cuentan
/KWEHN-tahn/
they count
Cuentan (they count) is used when people are enumerating objects.
cuentan(Verb)
they count
?calculation/enumeration
you (plural, formal) count
?calculation
📝 In Action
Los niños cuentan los caramelos después de la fiesta.
A1The children count the candies after the party.
Ustedes cuentan el dinero antes de depositarlo en el banco.
A2You all count the money before depositing it in the bank.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change in Present Tense
Remember that 'contar' changes its 'o' to 'ue' when stressed (like in 'cuentan'), but not in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms (contamos, contáis).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "Ellos contan (incorrect)"
Correction: Ellos cuentan (correct). This change happens in most present tense forms.
⭐ Usage Tips
Using 'Contar' for Time
You can use 'contar' to express how many days are left until an event: 'Cuentan los días' (They are counting down the days).
Cuentan (they tell) is used when people are narrating stories or providing information.
cuentan(Verb)
they tell
?storytelling/narration
they recount
?relating events
📝 In Action
Mis abuelos siempre cuentan historias de su juventud.
A2My grandparents always tell stories about their youth.
En la radio, cuentan las noticias del día.
B1On the radio, they report the day's news.
💡 Grammar Points
The 'They Say' Construction
When used impersonally (without specifying who 'they' are), 'cuentan' often translates to 'it is said' or 'people say': 'Cuentan que...' (They say that...).
⭐ Usage Tips
Difference from 'Decir'
While 'decir' (to say) is for simple statements, 'contar' implies a longer narration or recounting of events.
Cuentan con (they rely on) expresses dependence or trust in another person or resource.
cuentan(Verb)
they rely on
?with 'con'
they matter
?importance
📝 In Action
Ellos cuentan con tu apoyo para el proyecto.
B1They rely on your support for the project.
En este examen, las respuestas correctas cuentan doble.
B2In this exam, correct answers count double (matter twice as much).
💡 Grammar Points
Using 'Con'
When 'contar' means 'to rely on' or 'to depend on,' you must use the preposition 'con' immediately after the verb: 'Cuentan con...' (They rely on...).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the Preposition
Mistake: "Ellos cuentan tu ayuda (incorrect usage for 'rely')"
Correction: Ellos cuentan con tu ayuda (correct usage for 'rely').
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuentan
Question 1 of 2
Which meaning of 'cuentan' is used in the sentence: 'Las horas extras no cuentan para la jubilación.'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'contar' always stem-changing?
No. 'Contar' is a stem-changing verb (o → ue) only in the present tenses (indicative, subjunctive, and imperative) and only for the persons where the stem is stressed (yo, tú, él/ella/usted, ellos/ellas/ustedes). The 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms are regular.
When should I use 'contar' instead of 'decir' (to say)?
Use 'contar' when you are recounting a longer narrative, a tale, a secret, or performing an act of enumeration (counting numbers). Use 'decir' for simple statements, commands, or short pieces of information.