contando
/kohn-TAHN-doh/
counting
She is counting the blocks one by one.
contando(Verb)
counting
?enumerating numbers
calculating
?mentally summing up
📝 In Action
El niño está contando los carros rojos que pasan.
A1The boy is counting the red cars that pass by.
Estuvimos contando hasta cien para calmarnos.
A2We were counting up to a hundred to calm ourselves down.
💡 Grammar Points
Forming the Ongoing Action
The word 'contando' is the gerund, which combines with 'estar' to talk about something happening right now (like 'is counting').
⭐ Usage Tips
Use with 'Estar'
Remember to use a form of 'estar' (like 'estoy' or 'está') before 'contando' to create the progressive tense, showing that the action is currently underway.
The grandfather is telling a fascinating story.
📝 In Action
Mi abuela está contando historias de su juventud.
A2My grandmother is telling stories from her youth.
Ella pasó la noche contando todos sus problemas.
B1She spent the night recounting all her problems.
She is relying on her best friend for support.
contando(Verb)
relying on
?trusting or depending on someone
counting on
?expecting support
📝 In Action
Estamos contando con que llegues a tiempo.
B1We are counting on you arriving on time.
Contando con el buen clima, iremos a la playa mañana.
B2Assuming good weather (relying on good weather), we will go to the beach tomorrow.
💡 Grammar Points
The Essential 'Con'
When using 'contando' to mean 'relying on' or 'depending on,' you must always include the preposition 'con' (with) right after it: 'contando con [something/someone].'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Estoy contando tu ayuda."
Correction: Estoy contando CON tu ayuda. (You must add 'con' when expressing reliance.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contando
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'contando' to mean 'relying on'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'contando' and 'contado'?
'Contando' is the gerund (the -ing form) used for ongoing actions ('is counting/telling'). 'Contado' is the past participle, used after 'haber' (e.g., 'ha contado' - 'has counted/told') or as an adjective (e.g., 'dinero contado' - 'counted money').
Does 'contando' change its spelling depending on who is doing the action?
No. 'Contando' always stays the same, regardless of who is performing the action (I, you, he, we). Only the verb before it (usually 'estar') changes: 'Yo estoy contando,' 'Ellos están contando.'