Inklingo

How to Say "you count" in Spanish

English → Spanish

cuentas

KWEHN-tas/ˈkwen.tas/

verbA2familiar
Use this form when 'you count' is a direct, affirmative statement in the present tense, referring to the familiar 'tú' form.
A simple storybook illustration of a child sitting down and pointing to small wooden blocks arranged in a line, performing the action of counting.

Examples

Tú cuentas los votos y yo anoto los resultados.

You count the votes and I write down the results.

¿Le cuentas a alguien este secreto?

Are you telling anyone this secret?

¡Cuentas conmigo para lo que necesites!

You can count/rely on me for whatever you need!

Stem Change Alert (O > UE)

This verb is irregular! The 'o' in the stem changes to 'ue' in most present tense forms, including 'cuentas,' except for the 'nosotros' and 'vosotros' forms.

Forgetting the 'ue' change

Mistake: “Tú contas.”

Correction: Tú cuentas. Remember to change the vowel sound when talking about what you count or tell.

cuentes

/kwehn-tehs//ˈkwen.tes/

verbA1familiar
Use this form when 'you count' is part of a subordinate clause expressing a wish, necessity, or doubt (subjunctive mood), or in a negative command for 'tú'.
A young child with bright clothing pointing at a pile of five large, colorful wooden blocks on a table, illustrating the act of counting.

Examples

Necesito que cuentes hasta diez antes de abrir los ojos.

I need you to count to ten before opening your eyes.

No cuentes los pollos antes de que nazcan.

Don't count your chickens before they hatch. (Negative command)

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').

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.

Indicative vs. Subjunctive/Imperative

The most common mistake is using 'cuentas' when the subjunctive 'cuentes' is required. Remember, 'cuentas' is for factual statements, while 'cuentes' is for commands (negative tú) or hypothetical/desired actions.

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