contaba
/kohn-TAH-bah/
was counting
The image shows someone who was counting objects.
contaba(verb)
was counting
?past continuous action
,used to count
?habitual past action
was numbering
?listing items
📝 In Action
Mi abuela contaba las monedas en la caja fuerte.
A1My grandmother was counting the coins in the safe.
Antes, yo contaba hasta diez antes de enojarme.
A2Before, I used to count to ten before getting angry.
💡 Grammar Points
Imperfect Tense Explained
'Contaba' uses the Imperfect tense, which describes actions that were ongoing, repeated, or habitual in the past, without a definite end.
⭐ Usage Tips
Counting in the Past
Use 'contaba' when setting a scene or describing a routine: 'Every morning, she counted the inventory.'
This illustration captures the meaning of was telling a story.
contaba(verb)
was telling
?sharing a story or information continuously
,used to tell
?habitually narrating
was relating
?storytelling
,was narrating
?describing events
📝 In Action
El profesor contaba chistes malos todos los lunes.
A2The professor used to tell bad jokes every Monday.
¿Qué te contaba tu hermana sobre su viaje?
B1What was your sister telling you about her trip?
💡 Grammar Points
Telling vs. Counting
In Spanish, the same verb, 'contar,' means both 'to count' and 'to tell.' Context (like using 'cuento' or 'historia') usually makes the meaning clear.
The figure was relying on the strength and stability of the column.
contaba(verb)
was relying on
?depending on someone or something
,was counting on
?expecting support
was depending on
?past dependence
📝 In Action
Yo contaba con que llegarías a tiempo.
B1I was counting on you arriving on time.
Él contaba con el apoyo de su familia para estudiar.
B2He relied on his family's support to study.
💡 Grammar Points
Required Preposition
When 'contar' means 'to rely on,' it must be followed by the preposition 'con' (contar con). This is a set phrase.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing 'con'
Mistake: "Yo contaba tu apoyo."
Correction: Yo contaba con tu apoyo. (You must include 'con' when meaning 'rely on.')
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
imperfect
present
preterite
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contaba
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'contaba' is used in the sentence: 'Mi jefe contaba con mi presencia en la reunión.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'contaba' mean both 'was counting' and 'was telling'?
The verb 'contar' comes from a Latin root meaning 'to calculate or reckon.' This led to two related ideas: organizing numbers (counting) and organizing information/events (telling a story or recounting facts). Context always clarifies which meaning is intended.
What is the difference between 'contaba' and 'contó'?
Both are past tense, but 'contaba' (Imperfect) describes a continuous action ('I was counting') or a habit ('I used to count'). 'Contó' (Preterite) describes a single, finished action ('He counted/told once').