contar
/cohn-TAR/
to count
Contar: To count or enumerate objects.
contar(verb)
to count
?to enumerate numbers or objects
to total
?when summing things up
📝 In Action
El niño está aprendiendo a contar hasta diez.
A1The child is learning to count up to ten.
¿Puedes contar cuántas sillas tenemos en total?
A1Can you count how many chairs we have in total?
Contamos veinte invitados, ni uno más.
A2We counted twenty guests, not one more.
💡 Grammar Points
The O-UE Change
In the present tense, the 'o' turns into 'ue' when the stress falls on the syllable, except for the 'we' (nosotros) and 'you all' (vosotros) forms.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Yo conto (incorrect)."
Correction: Yo cuento (correct). Remember that 'o' changes to 'ue' in the singular forms.
⭐ Usage Tips
Direct Counting
When you are just listing numbers, use 'contar'. To ask 'How many are there?', use '¿Cuántos hay?'
Contar: To tell or narrate a story.
contar(verb)
to tell
?to narrate a story or joke
to relate
?formal way of saying 'to tell'
,to let someone know
?when revealing information
📝 In Action
Ella siempre me cuenta historias fascinantes de su viaje.
A2She always tells me fascinating stories about her trip.
Te voy a contar un secreto, pero prométeme no decírselo a nadie.
B1I'm going to tell you a secret, but promise me not to tell anyone.
¿Me cuentas qué pasó anoche en la fiesta?
B1Will you tell me what happened last night at the party?
💡 Grammar Points
Who Hears the Story?
When 'contar' means 'to tell,' the person receiving the story often takes an indirect object pronoun (like 'me', 'te', 'le', etc.): 'Me cuenta' (He/She tells me).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'Tell' verbs
Mistake: "Usar 'decir' para historias largas (e.g., Decir una historia)."
Correction: Use 'contar' for telling long narratives or stories. Use 'decir' for giving simple information or commands.
⭐ Usage Tips
Perfect for Anecdotes
If you are sharing a fun personal anecdote or a detailed event, 'contar' is the natural and friendly choice.
Contar con: To rely on or depend on someone.
contar(verb)
to rely on
?contar con (to depend on someone/something)
to matter
?when talking about importance
,to include
?when including an item or person
📝 In Action
Sabes que puedes contar conmigo para lo que necesites.
B1You know you can rely on me for whatever you need.
En este negocio, la experiencia cuenta mucho.
B2In this business, experience matters a lot.
Si invitamos a Pedro, ¿contamos con que traiga su coche?
B2If we invite Pedro, are we counting on him to bring his car?
💡 Grammar Points
Using the Preposition CON
When 'contar' means 'to rely on' or 'to have available,' it is almost always followed immediately by the preposition 'con' (with).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing CON
Mistake: "Cuento tu ayuda (incorrect)."
Correction: Cuento con tu ayuda (correct - I rely on your help). The preposition 'con' is essential here.
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'Matter' meaning
To express that something is important, use the third person singular: 'El dinero no cuenta' (Money doesn't matter).
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contar
Question 1 of 3
Which translation of 'contar' is correct in the sentence: 'Siempre cuento con mi hermana.'
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if 'contar' means 'to count' or 'to tell'?
Look at the direct object! If you are 'contando' numbers or objects (apples, money), it means 'to count'. If you are 'contando' a story, a joke, or a secret, it means 'to tell'.
Is 'contar' a regular verb?
No, 'contar' is an irregular verb. It has a stem change where the 'o' in the middle turns into 'ue' in most forms of the present tense (like 'yo cuento', 'tú cuentas'), but not in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms.