cuentes
/kwehn-tehs/
you count
In the context of mathematics or enumeration, cuentes means 'you count'.
cuentes(verb)
you count
?present subjunctive or negative command
,you may count
?expressing possibility or wish
you calculate
?estimating a number
📝 In Action
Necesito que cuentes hasta diez antes de abrir los ojos.
A1I need you to count to ten before opening your eyes.
No cuentes los pollos antes de que nazcan.
B1Don't count your chickens before they hatch. (Negative command)
💡 Grammar Points
Why 'cuentes' is special
'Cuentes' is the 'tú' form of the verb 'contar' used in a special mood (called the subjunctive) when you are talking about wishes, doubts, emotions, or commands.
Stem Change
The vowel 'o' in the middle of 'contar' changes to 'ue' in most forms, including 'cuentes', but not in the 'nosotros' or 'vosotros' forms (e.g., 'contamos').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the stem change
Mistake: "Espero que tú *contas* el dinero."
Correction: Espero que tú *cuentes* el dinero. Remember the 'o' changes to 'ue' here.
⭐ Usage Tips
Commanding someone not to do something
To tell someone 'Don't count,' you must use 'No cuentes.' This form is always required for negative 'tú' commands.
When referring to narration or communication, cuentes means 'you tell' (a story or event).
cuentes(verb)
you tell
?narrating a story or event
,you narrate
?formal or literary context
you recount
?retelling a past event
📝 In Action
Me gustaría que cuentes la historia desde el principio.
A2I would like you to tell the story from the beginning.
No cuentes ese secreto a nadie, por favor.
A2Please, don't tell that secret to anyone.
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive use for influence
When a sentence starts with phrases showing desire or influence (like 'Me gustaría que...' or 'Quiero que...'), the next verb describing the action ('cuentes') must use the special subjunctive form.
⭐ Usage Tips
Talking about secrets
When talking about secrets, use 'contar' (to tell) rather than 'decir' (to say). Example: 'No cuentes mi plan secreto.'
Used with 'con,' cuentes means 'you rely on' or 'you depend on'.
cuentes(verb)
you rely on
?used with the preposition 'con'
,you depend on
?trusting someone for support
you count on
?informal reliance
📝 In Action
Espero que siempre cuentes con mi apoyo.
B1I hope you can always rely on my support.
No quiero que solo cuentes conmigo para hacer todo el trabajo.
B2I don't want you to only rely on me to do all the work.
💡 Grammar Points
The essential 'con'
When 'contar' means 'to rely on,' it must always be followed immediately by the preposition 'con' (with). If 'con' is missing, the meaning reverts to 'to count' or 'to tell.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
Missing the preposition
Mistake: "Quiero que cuentes mi ayuda."
Correction: Quiero que cuentes *con* mi ayuda. You need 'con' to mean 'rely on.'
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: cuentes
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'cuentes' in the sense of 'to rely on'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'contar' change its spelling to 'cuentes'?
This is called a 'stem change' or 'boot verb' pattern common in Spanish. The vowel 'o' in the verb's root changes to 'ue' whenever it is stressed or pronounced strongly, which happens in the 'tú' form of the present subjunctive.
Is 'cuentes' a command?
It can be! 'Cuentes' is used in negative commands (like 'No cuentes') telling someone *not* to do something. For positive commands ('Count!'), Spanish uses a different form: '¡Cuenta!'