contamos
/kohn-TAH-mohs/
we count
We count the apples together.
contamos(verb)
we count
?determining a total number
,we counted
?past action of determining a total number
we calculate
?math or logic
📝 In Action
Contamos el dinero antes de salir.
A1We count (or we counted) the money before leaving.
Siempre contamos las sillas para los invitados.
A1We always count the chairs for the guests.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Times in One
For '-ar' verbs like this one, the 'we' form is exactly the same for things happening right now and things that already happened in the past.
❌ Common Pitfalls
The Stem-Change Trap
Mistake: "cuentamos"
Correction: contamos. Even though the 'o' changes to 'ue' in most forms (like 'yo cuento'), the 'we' form keeps the original 'o'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Spotting the Tense
Since 'contamos' can mean 'we count' or 'we counted,' look at words like 'ayer' (yesterday) or 'ahora' (now) to know which one it is.
We tell a wonderful story.
contamos(verb)
we tell
?narrating a story or information
,we told
?past action of narrating
we relate
?giving an account of events
📝 In Action
Contamos historias alrededor del fuego.
A2We tell (or we told) stories around the fire.
Le contamos el secreto a María.
A2We tell (or we told) the secret to María.
💡 Grammar Points
Who are you telling?
When you tell someone something, use 'le' or 'les' before 'contamos' to show who is receiving the story.
We count on each other for help.
contamos(verb)
we count on
?relying on someone or something
,we have
?possessing or having available
we rely on
?trusting in a person
📝 In Action
Contamos con tu ayuda para la mudanza.
B1We are counting on your help for the move.
La habitación cuenta con aire acondicionado.
B1The room has air conditioning (literally: counts with).
💡 Grammar Points
The 'With' Rule
To say 'we count on someone,' you must always put the word 'con' (with) after 'contamos'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing 'Con'
Mistake: "Contamos tú."
Correction: Contamos con tú (correctly: Contamos contigo). You can't just count someone; you must count WITH them.
⭐ Usage Tips
Professional Use
In business, 'contamos con' is a fancy way to say 'we have.' For example: 'Contamos con diez años de experiencia' (We have ten years of experience).
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contamos
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence means 'We are relying on you'?
📚 More Resources
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.