

Hacer constar funciona como una locución verbal fija.

Examples by Level

El libro consta de cinco páginas.

The book consists of five pages.

Use 'consta de' to say what parts something has.

Mi familia consta de cuatro personas.

My family consists of four people.

Subject + consta de + number.

La ensalada consta de tomate y lechuga.

The salad consists of tomato and lettuce.

Listing ingredients using 'constar de'.

El curso consta de tres niveles.

The course consists of three levels.

Describing the structure of a program.

La casa consta de dos pisos.

The house consists of two floors.

Describing physical structure.

El año consta de doce meses.

The year consists of twelve months.

A factual statement about time.

El equipo consta de tres amigos.

The team consists of three friends.

Describing a small group.

La mochila consta de dos bolsillos.

The backpack consists of two pockets.

Describing an object.

El examen de ayer constó de diez preguntas.

Yesterday's exam consisted of ten questions.

Pretérito indefinido of 'constar'.

Su nombre no consta en la lista de invitados.

His name is not on the guest list.

Using 'constar en' for records.

El menú del día consta de un primer plato y un postre.

The daily menu consists of a first course and a dessert.

Listing components of a service.

Me consta que ella estudia mucho.

I know for a fact that she studies a lot.

Introductory use of 'Me consta que'.

El documento consta de tres páginas originales.

The document consists of three original pages.

Formal description of a document.

Hago constar que he terminado mi tarea.

I am stating for the record that I have finished my homework.

Basic use of 'hacer constar'.

La película consta de dos partes muy diferentes.

The movie consists of two very different parts.

Describing artistic structure.

Nuestra oficina consta de una recepción y tres despachos.

Our office consists of a reception and three offices.

Describing workplace layout.

Nos consta que el director ha tomado una decisión.

We know for certain that the director has made a decision.

Plural indirect object with 'constar'.

El proyecto consta de varias fases de desarrollo.

The project consists of several development phases.

Using 'constar de' for abstract processes.

Debe constar en el contrato la fecha de entrega.

The delivery date must be recorded in the contract.

Modal verb 'deber' + 'constar en'.

No me consta que hayan enviado el paquete todavía.

I have no record of them having sent the package yet.

Negative 'no me consta' triggers the subjunctive 'hayan'.

El jurado consta de siete hombres y cinco mujeres.

The jury consists of seven men and five women.

Precise enumeration of a group.

Hicimos constar nuestra queja en el libro de reclamaciones.

We recorded our complaint in the complaints book.

Past tense of 'hacer constar'.

Me consta que has estado practicando tu español.

I am aware that you have been practicing your Spanish.

Affirming knowledge of a fact.

La bibliografía consta de más de cien referencias.

The bibliography consists of more than one hundred references.

Academic context for 'constar de'.

Para que conste a los efectos oportunos, firmo este documento.

So that it may be recorded for the appropriate purposes, I sign this document.

Standard legal phrase using the subjunctive 'conste'.

El plan de estudios consta de materias obligatorias y optativas.

The curriculum consists of compulsory and elective subjects.

Categorizing parts of a whole.

No consta en los archivos ninguna solicitud a su nombre.

There is no application in his name in the files.

Inverted sentence structure common in formal Spanish.

Me consta fehacientemente que el sospechoso mintió.

I know irrefutably that the suspect lied.

Using the adverb 'fehacientemente' to strengthen 'constar'.

La directiva hizo constar su disconformidad con la nueva ley.

The board put on record its disagreement with the new law.

Formal expression of dissent.

El informe pericial consta de un análisis técnico detallado.

The expert report consists of a detailed technical analysis.

Technical/Expert context.

¿Le consta a usted si el testigo estaba presente?

Do you know for a fact if the witness was present?

Formal question using the indirect object 'le'.

Todo lo dicho aquí debe constar en el acta de la sesión.

Everything said here must be recorded in the minutes of the session.

Passive-like structure expressing necessity.

Hago constar mi voluntad de donar mis bienes a la fundación.

I hereby state my will to donate my assets to the foundation.

Performative use of 'hacer constar' in legal declarations.

La estructura orgánica de la empresa consta de diversas áreas transversales.

The company's organizational structure consists of various cross-functional areas.

High-level corporate vocabulary.

No me consta que se haya vulnerado ningún derecho fundamental.

I have no knowledge that any fundamental rights have been violated.

Complex negative structure with perfect subjunctive.

Como bien le consta a la opinión pública, la crisis es profunda.

As the public is well aware, the crisis is deep.

Using 'constar' to refer to collective knowledge.

Se debe hacer constar expresamente la renuncia a la herencia.

The renunciation of the inheritance must be expressly stated.

