contener
/kon-te-ner/
to contain
A crate that contains fruit, illustrating the meaning of 'contener' as holding something inside.
contener(verb)
to contain
?holding something inside
to hold
?having the capacity for
,to include
?listing ingredients or components
📝 In Action
Esta caja contiene libros viejos.
A1This box contains old books.
El refresco contiene mucho azúcar.
A2The soda contains a lot of sugar.
El documento contiene información importante.
B1The document contains important information.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'Tener' Connection
This word is just the word 'tener' (to have) with 'con-' at the beginning. It follows all the same weird spelling changes as 'tener'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Present Tense Spelling
Mistake: "yo contengo (correct), yo conteno (incorrect)"
Correction: Just like you say 'yo tengo', you must say 'yo contengo' with a 'g' sound.
⭐ Usage Tips
A Matter of Space
Use this when something is physically inside something else, like a box, a bottle, or even a list.
A child trying to restrain a laugh, illustrating the meaning of 'contener' as holding back an emotion.
contener(verb)
to restrain
?holding back an emotion or person
to curb
?limiting an action
,to hold back
?stopping oneself from doing something
📝 In Action
No pudo contener la risa durante la clase.
B1He couldn't hold back his laughter during class.
La policía intentó contener a la multitud.
B2The police tried to restrain the crowd.
Tuve que contenerme para no gritar.
B2I had to hold myself back from shouting.
💡 Grammar Points
Using it on yourself
When you use this to mean 'to control yourself', you add '-se' (contenerse).
⭐ Usage Tips
Emotional Control
This is the perfect word for when you are trying really hard not to cry, laugh, or get angry.
🔄 Conjugations
subjunctive
imperfect
present
indicative
preterite
imperfect
present
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: contener
Question 1 of 2
How do you say 'I contain' in the present tense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contener' the same as 'incluir'?
They are very similar! 'Contener' is usually for when something is inside a physical container (like a jar), while 'incluir' is used for lists or abstract groups.
How do I remember the past tense?
Just remember 'tener'. If you know 'tuve' (I had), then 'contuve' (I contained) follows the exact same pattern.