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A1 verb #1,200 mais comum 16 min de leitura

contar

Top 1,200

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas contar em 30 segundos

Explicação contar in your Level:

At the A1 beginner level, the verb contar is introduced primarily in its most literal and practical sense: to count numbers and physical objects. Learners at this stage are focused on acquiring basic survival vocabulary, and numbers are a crucial part of that foundation. You will learn to use contar when practicing counting from one to ten, dealing with basic currency, or stating how many items are in a room. The grammatical focus is heavily on the present tense, and this is where A1 learners encounter their first major challenge with this verb: the o to ue stem change. Memorizing the forms cuento, cuentas, cuenta, and cuentan is a significant milestone. Teachers will often use visual aids, asking students to contar los libros (count the books) or contar las sillas (count the chairs). At this level, the secondary meaning of telling a story is introduced in very simple, formulaic phrases, such as él cuenta un cuento (he tells a story), but the complex narrative structures required for actual storytelling are beyond the A1 scope. The phrase contar con is generally not expected to be actively produced by A1 learners, though they might be taught to recognize it as a set phrase. The primary goal is to associate the verb with numbers, quantity, and the physical act of enumeration, while successfully navigating the irregular present tense conjugation. Practice often involves repetitive, structured exercises that reinforce the stem change and the association with basic vocabulary for everyday objects.

As learners progress to the A2 elementary level, their understanding and application of contar expand significantly. While the quantitative meaning (to count objects) remains important, A2 students begin to actively use the verb's secondary meaning: to tell or narrate. This shift coincides with the introduction of the past tenses, specifically the preterite and the imperfect. Learners are now expected to recount simple past events, such as what they did over the weekend or a basic anecdote from their childhood. They learn that in the preterite (conté, contó), the verb is completely regular, which is a relief after the stem-changing present tense. The imperfect tense (contaba) is introduced for setting the scene or describing habitual past actions, like mi abuela me contaba historias (my grandmother used to tell me stories). At this stage, the distinction between decir (to say/tell facts) and contar (to narrate) becomes a critical teaching point, and students practice choosing the correct verb based on context. Additionally, the highly useful phrase contar con (to count on / rely on) is introduced and practiced in everyday social contexts, allowing learners to express trust and dependability, such as in the phrase puedes contar conmigo (you can count on me). The focus at A2 is on moving beyond simple enumeration to using the verb as a tool for basic social interaction, storytelling, and relationship building, requiring a firmer grasp of object pronouns and prepositional usage.

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At the B1 intermediate level, the usage of contar becomes much more fluid, nuanced, and integrated into complex sentence structures. Learners are now comfortable with the dual meanings of counting and narrating, and they use the verb effortlessly in both contexts. The grammatical focus shifts to mastering the subjunctive mood, where the o to ue stem change reappears (cuente, cuentes). B1 students use contar in expressions of doubt, emotion, or desire, such as espero que me cuentes la verdad (I hope you tell me the truth) or no creo que él cuente el dinero bien (I don't think he counts the money well). Storytelling at this level becomes more sophisticated; learners can sustain a narrative, seamlessly switching between the preterite and imperfect tenses to describe background information and specific actions. They also begin to understand and use the verb in the sense of validity or mattering, such as eso no cuenta (that doesn't count), particularly when discussing rules, opinions, or hypothetical situations. The phrase contar con is used not just for personal reliance, but also for describing features or resources, such as el hotel cuenta con una piscina (the hotel has/features a pool). At B1, the challenge is no longer just conjugating the verb correctly, but using it with the appropriate register, combining it with complex grammatical structures, and understanding its broader idiomatic applications in everyday, authentic Spanish conversation.

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Reaching the B2 upper-intermediate level means that a learner has achieved a high degree of spontaneity and accuracy with the verb contar. At this stage, the verb is used not just for literal counting or basic storytelling, but for complex, abstract narration and sophisticated argumentation. B2 learners can comfortably use contar to summarize plots of movies or books, relay detailed news events, or share intricate personal anecdotes with appropriate emotional pacing. They are adept at using the verb in all tenses and moods, including the conditional and the past subjunctive, allowing for hypothetical storytelling: si me contaras la verdad, te ayudaría (if you told me the truth, I would help you). The phrase contar con is utilized in professional and academic contexts to express availability of resources or institutional support, demonstrating a broader vocabulary range. Furthermore, B2 students are expected to recognize and actively use idiomatic expressions involving the verb, such as contar los días (to count the days / look forward to something) or darse cuenta (to realize - though a different verb, it shares the root concept). They also understand the subtle stylistic differences between contar and its synonyms like relatar or narrar, choosing the appropriate verb based on the formality of the situation. Mastery at B2 involves using contar with native-like intuition, effortlessly navigating its multiple meanings and complex grammatical requirements without hesitation.

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At the C1 advanced level, the use of contar is characterized by complete grammatical mastery, stylistic flexibility, and a deep understanding of sociolinguistic nuances. C1 learners manipulate the verb effortlessly across all contexts, from highly informal slang to formal academic or professional discourse. They are highly sensitive to the connotations of the verb compared to its synonyms; they know exactly when to use contar for a personal, engaging anecdote, when to switch to relatar for a formal report, and when to employ narrar for literary analysis. The verb is used in complex, multi-clause sentences involving advanced grammatical structures, such as passive voice constructions or intricate subjunctive triggers. In professional settings, a C1 speaker will confidently use contar con to negotiate terms, outline project resources, or build strategic alliances. They also fully grasp the cultural importance of storytelling in the Spanish-speaking world, using the verb to participate in the rich oral tradition of sharing chismes (gossip), chistes (jokes), and anécdotas (anecdotes) with natural pacing and appropriate discourse markers. Idiomatic and regional uses are understood and deployed correctly, and the learner can play with the dual meanings of the word for rhetorical effect or humor. At this level, contar is not just a vocabulary item, but a powerful rhetorical tool used to persuade, entertain, and connect on a near-native level.