Impersonal 'se' with 'hacer constar'.

La obra completa consta de diez volúmenes encuadernados en cuero.

The complete work consists of ten leather-bound volumes.

Descriptive precision for high-value items.

Quiero que conste en acta que mi voto es en contra.

I want it to go on record that my vote is against.

Subjunctive after 'querer' for a formal request.

A pesar de que no constaba en el registro, la propiedad era suya.

Despite it not being in the registry, the property was theirs.

Contrasting reality with official records using the imperfect.

La legitimidad del proceso consta en la transparencia de sus actos.

The legitimacy of the process lies in the transparency of its acts.

Metaphorical/Philosophical use of 'constar en'.

Hágase constar la presente certificación a petición del interesado.

Let this certification be recorded at the request of the interested party.

Imperative form 'hágase' used in archaic or very formal legal writing.

No consta fe de vida del explorador desde hace tres décadas.

There has been no official proof of life for the explorer for three decades.

Using 'constar' with the legal concept 'fe de vida'.

La idiosincrasia de este pueblo consta de una mezcla de ritos paganos y cristianos.

The idiosyncrasy of this people consists of a mix of pagan and Christian rites.

Describing complex cultural identities.

Cualquier modificación ulterior deberá constar por escrito bajo pena de nulidad.

Any subsequent modification must be in writing under penalty of nullity.

Legal 'future of obligation' using 'deberá'.

Me consta de primera mano que las negociaciones han fracasado.

I know firsthand that the negotiations have failed.

Idiomatic 'de primera mano' with 'me consta'.

La riqueza del idioma consta de su capacidad para adaptarse a los tiempos.

The richness of the language consists of its ability to adapt to the times.

Abstract subject with 'constar de'.

Sin que conste oposición alguna, se procede a la aprobación del decreto.

Without any opposition being recorded, the decree is approved.

Prepositional phrase 'sin que' + subjunctive 'conste'.

Synonyms

consistir componerse figurar integrarse evidenciarse certificar resultar estar formado por

Antonyms

carecer de ignorar desmentir omitir

Common Collocations

constar de partes

hacer constar

me consta que

constar en acta

no me consta

constar por escrito

constar en los archivos

hacerse constar

como consta en

constar de elementos

Common Phrases

Para que conste

— For the record. Used to indicate that something is being said or done so it can be officially noted.

Digo esto simplemente para que conste.

Que conste que...

— Let it be known that... / For the record... Used as an interjection to emphasize a point.

Que conste que yo no quería venir.

Hacer constar en acta

— To put in the minutes. Specifically used in meetings to ensure a statement is written down.

El presidente pidió hacer constar en acta la votación.

No consta

— There is no record. A formal way of saying information is missing from official files.

No consta ningún pago pendiente en su cuenta.

Me consta de buena tinta

— I have it on good authority. An idiomatic way to say you are very sure of your source.

Me consta de buena tinta que van a cerrar la fábrica.

Hacer constar expresamente

— To state explicitly for the record. Used when a detail is too important to be left vague.

Debes hacer constar expresamente tu dirección actual.

Según consta en...

— According to what is recorded in... Used to cite a document or source.

Según consta en su pasaporte, nació en 1985.

Dejar constancia

— To leave a record or proof of something. Very similar to 'hacer constar'.

Queremos dejar constancia de nuestra hospitalidad.

A mí me consta

— As far as I know / I am certain myself. Emphasizes personal knowledge.

A mí me consta que él nunca miente.

Hacer constar por duplicado

— To record in duplicate. A bureaucratic requirement for many forms.

La solicitud debe hacerse constar por duplicado.

Often Confused With

constar vs costar

Means 'to cost'. Often confused due to the single letter difference. Remember: Constar (N for Noted), Costar (No N for No parts).

constar vs constatar

Means 'to verify' or 'to confirm'. While related, 'constar' is the state of being recorded, while 'constatar' is the action of checking it.

constar vs consistir

Means 'to consist'. Use 'consistir en' for the essence and 'constar de' for the physical parts.

Idioms & Expressions

"Que conste"

— For the record. Used to make sure someone remembers what you said.

Que conste que yo te avisé.

informal/neutral

"Hacer constar en los anales"

— To record in the annals of history. Used for very important events.

Su hazaña se hará constar en los anales del deporte.

literary

"No constar ni en pintura"

— To not be present at all / to not be found anywhere. (Metaphorical)

Ese sospechoso no consta ni en pintura en el barrio.

colloquial

"Me consta de sobra"

— I know it only too well. Used to express frustration or deep familiarity with a fact.

Me consta de sobra que el sistema no funciona.

neutral

"Hacer constar fehacientemente"

— To provide irrefutable proof for the record.

