How to Say "count" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “count” is “cuenta” — use 'cuenta' when referring to the total number or amount of something, often when you've lost track or are asking for the bill.
cuenta
KWEN-tahˈkwenta
Examples
He perdido la cuenta de cuántas veces te lo he dicho.
I've lost count of how many times I've told you.
Según mis cuentas, nos deben dinero.
According to my calculations, they owe us money.
La cena corre por mi cuenta.
Dinner is on me (my responsibility).
The Super-Phrase: 'Darse Cuenta de'
This phrase is incredibly common and means 'to realize'. Remember the little word 'de' that often comes after it. For example, 'Me di cuenta de que no tenía mis llaves.' (I realized that I didn't have my keys.)
Realize vs. Realizar
Mistake: “'Realicé que era tarde.'”
Correction: 'Me di cuenta de que era tarde.' 'Realizar' looks like 'realize', but it actually means 'to carry out' or 'to make real'. To say 'I realize', always use 'me doy cuenta'.
cuente
KWEN-tehˈkwen.te
Examples
Por favor, que la secretaria cuente el inventario mañana.
Please, have the secretary count the inventory tomorrow.
Cuente de uno a veinte antes de empezar.
Count from one to twenty before starting. (Formal command, Usted)
No creo que yo cuente bien bajo presión.
I don't think I count well under pressure.
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!').
Forgetting the Formal Command
Mistake: “Señor, cuenta el dinero.”
Correction: Señor, cuente el dinero. (Use 'cuente' when speaking formally to someone using 'Usted'.)
recuento
re-KWEN-tohreˈkwento
Examples
El partido político solicitó un recuento de los votos.
The political party requested a recount of the votes.
Haremos un recuento de la mercancía el lunes por la mañana.
We will do an inventory count of the merchandise on Monday morning.
Tras el recuento, descubrimos que faltaban dos paquetes.
After the count, we discovered that two packages were missing.
Always Masculine
Even though it ends in 'o', remember it always takes masculine words around it, like 'el recuento' or 'un recuento'.
Action vs. Result
This word describes both the act of counting and the final number you get at the end.
Confusing with 'Cuenta'
Mistake: “Pedir la recuento en un restaurante.”
Correction: Pedir la cuenta. Use 'cuenta' for a bill or a general account; use 'recuento' specifically for the act of counting items or votes again.
valen
VAH-lenˈbalen
Examples
Estas tarjetas de descuento solo valen hasta fin de mes.
These discount cards are only valid until the end of the month.
En este juego, los puntos extra valen el doble.
In this game, the extra points count double.
Las promesas que se hacen a la ligera no valen nada.
Promises made lightly are not valid (or worth) anything.
Meaning Shift
When used in the sense of 'validity,' 'valen' usually refers to rules, documents, or agreements that are currently in effect or acceptable.
cargo
KAR-goˈkaɾɣo
Examples
El hotel aplicó un cargo adicional por el servicio de habitación.
The hotel applied an additional charge for room service.
El fiscal presentó tres cargos contra el acusado.
The prosecutor filed three charges against the defendant.
¿Quién está a cargo de este proyecto?
Who is in charge of this project?
The Useful Phrase 'a cargo de'
This phrase is a super common way to say who is responsible for something. It's followed by the person or group in charge. Example: 'La organización del evento está a cargo de María.' (María is in charge of organizing the event.)
conde
COHN-dayˈkon̪.de
Examples
El conde invitó a todos los aldeanos a su fiesta anual.
The count invited all the villagers to his annual party.
La historia del conde de Montecristo es muy famosa.
The story of the Count of Monte Cristo is very famous.
Su título de conde es uno de los más antiguos de la región.
His title of count is one of the oldest in the region.
Gender and Articles
Since 'conde' is masculine (m), it uses masculine articles: 'el conde' (the count) or 'un conde' (a count). Remember that the person holding the title is always male.
Confusing Titles
Mistake: “Using 'conde' to refer to a duke ('duque') or a baron ('barón').”
Correction: 'Conde' is a specific rank below a duke and above a viscount. Make sure you use the right title when discussing nobility.
Confusing 'cuenta' and 'cuente'
Related Translations
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.