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At the C2 proficiency level, the learner's command of contar is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. The verb is utilized with absolute precision, elegance, and an intuitive grasp of its historical and etymological depth. C2 speakers can engage in complex literary criticism, discussing how an author chooses to contar a narrative, analyzing narrative voice, pacing, and perspective. They can effortlessly deconstruct idiomatic expressions, regional slang, and historical usages of the verb, understanding how its meaning has evolved and how it interacts with other linguistic elements. In high-stakes professional, legal, or academic environments, they use contar and its derivatives (such as contabilidad for accounting or cuentista for a storyteller/liar) with flawless accuracy. They can employ the verb in highly abstract, philosophical discussions about what 'counts' in life, ethics, or society, seamlessly blending the quantitative and qualitative meanings of the word. The C2 speaker recognizes the subtle irony or sarcasm when someone says ¡qué me cuentas! (you don't say! / what are you telling me!), and can respond with appropriate wit. Mastery at this ultimate level means that contar is fully integrated into the speaker's linguistic identity, allowing for spontaneous, creative, and profoundly nuanced expression in any conceivable situation within the Spanish-speaking world.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

contar em 30 segundos

To count numbers or objects.
To tell a story or joke.
To rely on someone (contar con).
To matter or be valid.

The Spanish verb contar is one of the most fundamental and versatile verbs in the language, serving two primary and seemingly distinct functions that are deeply intertwined in its etymology and daily usage. At its core, contar translates to the English verb to count, referring to the mathematical or sequential enumeration of objects, numbers, or people. However, its secondary, equally prevalent meaning is to tell, to narrate, or to recount a story, an event, or an anecdote. Understanding the dual nature of this verb is absolutely essential for any Spanish learner, as it bridges the gap between logical, quantitative assessment and qualitative, human storytelling. When you first encounter this word, you might wonder how counting numbers and telling stories are related. Historically, the concept of tallying up items in a ledger was metaphorically extended to tallying up the events of a narrative, presenting them in a sequential, ordered manner. This linguistic evolution is not unique to Spanish; we see similar parallels in English with words like recount, which can mean to count again or to tell a story, and account, which can be a financial record or a narrative description.

El niño está aprendiendo a contar del uno al diez.

In everyday situations, you will hear native speakers use contar when dealing with money, inventory, or time. For instance, a cashier might count the change before handing it to you, or a teacher might count the students before a field trip.

Quantitative Usage: Using the verb to enumerate physical items, calculate totals, or keep track of numerical values in daily life.

On the other hand, the storytelling aspect of contar is ubiquitous in social interactions. When friends gather, they use this verb to share gossip, relate their weekend adventures, or tell jokes.

Mi abuelo solía contar historias fascinantes sobre su juventud.

It is the verb of choice for expressing the act of verbal communication that involves a narrative arc, distinguishing it from the simpler verb decir, which merely means to say or to tell a fact. Furthermore, there is a third, highly common usage that involves the preposition con. When you say contar con alguien or contar con algo, it translates to relying on someone or counting on something. This figurative extension implies that you consider that person or thing as part of your available resources, tallying them in your favor.

Siempre puedes contar conmigo para lo que necesites.

This specific construction is vital for building relationships and expressing support in both personal and professional contexts. If a colleague asks if you will be at the meeting, replying cuenta conmigo (count on me) is a reassuring and native-sounding response.

Relational Usage: Employing the phrase contar con to express dependability, trust, and the assurance of support from another person.

Another nuanced application of contar is in the sense of mattering or being of consequence. If someone says eso no cuenta, they mean that doesn't count or that doesn't matter in this context.

Ese punto no cuenta porque hiciste trampa.

This usage is frequently heard in games, sports, and informal debates where rules and validity are being discussed. To fully master this verb, learners must embrace its multifaceted nature. It is not merely a tool for mathematicians or storytellers; it is a fundamental building block of everyday Spanish communication. Whether you are verifying your change at the market, sharing a funny incident from your morning commute, assuring a friend of your unwavering support, or arguing over the rules of a board game, contar is the verb that will carry your meaning accurately and naturally.

Validity Usage: Using the verb to indicate whether an action, point, or argument is valid, acceptable, or relevant to the current situation.

By recognizing these distinct yet connected applications, you elevate your Spanish from basic vocabulary translation to genuine fluency. The beauty of contar lies in its ability to quantify the physical world and qualify the human experience simultaneously.

Me encanta la forma en que ella sabe contar chistes.

As you continue to practice, pay close attention to the context in which native speakers use this word, and you will quickly develop an intuitive sense for when to deploy it yourself, enriching your conversational skills and deepening your comprehension of Hispanic cultures.

Using the verb contar correctly in sentences requires a solid understanding of its grammatical behavior, particularly its stem-changing nature in the present tense. Contar is an o to ue stem-changing verb, which means that in the present indicative, the letter o in the root of the word changes to ue in all forms except for nosotros (we) and vosotros (you all, informal plural in Spain). This is a common pattern in Spanish, shared by other frequent verbs like poder, dormir, and encontrar. Mastering this phonetic shift is essential for sounding natural and being understood.

Yo te cuento el secreto si prometes no decir nada.

In the present tense, the conjugations are: yo cuento (I count/tell), tú cuentas (you count/tell), él/ella/usted cuenta (he/she/you formal counts/tells), nosotros/nosotras contamos (we count/tell), vosotros/vosotras contáis (you all count/tell), and ellos/ellas/ustedes cuentan (they/you all formal count/tell).

Present Tense Stem Change: The transformation of the root vowel 'o' to 'ue' in stressed syllables, affecting the yo, tú, él/ella/usted, and ellos/ellas/ustedes forms.