El notario hizo constar fehacientemente la identidad del firmante.

legal

"Consta y me consta"

— It is recorded and I personally know it. A redundant way to emphasize double certainty.

Consta en el papel y me consta a mí que es verdad.

emphatic

"Dejar constancia para la posteridad"

— To leave a record for future generations.

Escribió sus memorias para dejar constancia para la posteridad.

formal

"No constar en los registros del cielo"

— To be completely forgotten or unknown (hyperbolic).

Esa vieja aldea ya no consta ni en los registros del cielo.

poetic

"Hacer constar bajo juramento"

— To state for the record under oath.

El testigo hizo constar bajo juramento su versión.

legal

"Que conste a todos"

— Let it be known to everyone.

Que conste a todos que hoy empezamos una nueva etapa.

formal

Easily Confused

constar vs contar

Phonetically similar.

Contar means 'to count' or 'to tell a story'. Constar means 'to consist of' or 'to be recorded'. They are not interchangeable.

Voy a contar (count) los libros que constan (are recorded) en el sistema.

constar vs costar

One letter difference.

Costar refers to price or effort. Constar refers to composition or records. This is the most frequent error for students.

Me cuesta (it's hard) entender por qué no consta (is not recorded) en el acta.

constar vs consistir

Similar meaning in English ('consist').

Consistir uses 'en' and refers to the nature of something. Constar uses 'de' and refers to the parts. 'Mi vida consiste en viajar' vs 'Mi maleta consta de ropa'.

La felicidad consiste en disfrutar de lo que tienes.

constar vs constatar

Shared root.

Constatar is the active process of checking a fact. Constar is the state of that fact being established or recorded.

He constatado (verified) que tu nombre consta (is recorded) en la lista.

constar vs figurar

Both mean 'to appear' in a record.

Figurar is more about 'showing up' visually on a list. Constar is more about the official, legal validity of that record.

Tu nombre figura (appears) en la pantalla, pero no consta (is not officially recorded) en el sistema.

Sentence Patterns

[Sujeto] consta de [Número] [Sustantivo].

La casa consta de cuatro habitaciones.

[Sujeto] no consta en [Lugar/Lista].

Tu nombre no consta en la lista.

Me consta que [Frase en Indicativo].

Me consta que él es honesto.

Hacer constar que [Frase].

Hago constar que he recibido el dinero.

No me consta que [Frase en Subjuntivo].

No me consta que hayan llamado.

Para que conste a los efectos de [Sustantivo]...

Para que conste a los efectos de la solicitud...

Según consta en [Documento]...

Según consta en el informe oficial...

Sin que conste [Sustantivo] alguno/a...

Sin que conste impedimento alguno...

Word Family

Nouns

constancia (perseverance / record / evidence)

Verbs

constar

Adjectives

constante (constant / steady)

consistir

constatar

componer

figurar

registrar

How to Use It

frequency

Common in official, academic, and legal Spanish; less common in casual slang.

Common Mistakes

El libro consta en cinco capítulos. → El libro consta de cinco capítulos.
You must use 'de' when listing the parts or components of something.
Me consta que él haya venido. → Me consta que él ha venido.
'Me consta' expresses certainty, so it requires the indicative mood, not the subjunctive.
Esta blusa consta mucho dinero. → Esta blusa cuesta mucho dinero.
You are confusing 'constar' (to consist) with 'costar' (to cost).
No me consta que él está aquí. → No me consta que él esté aquí.
When 'constar' is negated, it expresses a lack of evidence or knowledge, which triggers the subjunctive.
Hacer constar de mi opinión. → Hacer constar mi opinión.
'Hacer constar' is followed directly by the object (the statement), no preposition is needed before the object.

Tips

Watch the Prepositions

Always pair 'constar' with 'de' for components and 'en' for records. Mixing them is a sign of a lower level.

Power Phrase: Hacer Constar

Use 'Hago constar que...' in emails when you want to confirm you've done something important. It sounds very professional.

The Silent 'N' Trap

Make sure to pronounce the 'n'. If you say 'costar', people will think you are talking about money or difficulty.

Avoid Overuse

Don't use 'constar' for every 'have' or 'is'. Save it for when you want to sound precise or formal.

Certainty vs. Doubt

Remember: 'Me consta que' + Indicative. 'No me consta que' + Subjunctive. This is a classic B2 exam point.

Check the Minutes

When reading meeting notes (actas), look for 'constar'. It tells you what the most important decisions were.

The 'Que Conste' Interjection

Use 'Que conste que...' when you want to make a point very clear in a discussion. It adds rhetorical weight.

Legal Validity

In law, if a fact 'no consta', it's as if it never happened. Use this verb when discussing evidence.

