constar
“constar” means “to consist of” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
to consist ofAlso: to be composed of
📝 In Action
El curso consta de diez lecciones.
A2The course consists of ten lessons.
Mi familia consta de mi madre, mi hermano y yo.
B1My family consists of my mother, my brother, and me.
El menú consta de un primer plato, un segundo y postre.
B1The menu is composed of a first course, a second course, and dessert.
Word Connections
to be on recordAlso: to be known for a fact
📝 In Action
Me consta que terminaste el trabajo a tiempo.
B2I know for a fact that you finished the work on time.
Ese dato debe constar en el informe final.
C1That data must be recorded in the final report.
No nos consta que haya habido ningún problema.
B2We have no record of there having been any problem.
Word Connections
Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Indicative
Preterite
Imperfect
Present
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: constar
Question 1 of 3
Which preposition should follow 'constar' when you mean 'to consist of'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
📚 Etymology
From the Latin word 'constare,' which literally means 'to stand together' or 'to be established.' It combined 'con' (together) and 'stare' (to stand).
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'constar' mean 'to cost'?
No! This is a common mistake for English speakers. 'To cost' is 'costar.' While they look similar, 'constar' means to consist of or to be on record.
Is 'constar' a formal word?
It can be. While 'constar de' is neutral and used daily, the meaning of 'being on record' is more common in formal settings like law, business, or journalism.
Can I use 'constar' for people?
Yes, but not to mean 'made of people.' You use 'me consta' to say 'I am certain.' To say a group is made of people, you say 'El grupo consta de diez personas.'