Notice how the stress falls on the stem in the forms that change, but shifts to the ending in the nosotros and vosotros forms, allowing the original o to remain. This phonetic rhythm is a key feature of Spanish pronunciation. When moving to the past tenses, the behavior of contar becomes more straightforward. In the preterite tense, which is used for completed actions in the past, contar is entirely regular. There are no stem changes to worry about.

Ayer, mi madre me contó una historia muy triste.

The conjugations are: conté, contaste, contó, contamos, contasteis, contaron. This makes narrating past events relatively simple once you know the standard -ar verb endings.

Preterite Regularity: The absence of stem changes in the simple past tense, making it easier to conjugate and use for specific, completed past actions.

The imperfect tense, used for ongoing or habitual actions in the past, is also completely regular: contaba, contabas, contaba, contábamos, contabais, contaban. This tense is particularly useful when setting the scene for a story or describing what someone used to tell you.

Cuando era niño, mi padre siempre me contaba cuentos antes de dormir.

Syntactically, when contar is used to mean to tell, it frequently takes an indirect object pronoun to indicate to whom the story or fact is being told. For example, in the sentence me cuenta la verdad (he tells me the truth), me is the indirect object pronoun. When used to mean to count, it typically takes a direct object, such as in contar el dinero (to count the money).

El cajero necesita contar los billetes dos veces.

The construction contar con (to count on / rely on) requires the preposition con followed by a noun, pronoun, or infinitive verb. This structure is inflexible and must be memorized as a unit.

Prepositional Requirement: The mandatory use of the preposition 'con' when the verb is intended to mean relying on or trusting in someone or something.

Finally, in the subjunctive mood, the o to ue stem change reappears in the same boot pattern as the present indicative: cuente, cuentes, cuente, contemos, contéis, cuenten.

Espero que ella me cuente todo lo que pasó en la fiesta.

Understanding these grammatical structures and patterns will give you the confidence to use contar accurately across a wide variety of contexts, from simple present-day descriptions to complex past narratives and hypothetical situations.

The verb contar is omnipresent in the Spanish-speaking world, echoing through various domains of daily life, from the most mundane transactions to the most intimate personal conversations. Because of its dual meaning, you will encounter it in environments that require numerical precision as well as in settings that foster human connection through storytelling. One of the most common places you will hear contar is in commercial and financial contexts. In markets, banks, and retail stores, counting money, inventory, or change is a constant activity.

Por favor, vuelve a contar el cambio para estar seguros.

A shopkeeper might mutter the numbers aloud as they count out your coins, or a manager might instruct an employee to count the stock in the back room.

Commercial Environments: Settings such as stores, banks, and markets where the enumeration of currency and goods is a standard operational procedure.

Beyond commerce, the educational sphere is another primary domain for this verb. In elementary schools, children are taught to count from a very young age, making contar one of the first academic verbs they master. Teachers will instruct students to count objects, count to ten, or count the days until a holiday.

La maestra pidió a los alumnos que empezaran a contar en voz alta.

This foundational use cements the verb's quantitative meaning in the minds of native speakers early on. However, the true cultural richness of contar is revealed in social and familial settings. Hispanic cultures place a high value on oral tradition, conversation, and the sharing of experiences. When friends meet for coffee or families gather for Sunday dinner, the phrase ¿qué me cuentas? (what's new? / what can you tell me?) is a standard, warm greeting that invites the other person to share updates about their life.

¡Hola! Cuánto tiempo sin verte, ¿qué me cuentas?

This is where the storytelling aspect of the verb shines. People use it to narrate the plot of a movie they just watched, recount a funny incident from work, or share a piece of gossip.

Social Gatherings: Informal meetings where sharing personal anecdotes, news, and stories is the primary mode of interaction and bonding.

In professional environments, the phrase contar con is incredibly prevalent. It is the standard way to express reliability and delegation. A boss might tell a team, cuento con ustedes para terminar este proyecto (I am counting on you to finish this project), establishing a tone of trust and expectation.

El director dijo que podemos contar con su apoyo financiero.

This usage bridges the gap between the literal counting of resources and the metaphorical counting of human effort. Furthermore, in the realm of literature, journalism, and media, contar is the verb that describes the act of reporting or narrating. News anchors will say vamos a contarles lo que sucedió (we are going to tell you what happened), and authors are often described as people who saben contar historias (know how to tell stories).

Media and Literature: The professional and artistic domains where the structured narration of events, facts, or fiction is the primary objective.

Finally, in the context of games, sports, and rules, you will frequently hear the third-person singular form cuenta or no cuenta to validate or invalidate an action. If a basketball player shoots after the buzzer, the referee will signal that the basket no cuenta.

Ese gol no cuenta porque estaba en fuera de juego.

By immersing yourself in these diverse contexts, you will quickly realize that contar is not just a vocabulary word to memorize, but a vital instrument for navigating the practical, social, and professional landscapes of the Spanish-speaking world.

When learning the verb contar, English speakers frequently stumble over a few predictable hurdles, primarily stemming from grammatical irregularities and the nuanced differences between Spanish and English vocabulary. The most glaring and common mistake is forgetting the o to ue stem change in the present tense. Because the infinitive is contar, learners naturally want to say yo conto or tú contas. This error immediately marks the speaker as a beginner and can sometimes cause momentary confusion, though native speakers will generally understand from context.

Incorrecto: Yo conto los días. Correcto: Yo cuento los días.

It is imperative to drill the boot conjugation pattern until the forms cuento, cuentas, cuenta, and cuentan become second nature.

Stem-Change Omission: Failing to alter the root vowel 'o' to 'ue' in the stressed syllables of the present indicative and subjunctive tenses.

