contare
/konˈta.re/
In Italian, the English verb 'count' is translated as contare.
contare is used to mean the act of enumerating or determining a number. If you want to express the idea of relying on someone or something, use the construction contare su (to count on).
Meaning: to enumerate or determine number (verb)
Which one should you use?
While contare is the verb meaning to enumerate, the noun used for a nobleman with the title 'Count' is conte. Additionally, if you mean 'to calculate' specifically, the verb calcolare may be used, though it can also convey the sense of tallying.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
contare is a regular second-conjugation verb ending in -are.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable. The IPA is /konˈta.re/.
Did you know?
- In Italian, if you say you are 'counting' someone, it might mean you are telling them stories or even lying to them, depending on the context.
- While contare means to enumerate, the word raccontare means 'to tell a story', suggesting that storytelling is a way of 're-counting' events.
- The phrase non contare più can be used as a metaphor for someone who has lost their social influence or power, rather than their ability to do math.
Examples in context
- Tu ci puoi contare.You can count on it.This sentence shows how to use contare to say 'count on it'.Tatoeba #4258619 by Guybrush88, translation #3341714 by CK
- Lei ci può contare.You can count on that.This sentence demonstrates how to use contare to say 'count on that'.Tatoeba #4258624 by Guybrush88, translation #3347151 by CK
- Tom non sa contare.Tom can't count.This sentence illustrates the use of contare to mean the ability to enumerate numbers.Tatoeba #5980750 by Guybrush88, translation #5758366 by CM
- Devo contare i soldi prima di andare in banca.I need to count the money before going to the bank.
- Ho due cani.I have two dogs.
- Ci sono tre bambini nel parco.There are three children in the park.
- Voglio quattro mele.I want four apples.
- Posso contare i soldi prima di pagare?Can I count the money before paying?
- 194 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are organizing a party supplies list.
- MatteoDevi contare quante sedie ci sono.You need to count how many chairs there are.
- ChiaraPosso contare i bicchieri dopo.I can count the glasses later.
- MatteoNo, dobbiamo contare tutto subito.No, we have to count everything right now.
- ChiaraVa bene, inizio a contare i tovaglioli.Okay, I will start counting the napkins.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “count” translations and entries contare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