Describing Research

Use 'constar de' to describe your sample size or the sections of your thesis. It is the standard academic verb for this.

The 'Record' Connection

Always associate 'constar' with 'the record'. Whether it's the record of parts or the record of truth.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'CON-STAR'. A CONstellation STARs. A constellation CONSTA (consists) of stars. Also, stars are 'recorded' in the sky.

Visual Association

Imagine a judge hitting a gavel and saying 'Que conste!' (Let it be recorded). See the words appearing in a giant book.

Word Web

Acta Registro Documento Certeza Composición Hacer constar Informar Lista

Challenge

Try to use 'constar de' and 'me consta' in the same sentence. For example: 'Me consta que el curso consta de diez lecciones.'

Word Origin

From the Latin verb 'constare', which is formed by the prefix 'con-' (together) and the verb 'stare' (to stand).

Original meaning: To stand together, to be established, or to remain firm.

Romance (Latin root)

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities, but using it correctly in a legal context is vital to avoid misinformation.

English speakers often use 'consist of' or 'is on record', but Spanish uses 'constar' for both, which can be confusing at first.

Used frequently in the Spanish Constitution (Constitución Española) to define the structure of the state. Common in the works of Miguel de Cervantes when describing the composition of groups of knights. A standard term in the 'Boletín Oficial del Estado' (BOE), Spain's official government gazette.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Academic Writing

El estudio consta de...
Como consta en la tabla...
Hacer constar los resultados...
Consta de diversas fases...

Legal Proceedings

Consta en autos que...
Hacer constar en acta...
No consta prueba de...
Para que conste y surta efectos...

Business Meetings

Que conste en el acta de hoy...
El presupuesto consta de...
Me consta que el cliente...
Dejar constancia de la decisión...

Personal Disputes

Que conste que te lo dije.
A mí no me consta eso.
Me consta que mientes.
Solo para que conste...

Government Bureaucracy

Consta en el registro civil...
Debe constar por escrito...
No consta su domicilio...
Hacer constar la solicitud...

Conversation Starters

"¿Te consta si han cambiado la fecha del examen final?"

"¿De cuántas partes consta tu proyecto de investigación?"

"Quisiera hacer constar mi opinión sobre este tema, ¿puedo?"

"¿Consta en tu contrato que tienes vacaciones pagadas?"

"¿Te consta que hayamos recibido todos los materiales necesarios?"

Journal Prompts

Escribe sobre un logro personal y haz constar los pasos que seguiste para alcanzarlo.

Describe de qué elementos consta tu día perfecto, desde la mañana hasta la noche.

Reflexiona sobre una situación en la que pudieras decir: 'Que conste que yo tenía razón'.

¿Qué información importante sobre ti debería constar siempre en un registro oficial?

Analiza la estructura de tu familia o grupo de amigos: ¿de cuántas personas consta y cuál es su rol?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

Mostly, yes. While 'constar de' is common in neutral descriptions, 'me consta' and 'hacer constar' are definitely more formal than 'sé que' or 'decir'. You would use it in a job interview or a legal document, but maybe not while chatting with a toddler.

No, they have different meanings. 'Constar de' is for parts (The book consists of chapters). 'Constar en' is for location (The name is in the book). Swapping them will change the meaning or make the sentence incorrect.

Because 'me consta' expresses a certainty or a known fact. In Spanish grammar, certainty and knowledge usually trigger the indicative mood. You only use the subjunctive when you express doubt or negation, like 'No me consta que...'.

The main difference is the preposition and the focus. 'Consistir en' focuses on the essence or definition (Life consists of breathing). 'Constar de' focuses on the structural breakdown (A molecule consists of atoms).

They are similar, but 'certificar' is a more powerful legal action usually done by an authority (a doctor, a notary). 'Hacer constar' can be done by anyone who wants to ensure their statement is officially noted.

It is a regular -ar verb. Pretérito: consté, constaste, constó, constamos, constasteis, constaron. Imperfecto: constaba, constabas, constaba, etc. It is rarely used in the first or second person except in very specific formal phrases.

Only as an indirect object ('me consta') or as the subject of 'hacer constar'. You cannot use it to say a person consists of parts in a normal conversation (e.g., don't say 'Yo consto de dos piernas').

Not necessarily, but it is very assertive. It's like saying 'Let the record show' or 'I'm telling you this so you can't say I didn't'. It can be used in arguments to clarify a position.

Yes, 'constancia'. It can mean 'perseverance' or 'evidence/proof'. For example, 'Dejar constancia' means 'to leave proof'.

Yes, it is used throughout the Spanish-speaking world, especially in formal education, law, and government administration.