Another major area of confusion is the distinction between contar and decir. In English, we use tell for both narrating a story (tell a story) and stating a fact or giving a command (tell him to leave). In Spanish, these functions are strictly divided. Decir is used for conveying information, stating facts, or reporting speech. Contar is exclusively used for narrating a sequence of events, telling a joke, or recounting a story.

Incorrecto: Él me dijo una historia. Correcto: Él me contó una historia.

Using decir when you should use contar sounds unnatural and strips the sentence of its narrative quality. A third frequent error involves the phrase contar con (to count on / rely on). English speakers often translate the preposition literally and say contar en (count on), which is incorrect in Spanish. The verb requires the preposition con (with) to convey this specific meaning.

Incorrecto: Cuento en ti. Correcto: Cuento contigo.

Memorizing contar con as an indivisible phrasal verb is the best way to avoid this literal translation trap.

Preposition Confusion: Using incorrect prepositions, such as 'en' or 'sobre', instead of the required 'con' when expressing reliance or trust.

Additionally, learners sometimes confuse contar with importar when trying to say that something matters or counts. While eso no cuenta (that doesn't count) is perfectly valid for rules in a game or validity in an argument, it cannot be used as a direct synonym for eso no importa (that doesn't matter) in emotional or general contexts.

Para expresar relevancia emocional, usa importar; para validez en reglas, usa contar.

If a friend is upset and you want to say your feelings matter, saying tus sentimientos cuentan is understandable but slightly less natural than tus sentimientos importan. Finally, a minor but notable mistake is the failure to use indirect object pronouns when contar means to tell. Because storytelling is an action directed at someone, omitting the pronoun leaves the sentence feeling incomplete. Saying él contó la historia (he told the story) is grammatically correct, but él nos contó la historia (he told us the story) is much more common and specific.

Missing Object Pronouns: Failing to specify to whom the story or information is being told by omitting the necessary indirect object pronoun.

By being aware of these common pitfalls—the stem change, the distinction from decir, the correct preposition, the difference from importar, and the use of pronouns—you can significantly refine your use of contar and speak with greater accuracy and confidence.

While contar is an incredibly versatile and frequently used verb, the Spanish language offers a rich tapestry of synonyms and alternative expressions that can add precision, formality, or stylistic flair to your speech and writing. Depending on which meaning of contar you are aiming for—counting numbers, telling a story, or relying on someone—there are specific alternatives that native speakers employ to avoid repetition or to elevate their register. When the intended meaning is to narrate or tell a story, relatar is an excellent, slightly more formal alternative.

El testigo procedió a relatar los eventos de la noche, en lugar de simplemente contar lo que vio.

Relatar implies a more detailed, structured, and often official account of events, making it ideal for journalistic, legal, or literary contexts.

Relatar: To relate or report; a formal synonym for telling a story, often used in official or written contexts.

Another strong synonym in the storytelling vein is narrar. This verb is heavily associated with literature, cinema, and artistic storytelling. While you might contar a joke to a friend, an author will narrar an epic novel.

El documental está narrado por un actor famoso, dándole un tono diferente a si lo fuera a contar un aficionado.

Narrar emphasizes the craft and delivery of the narrative. When we shift to the quantitative meaning of contar—calculating or enumerating—the verb calcular (to calculate) serves as a more mathematical or precise alternative. If you are doing complex math or estimating costs, calcular is more appropriate than the simple act of counting one by one.

El ingeniero tuvo que calcular las dimensiones exactas, no solo contar los materiales.

Similarly, enumerar (to enumerate or list) is used when you are specifically listing items one by one, often in a formal presentation or document.

Enumerar: To list or enumerate; used when explicitly stating items in a sequence, often for clarity or emphasis.

For the phrase contar con (to rely on), there are several excellent alternatives that convey trust and dependence. Depender de (to depend on) is a direct synonym, though it can sometimes carry a slightly more literal or heavier connotation of necessity rather than just reliable support.

Prefiero depender de mí mismo en lugar de contar con la ayuda de extraños.

Confiar en (to trust in) is another beautiful alternative that emphasizes the emotional or ethical belief in someone's reliability, rather than just the practical expectation of their help. Finally, when discussing whether something matters or is valid (eso no cuenta), the verb importar (to matter) is the most common alternative, though as noted in the common mistakes section, they are not always perfectly interchangeable. Importar is broader and more emotional, while contar in this sense is usually tied to rules, scores, or specific criteria.

Importar: To matter or to be important; a broader alternative for expressing significance, especially in emotional or general contexts.

By expanding your vocabulary to include these alternatives—relatar, narrar, calcular, enumerar, depender de, confiar en, and importar—you not only avoid sounding repetitive but also gain the ability to express subtle nuances in meaning, tone, and formality, thereby significantly enriching your overall Spanish proficiency.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Because 'contar' comes from 'computare', it shares the exact same linguistic ancestor as the English word 'computer'. While a computer calculates numbers, when you 'contar' a story, you are essentially 'calculating' or organizing the events in order!

Guia de pronúncia

UK /konˈtaɾ/

US /konˈtaɾ/

con-TAR (Stress falls on the final syllable 'tar' because the word ends in a consonant other than 'n' or 's').

Rima com

cantar saltar matar tratar empatar desatar maltratar rescatar

Erros comuns

Pronouncing the 't' with a puff of air (aspiration) like in English 'time'. In Spanish, the 't' is unaspirated and dental.
Turning the 'o' into an 'oh' diphthong. It should be a short, crisp 'o'.
Failing to tap the final 'r', making it sound like an English 'r' or dropping it entirely.
In conjugated forms like 'cuento', pronouncing the 'ue' as two separate syllables instead of a smooth diphthong.
Forgetting the stem change and saying 'conto' instead of 'cuento'.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text, context usually makes it clear whether it means counting or telling.

