contarme
/cohn-TAR-meh/
to tell me
Use "contarme" when you want someone to tell you something, like a story or a secret.
contarme(verb)
to tell me
?sharing information or a story
to narrate to me
?formal storytelling
📝 In Action
¿Puedes contarme qué pasó anoche?
A1Can you tell me what happened last night?
Tienes que contarme todos los detalles.
A2You have to tell me all the details.
Me gustaría que vinieras a contarme tu viaje.
B1I would like you to come and tell me about your trip.
💡 Grammar Points
Infinitive + Pronoun
The word 'contarme' is the base verb 'contar' plus the pronoun 'me' (to me). This structure is ONLY used when the verb is in its base form (infinitive), the '-ing' form (gerund), or in affirmative commands.
Placement Flexibility
You can choose to attach the pronoun ('contarme') or put it before the conjugated verb: 'Quiero contarte' is the same as 'Te quiero contar.' Choose whichever sounds better in the moment!
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Accent Mark
Mistake: "Contandome (for the gerund)"
Correction: Contándome. When you attach a pronoun to the '-ing' form, you must add an accent mark to keep the original stress.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using the Stem-Change
Remember that 'contar' changes its 'o' to 'ue' in the present tense (yo cuento, tú cuentas), but not in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms (nosotros contamos).
Use "contarme" when you want someone to count you in on an activity or plan.
contarme(verb)
to count me in
?inclusion in a plan or activity
to include me
?general inclusion
📝 In Action
Si hay un viaje, puedes contarme.
B1If there's a trip, you can count me in.
No olvides contarme para el equipo de fútbol.
B2Don't forget to count me in for the soccer team.
💡 Grammar Points
Counting vs. Relying
When 'contar' means 'to count' (like numbers or people), it often uses the direct pronoun 'me'. When it means 'to rely on,' it requires the preposition 'con' (contar con alguien).
⭐ Usage Tips
Counting Out Loud
If you are literally counting numbers (1, 2, 3...), you use the verb 'contar' without a pronoun: 'Voy a contar hasta diez' (I'm going to count to ten).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contarme
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'contarme' in the sense of 'to count me in'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'contarme' written as one word?
'Contarme' is the infinitive form of the verb ('contar') joined with the direct or indirect object pronoun ('me'). In Spanish, when a verb is in the infinitive, gerund (-ing form), or affirmative command, the pronouns must stick directly onto the end, forming a single word.
Does 'contarme' always mean 'to tell me'?
No. While 'to tell me' is the most common use, 'contarme' can also mean 'to count me (in),' especially when discussing plans or participation. Context will usually make the meaning clear.