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contamos

kohn-TAH-mohs/konˈtamos/

we count, we counted

Also: we calculate
VerbA1stem-changing (o to ue), but regular in this form ar
Two children sitting on a rug, pointing at and counting a small pile of bright red apples.
gerundcontando
past Participlecontado
infinitivecontar

📝 In Action

Contamos el dinero antes de salir.

A1

We count (or we counted) the money before leaving.

Siempre contamos las sillas para los invitados.

A1

We always count the chairs for the guests.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • numeramos (we number)
  • calculamos (we calculate)

Antonyms

  • descontamos (we discount/subtract)

Common Collocations

  • contamos uno a uno – we count one by one

Idioms & Expressions

  • contamos con los dedos – using fingers for basic math

we tell, we told

Also: we relate
VerbA2stem-changing (o to ue), but regular in this form ar
A grandfather sitting in a large armchair, gesturing with his hands while telling a story to two captivated children.
gerundcontando
past Participlecontado
infinitivecontar

📝 In Action

Contamos historias alrededor del fuego.

A2

We tell (or we told) stories around the fire.

Le contamos el secreto a María.

A2

We tell (or we told) the secret to María.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • relatamos (we relate/narrate)
  • decimos (we say)

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • contamos un cuento – we tell a story
  • contamos un chiste – we tell a joke

we count on, we have

Also: we rely on
VerbB1phrasal usage (requires 'con') ar
Two friends hiking up a hill, one holding the other's hand to help them up a steep step.
gerundcontando con
past Participlecontado con
infinitivecontar con

📝 In Action

Contamos con tu ayuda para la mudanza.

B1

We are counting on your help for the move.

La habitación cuenta con aire acondicionado.

B1

The room has air conditioning (literally: counts with).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • confiamos (we trust)
  • disponemos (we have available)

Antonyms

  • desconfiamos (we distrust)

Common Collocations

  • contamos con ello – we count on it / we are expecting it

🔄 Conjugations

subjunctive

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedescontaran
yocontara
túcontaras
vosotroscontarais
nosotroscontáramos
él/ella/ustedcontara

present

ellos/ellas/ustedescuenten
yocuente
túcuentes
vosotroscontéis
nosotroscontemos
él/ella/ustedcuente

indicative

preterite

ellos/ellas/ustedescontaron
yoconté
túcontaste
vosotroscontasteis
nosotroscontamos
él/ella/ustedcontó

imperfect

ellos/ellas/ustedescontaban
yocontaba
túcontabas
vosotroscontabais
nosotroscontábamos
él/ella/ustedcontaba

present

ellos/ellas/ustedescuentan
yocuento
túcuentas
vosotroscontáis
nosotroscontamos
él/ella/ustedcuenta
View All Tenses & Moods →

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✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: contamos

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence means 'We are relying on you'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'computāre', which meant 'to calculate' or 'to reckon.' Over time, it grew from just being about numbers to also being about 'recounting' stories.

First recorded: 12th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: computeFrench: compter

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if 'contamos' is present or past?

You have to look at the context! If the sentence says 'ayer' (yesterday), it's past. If it says 'ahora' (now) or describes a habit, it's present.

Is 'contamos' formal?

It is neutral. You can use it with friends, family, or in a business meeting without any issues.