Escrita 4/5

Requires remembering the o->ue stem change in the present tense and using correct object pronouns.

Expressão oral 5/5

Can be challenging to spontaneously remember the stem change while speaking, and confusing it with 'decir' is common.

Audição 3/5

Generally easy to hear, but fast speech might obscure the 'ue' diphthong in 'cuento'.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

decir hablar números historia con

Aprenda a seguir

relatar narrar calcular importar depender

Avançado

contabilidad cuentista descontar rendir cuentas habida cuenta

Gramática essencial

Stem-changing verbs (o -> ue)

contar -> yo cuento, tú cuentas, él cuenta, ellos cuentan.

Indirect Object Pronouns with verbs of communication

Él ME cuenta la historia (He tells ME the story).

Prepositional verbs

Contar CON (to rely ON) requires the specific preposition 'con'.

Preterite vs. Imperfect for storytelling

Me CONTABA (imperfect - used to tell) vs. Me CONTÓ (preterite - told once).

Subjunctive mood triggers

Espero que me CUENTES (I hope you tell me) - triggered by expression of hope.

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Exemplos por nível

Yo cuento del uno al diez.

I count from one to ten.

Notice the o to ue stem change in the 'yo' form.

El niño cuenta sus juguetes.

The boy counts his toys.

Third-person singular present tense, stem-changing.

Nosotros contamos las manzanas.

We count the apples.

The 'nosotros' form does not have a stem change.

Ella cuenta un cuento corto.

She tells a short story.

Using 'contar' to mean 'to tell a story'.

¿Puedes contar el dinero?

Can you count the money?

Infinitive form used after the conjugated verb 'puedes'.

Ellos cuentan los días.

They count the days.

Third-person plural present tense, stem-changing.

Tú cuentas muy rápido.

You count very fast.

Second-person singular informal present tense.

Yo no cuento bien.

I don't count well.

Negative sentence structure in the present tense.

Ayer, mi amigo me contó un secreto.

Yesterday, my friend told me a secret.

Preterite tense, regular conjugation, with indirect object pronoun 'me'.

Siempre puedes contar conmigo.

You can always count on me.

Using the phrase 'contar con' to mean 'rely on'.

De niño, mi abuelo me contaba historias.

As a child, my grandfather used to tell me stories.

Imperfect tense used for habitual past actions.

Nosotros contamos con tu ayuda.

We are counting on your help.

Present tense 'nosotros' form with the preposition 'con'.

Ella no me contó la verdad.

She didn't tell me the truth.

Negative preterite with indirect object pronoun.

Voy a contar lo que pasó.

I am going to tell what happened.

Infinitive used in the 'ir a + infinitive' future construction.

¿Qué me cuentas de nuevo?

What's new? / What can you tell me?

Common conversational greeting using the present tense.

El profesor contó a los estudiantes.

The teacher counted the students.

Preterite tense used for a completed action of enumerating.

Espero que me cuentes todo sobre tu viaje.

I hope you tell me everything about your trip.

Present subjunctive 'cuentes' triggered by 'espero que'.

Ese error no cuenta porque estábamos practicando.

That mistake doesn't count because we were practicing.

Using 'contar' to mean 'to be valid' or 'to matter'.

El hotel cuenta con una piscina y un gimnasio.

The hotel features a pool and a gym.

Using 'contar con' to describe features or amenities.

Me estaba contando un chiste cuando sonó el teléfono.

He was telling me a joke when the phone rang.

Past continuous tense (estaba contando) interrupted by the preterite.

No creo que ellos cuenten con suficiente dinero.

I don't think they have enough money (to count on).

Subjunctive mood triggered by 'no creo que'.

Cuéntame qué hiciste el fin de semana.

Tell me what you did over the weekend.

Affirmative imperative (command) form 'cuéntame'.

Ya he contado las cajas tres veces.

I have already counted the boxes three times.

Present perfect tense using the past participle 'contado'.

Si tienes problemas, cuenta con nosotros.

If you have problems, count on us.

Imperative form used to offer support.

Si me contaras la verdad, podría ayudarte a resolverlo.

If you told me the truth, I could help you solve it.

Imperfect subjunctive 'contaras' in a hypothetical 'si' clause.

El proyecto cuenta con el respaldo financiero del gobierno.

The project has the financial backing of the government.

Formal use of 'contar con' to indicate institutional support.

Estoy contando los días para que lleguen las vacaciones.

I am counting the days until vacation arrives.

Idiomatic expression 'contar los días' meaning to look forward to.

Por lo que me han contado, la película es una obra maestra.

From what I've been told, the movie is a masterpiece.

Passive-like construction using 'me han contado' (they have told me).

Es imprescindible que el comité cuente con todos los datos.

It is essential that the committee has all the data.

Subjunctive 'cuente' triggered by impersonal expression 'es imprescindible que'.

No se puede contar con él para tareas importantes; es muy irresponsable.

He cannot be relied upon for important tasks; he is very irresponsible.

Impersonal 'se' construction with 'contar con'.

A fin de cuentas, lo que importa es la intención.

At the end of the day, what matters is the intention.

Idiomatic phrase 'a fin de cuentas' (in the end / ultimately).

La novela cuenta la historia de una familia durante la guerra.

The novel tells the story of a family during the war.

Using 'contar' for the plot summary of a literary work.

El testigo procedió a contar detalladamente los pormenores del incidente.

The witness proceeded to recount the details of the incident in detail.

Formal narrative use, combined with complex vocabulary (pormenores).

La empresa se enorgullece de contar con una plantilla altamente cualificada.

The company prides itself on having a highly qualified workforce.

Advanced corporate register using 'contar con' for human resources.

¡Qué me cuentas! No me lo puedo creer.

You don't say! I can't believe it.

Exclamatory, idiomatic use expressing disbelief or surprise.

