cuente
/KWEN-teh/
count
Use 'cuente' when you mean to count objects and determine the total number.
cuente(Verb)
count
?to determine the total number
calculate
?informal use
📝 In Action
Por favor, que la secretaria cuente el inventario mañana.
A2Please, have the secretary count the inventory tomorrow.
Cuente de uno a veinte antes de empezar.
A1Count from one to twenty before starting. (Formal command, Usted)
No creo que yo cuente bien bajo presión.
B1I don't think I count well under pressure.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change Alert
The base verb 'contar' changes its vowel from 'o' to 'ue' in many forms, like 'yo cuento' or 'él cuente.' The 'nosotros' form, 'contamos/contemos,' usually keeps the 'o'.
The 'Cuente' Form
'Cuente' is the special verb form (subjunctive) used when expressing wishes, doubts, or emotions about counting, or when giving a formal command ('You, count!').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Formal Command
Mistake: "Señor, cuenta el dinero."
Correction: Señor, cuente el dinero. (Use 'cuente' when speaking formally to someone using 'Usted'.)
⭐ Usage Tips
Counting vs. Telling
While 'contar' means both 'to count' and 'to tell,' the context usually makes the meaning clear (e.g., if numbers are involved, it means 'count').
If you want someone to 'tell' or narrate a story, you use 'cuente'.
cuente(Verb)
tell
?narrate a story or event
recount
?formal narration
📝 In Action
Espero que el guía nos cuente una leyenda local.
A2I hope the guide tells us a local legend.
No deje que le cuente chismes sobre la oficina.
B1Don't let him/her tell you gossip about the office.
¿Puede usted cuentarme su versión de la historia?
A2Can you (formal) tell me your version of the story?
💡 Grammar Points
Telling 'To Me'
When asking someone to tell you something, you must often attach the pronoun 'me' to the end of the command form ('Cuénteme') or place it before the conjugated verb ('Quiero que me cuente').
⭐ Usage Tips
Formal Request
Using 'cuente' is a polite, formal way to ask someone you respect to share information.
'Cuente' can mean to 'rely on' someone, showing dependence and trust.
cuente(Verb)
rely on
?to depend on someone or something
count on
?trust or expectation
📝 In Action
¡Cuente conmigo para la mudanza!
B1Count on me for the move! (Formal command)
Es crucial que el equipo cuente con suficiente presupuesto.
B2It is crucial that the team relies on (or has) enough budget.
Si no cuente con su apoyo, el proyecto fracasará.
C1If he/she doesn't rely on their support, the project will fail.
💡 Grammar Points
Required Preposition 'Con'
When 'contar' means 'to rely on' or 'to possess,' it must be followed by the preposition 'con' (with). You can't use it alone in this sense.
⭐ Usage Tips
Assurance Phrase
The phrase 'Cuente conmigo' is one of the most common ways to offer help or assurance in Spanish, equivalent to 'You can count on me.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuente
Question 1 of 2
In which sentence does 'cuente' mean 'to rely on'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'cuente' a command or a statement?
It can be both! 'Cuente' is the formal command form for 'you' (Usted), meaning 'Count!' or 'Tell!' It is also the special verb form (subjunctive) used for 'I' (yo) or 'he/she/it/you formal' (él/ella/usted) when talking about wishes, emotions, or uncertainty (e.g., 'I hope he counts it').
Why does 'contar' change its vowel from 'o' to 'ue'?
This is called a stem change, and it happens in many common Spanish verbs like 'poder' (to be able) and 'dormir' (to sleep). It's a natural evolution of the word designed to make the vowel sound stronger when the stress falls on that part of the word.