Habría contado otra versión de los hechos si hubiera sabido las consecuencias.

He would have told another version of events if he had known the consequences.

Conditional perfect (habría contado) in a past hypothetical situation.

Su opinión apenas cuenta en las decisiones estratégicas de la junta.

His opinion barely counts in the board's strategic decisions.

Nuanced use of 'contar' meaning to have weight or influence.

Cuentan las malas lenguas que el director está a punto de dimitir.

Rumor has it that the director is about to resign.

Idiomatic expression 'cuentan las malas lenguas' (gossip says).

Para que el experimento sea válido, hay que contar cada variable minuciosamente.

For the experiment to be valid, every variable must be counted meticulously.

Scientific/academic context emphasizing precise enumeration.

Se la pasa contando batallitas de su época en el ejército.

He spends his time telling war stories from his time in the army.

Colloquial expression 'contar batallitas' (telling old, repetitive stories).

El autor logra contar la tragedia con una prosa exenta de sentimentalismos baratos.

The author manages to narrate the tragedy with prose free of cheap sentimentalism.

Literary critique context, evaluating the stylistic method of narration.

Es una falacia pretender que podemos contar con recursos inagotables a largo plazo.

It is a fallacy to pretend that we can rely on inexhaustible resources in the long term.

Highly academic and philosophical discourse using 'contar con'.

Más vale no contar los pollos antes de que nazcan, dada la volatilidad del mercado.

It's better not to count your chickens before they hatch, given the market's volatility.

Integration of a classic proverb (contar los pollos) into complex analysis.

La elocuencia con la que contó su periplo cautivó al auditorio entero.

The eloquence with which he recounted his journey captivated the entire audience.

Sophisticated vocabulary (periplo, elocuencia) surrounding the verb.

No se dignó a contarme los pormenores, escudándose en el secreto profesional.

He didn't deign to tell me the details, hiding behind professional secrecy.

Complex syntax involving reflexive verbs and gerund clauses.

Descontando los gastos imprevistos, el margen de beneficio es irrisorio.

Discounting the unforeseen expenses, the profit margin is laughable.

Using the derivative 'descontar' (to discount/deduct) in a financial context.

Su trayectoria vital se cuenta por los fracasos que supo transformar en lecciones.

His life's trajectory is measured by the failures he managed to transform into lessons.

Passive reflexive 'se cuenta' used metaphorically to mean 'is measured/defined'.

Aquel episodio, por nimio que parezca, cuenta decisivamente en el desenlace de la trama.

That episode, however trivial it may seem, counts decisively in the plot's resolution.

Advanced syntactic structure (por nimio que parezca) highlighting the verb's weight.

Colocações comuns

contar un cuento

contar la verdad

contar chistes

contar con el apoyo

contar los días

contar el dinero

volver a contar

contar ovejas

contar las calorías

sin contar con

Frases Comuns

Cuenta conmigo

— Count on me. Used to express unwavering support or availability to help someone.

Si necesitas ayuda con la mudanza, cuenta conmigo.

¿Qué me cuentas?

— What's new? / What can you tell me? A friendly, informal greeting to ask for updates.

¡Hola Juan! Cuánto tiempo, ¿qué me cuentas?

Eso no cuenta

— That doesn't count. Used to invalidate an action, argument, or point in a game.

Pisaste la línea, así que ese punto no cuenta.

A fin de cuentas

— At the end of the day / Ultimately. Used to summarize a situation or state the most important fact.

A fin de cuentas, lo más importante es la salud.

Contar con los dedos

— To count on one's fingers. Often used metaphorically to mean there are very few of something.

Los verdaderos amigos se pueden contar con los dedos de una mano.

No se puede contar con él

— He cannot be relied upon. Used to describe an irresponsible or flaky person.

No le des esa tarea; no se puede contar con él.

Habida cuenta de

— Bearing in mind / Taking into account. A formal phrase used to introduce a condition or context.

Habida cuenta de la situación económica, no invertiremos.

Contar las horas

— To count the hours. To wait impatiently for something to happen.

Estoy contando las horas para volver a verte.

¡Qué me estás contando!

— What are you telling me! / You don't say! An exclamation of surprise or disbelief.

¡Qué me estás contando! ¿De verdad se van a casar?

Contar por contar

— To talk just to talk / To tell stories without substance. Used when someone is babbling or lying.

No le hagas caso, a él le gusta contar por contar.

Frequentemente confundido com

contar vs decir

Decir means to say or tell a fact. Contar means to narrate a story or sequence of events.

contar vs importar

Importar means to matter emotionally or generally. Contar (in the sense of mattering) is usually for rules or validity (eso no cuenta).

contar vs cantar

Cantar means to sing. Because they differ by only one letter, beginners sometimes mix them up in writing or speech.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Cuentan las malas lenguas"

— Rumor has it / Gossip says. Used to introduce a piece of unverified gossip or a rumor.

Cuentan las malas lenguas que el jefe va a ser despedido.

informal

"Estar contado"

— To have one's days numbered / To be very limited. Used for things that are about to end or run out.

El tiempo de ese político en el poder está contado.

neutral

"Contar batallitas"

— To tell war stories. Used when an older person repetitively tells stories from their youth.

El abuelo se pasó toda la tarde contando batallitas.

informal

"Más de lo que se puede contar"

— More than can be counted. Used to express an overwhelming or infinite amount of something.

Tengo problemas, más de lo que se puede contar.

neutral

"Contar las cuarenta"

— To tell someone off / To give someone a piece of one's mind. To scold someone severely.

Cuando llegue a casa, le voy a contar las cuarenta por su mal comportamiento.

informal

"Ser un cuentista"

— To be a storyteller (in a negative sense) / To be a liar or exaggerator.

No le creas nada, es un cuentista de primera.

informal

"Vivir del cuento"

— To live off others / To be a freeloader. To survive without working, often by deceiving others.

Ese chico no trabaja, prefiere vivir del cuento.

informal

"Venir con cuentos"

— To come with excuses or lies. Used to reject someone's false justifications.

A mí no me vengas con cuentos, sé lo que hiciste.

informal

"Perder la cuenta"

— To lose count. To forget how many of something there are because there are so many.

He ido a ese restaurante tantas veces que ya perdí la cuenta.

neutral

"Contar hasta diez"

— To count to ten. To take a moment to calm down before reacting in anger.

Antes de gritarle, preferí contar hasta diez y respirar.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

contar vs decir

Both translate to 'tell' in English.

Use 'decir' for stating facts, giving commands, or reporting speech (tell him to leave). Use 'contar' for narrating a story, joke, or anecdote (tell a story).

Dile que venga (Tell him to come) vs. Cuéntale un cuento (Tell him a story).

contar vs calcular

Both relate to numbers and math.

'Contar' is the simple act of sequential enumeration (1, 2, 3). 'Calcular' involves mathematical operations to find a result or estimate.

Cuento las manzanas (I count the apples) vs. Calculo el precio total (I calculate the total price).

contar vs importar

Both can mean 'to matter'.

'Importar' is used for general importance or emotional weight. 'Contar' is used when something is valid or tallies towards a score or rule.

Me importa tu salud (Your health matters to me) vs. Ese gol no cuenta (That goal doesn't count).

contar vs depender

Both can mean 'to rely on' (contar con vs depender de).

'Depender de' often implies a necessary condition or lack of autonomy. 'Contar con' implies trust, support, or availability of resources.

Dependo de mi salario (I depend on my salary) vs. Cuento con mis amigos (I count on my friends).

contar vs relatar

Both mean to narrate or tell a story.

'Contar' is the everyday, neutral word for telling a story. 'Relatar' is more formal, often used in legal, journalistic, or official contexts.

Te cuento mi día (I tell you about my day) vs. El testigo relató los hechos (The witness related the facts).

Padrões de frases

[Subject] + contar + [Numbers/Objects]

Yo cuento las monedas.

[Indirect Object Pronoun] + contar + [Story/Fact]

Ella me cuenta un secreto.

Contar + con + [Person/Thing]

Cuento con tu ayuda.

[Subject] + contar + que + [Clause]

Él contó que no podía venir.

Eso + no + contar

Ese error no cuenta.

Contar + los días + para + [Infinitive/Noun]

Cuento los días para verte.

A fin de cuentas + [Conclusion]

A fin de cuentas, no importa.

Se + contar + por + [Noun]

Sus éxitos se cuentan por decenas.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

el cuento (the story/tale)

la cuenta (the bill/account/count)

el contador / la contadora (the accountant/counter)

la contabilidad (accounting)

el cuentista (the storyteller/liar)

Verbos

descontar (to discount/deduct)

recontar (to recount/count again)

Adjetivos

contable (countable/accounting-related)

incontable (uncountable/countless)

Relacionado

darse cuenta (to realize)

tener en cuenta (to keep in mind)

por cuenta propia (on one's own)

rendir cuentas (to give an account/be accountable)

ajuste de cuentas (settling of scores)

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Como usar

frequency

Top 100 most common verbs in Spanish.

Erros comuns

Yo conto el dinero. → Yo cuento el dinero.
Learners often forget the o to ue stem change in the present tense. The root vowel must change when the stress falls on it.
Él me dijo una historia. → Él me contó una historia.
Using 'decir' (to say/tell facts) instead of 'contar' (to narrate) is a direct translation error from the English word 'tell'.
Cuento en ti. → Cuento contigo.
Translating 'count on' literally leads to 'contar en', which is incorrect. The verb requires the preposition 'con', and 'con + ti' becomes 'contigo'.
Nosotros cuentamos los días. → Nosotros contamos los días.
Over-applying the stem change. The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms do NOT undergo the o to ue change because the stress is on the ending.
Ese problema no cuenta para mí. → Ese problema no me importa.
Using 'contar' to mean 'to matter emotionally' is unnatural. 'Contar' is for validity in rules; 'importar' is for emotional or general importance.

Dicas

The Boot Verb

Draw a boot around the conjugation chart for the present tense. Cuento, cuentas, cuenta, and cuentan fit inside the boot and get the 'ue' change. Contamos and contáis are outside the boot and keep the 'o'.

Decir vs. Contar

If you can replace 'tell' with 'narrate' in English, use 'contar'. If you can replace it with 'state a fact', use 'decir'.

Contar Con

Never translate 'count on' as 'contar en'. It must always be 'contar con'. Memorize 'cuenta conmigo' (count on me) as a single chunk of vocabulary.

Smooth Diphthong

When saying 'cuento', don't say 'coo-en-to'. Blend the 'u' and 'e' together quickly so it sounds almost like 'kwen-to'.

The Ultimate Greeting

Use '¿Qué me cuentas?' when meeting up with Spanish-speaking friends. It sounds much more natural and friendly than a stiff '¿Cómo estás?'.

Account/Recount

Remember that 'contar' means both to count and to tell by thinking of the English words 'account' (bank) and 'recount' (a story).

Don't Forget the Pronoun

If you are telling a story to someone, you must include the indirect object pronoun. 'Te cuento' (I tell you), 'Le cuento' (I tell him/her).

Eso no cuenta

Use 'eso no cuenta' when playing games to say 'that doesn't count'. It's the perfect phrase for friendly arguments over rules.

Contar los días

Use the phrase 'contar los días' to express excitement. 'Cuento los días para mi cumpleaños' means 'I'm counting the days until my birthday'.

Regular Past Tense

Breathe a sigh of relief when using the past tense! Contar is completely regular in both the preterite (conté) and imperfect (contaba).

Memorize

Mnemônico

Imagine a COUNT counting gold coins while telling a TALE. He says, 'I COUNT the coins, and I TELL the tale.' Count = Contar. Tell = Contar.

Associação visual

Visualize a giant boot (for the boot verb conjugation) stepping on a pile of numbers (counting) and a pile of storybooks (telling). The boot reminds you of the o->ue stem change (cuento).

Word Web

contar números (numbers) dinero (money) historias (stories) chistes (jokes) cuento (story) cuenta (bill) contigo (with you - contar con)

Desafio

Next time you are at a restaurant, when you ask for the bill (la cuenta), remind yourself that it comes from the verb 'contar'. Then, try to 'contar' (tell) a short story to your dining partner in Spanish.

Origem da palavra

The Spanish verb 'contar' originates from the Latin verb 'computare', which means to sum up, reckon, or calculate. This Latin root is formed by the prefix 'com-' (together) and 'putare' (to reckon, think, or prune). Over centuries of phonetic evolution in Vulgar Latin and early Spanish, 'computare' lost its middle syllables, evolving into 'comptare' and eventually 'contar'.

Significado original: To calculate or sum up numbers together.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Spanish.

Contexto cultural

When using 'contar con' in professional settings, ensure you follow through, as promising someone they can count on you carries significant weight and expectation of reliability.

English speakers separate the concepts of 'counting' and 'telling'. It can be culturally jarring to use the same verb for a mathematical transaction and an intimate storytelling session, but embracing this dual meaning helps learners understand the Spanish linguistic worldview.

The famous TV show 'Cuéntame cómo pasó' (Tell me how it happened), one of the longest-running series in Spain, chronicling the history of a Spanish family. The classic children's song 'Vamos a contar mentiras' (Let's tell lies), a popular traditional song in Spain. Gabriel García Márquez's autobiography is titled 'Vivir para contarla' (Living to tell the tale).

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

At the bank or store

Por favor, cuente el cambio.
Estoy contando los billetes.
Vuelva a contar, por favor.
La cuenta no cuadra.

Socializing with friends

¿Qué me cuentas?
Te tengo que contar algo.
Me contó un chiste buenísimo.
No le cuentes a nadie.

Professional environment

Cuento con su apoyo.
El proyecto cuenta con presupuesto.
Podemos contar con ellos.
Hay que contar los inventarios.

Playing games or sports

Ese punto no cuenta.
Cuenta hasta diez.
Yo cuento los puntos.
Eso fue trampa, no cuenta.

Reading or literature

El libro cuenta la historia de...
El autor sabe contar muy bien.
Es un cuento corto.
Había una vez, cuentan que...

Iniciadores de conversa

"¿Qué me cuentas de tu fin de semana? ¿Hiciste algo divertido?"

"Si pudieras contar una historia sobre tu vida, ¿cuál sería?"

"¿Con quién puedes contar siempre cuando tienes un problema difícil?"

"¿Te gusta contar chistes o prefieres escucharlos cuando estás con amigos?"

"¿Alguna vez has perdido la cuenta de algo importante que estabas haciendo?"

Temas para diário

Escribe sobre una persona con la que siempre puedes contar y explica por qué.

Cuenta una anécdota divertida que te haya pasado recientemente en el trabajo o la escuela.

Describe una situación en la que tuviste que contar algo muy cuidadosamente (dinero, tiempo, etc.).

¿Crees que es más importante saber contar historias o saber escuchar? Explica tu respuesta.

Escribe sobre un momento en el que sentiste que tu opinión no contaba y cómo te hizo sentir.

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

Contar is an 'o to ue' stem-changing verb. In Spanish, certain verbs change their root vowel when the stress falls on that syllable. In the present tense, the stress falls on the stem for yo, tú, él/ella, and ellos/ellas, so 'o' becomes 'ue'. The nosotros and vosotros forms keep the 'o' because the stress falls on the ending.

Yes, 'contar la verdad' is very common and correct. While you can also say 'decir la verdad', using 'contar' implies you want them to narrate the whole story of what happened, rather than just stating a single factual sentence.

You say 'Cuento contigo'. The verb 'contar' requires the preposition 'con' to mean 'rely on'. When 'con' combines with 'ti' (you), it forms the special word 'contigo'.

Yes, in both the preterite (simple past) and the imperfect (continuous past), 'contar' is completely regular. You say 'conté, contaste, contó' for the preterite, and 'contaba, contabas' for the imperfect. There are no stem changes in these tenses.

'La cuenta' is a noun meaning the bill (like at a restaurant), the account (like a bank account), or the calculation. 'El cuento' is a noun meaning a story, tale, or sometimes a lie/excuse. Both come from the verb 'contar' but represent its two different meanings.

Yes, when used as 'contar con' in formal contexts, it can mean to have or feature. For example, 'El hotel cuenta con piscina' means 'The hotel features/has a pool'. It implies the hotel relies on the pool as one of its resources.

When you are using 'contar' to mean 'to tell a story to someone', you generally need an indirect object pronoun (me, te, le, nos, os, les) to indicate who is receiving the story. For example, 'Él me cuenta la historia' (He tells me the story).

You say 'Eso no cuenta'. This is the exact equivalent of the English phrase used to invalidate an action or a point in a game or argument.

'Darse cuenta' is a related idiomatic expression that means 'to realize' or 'to notice'. It literally translates to 'to give oneself the account'. For example, 'Me di cuenta de mi error' means 'I realized my mistake'.

No. In Spanish, you do not 'count' your years to express age. You use the verb 'tener' (to have). You say 'Tengo veinte años' (I have twenty years), not 'Cuento veinte años', although in very poetic or archaic literature you might occasionally see 'cuenta con veinte años'.

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