contar
/konˈtaɾ/
To count in Spanish is contar. Wiktionary also lists escrutar and cuantiar.
Meaning: to enumerate or determine number (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| contar | /konˈtaɾ/ |
| escrutar | /eskɾuˈtaɾ/ |
| cuantiar | /kwantjaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
The primary meaning of contar is to enumerate or determine a number. However, it is also used to mean telling a story or a secret. In Mexico, contar can also be used to mean 'to tell'. The idiomatic phrase contar con is used to mean 'to count on' or 'to rely on' someone or something.
Which one should you use?
Other words like escrutar or cuantiar may be used.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, contar is used to mean 'to tell'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun cuenta is derived from the verb contar and is used in expressions such as dar la cuenta, which means to give the account or the bill.
How do you pronounce it?
/konˈtaɾ/
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the root of contar to form the word cuentacuentos, which describes a professional storyteller.
- The Spanish verb contar is a direct descendant of the Latin computāre, making it a close relative of the English word 'compute'.
- The noun cuenta is used for a restaurant bill, but it also refers to a bank account and a social media account.
Examples in context
- Él no sabe contar.He can't count.This sentence illustrates the use of contar for numerical counting.Tatoeba #2857553 by marcelostockle, translation #300223 by CK
- Podéis contar con él.You can count on him.This sentence shows the idiomatic use of contar con to mean relying on someone.Tatoeba #1205077 by Shishir, translation #1196772 by CK
- ¿Puedo contar con vos?Can I count on you?This sentence demonstrates the use of contar con in a question format.Tatoeba #2566045 by hayastan, translation #1992112 by Spamster
- Vamos a numerar las páginas del informe.Let's number the pages of the report.
- Puedes contar los platos en la mesa.Can you count the plates on the table?
- Dime cuántas horas dormiste anoche.Tell me how many hours you slept last night.
- Vamos a numerar los días del mes.We will number the days of the month.
- 99 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are organizing a group of people for a game.
- ElenaVoy a contar a los jugadores ahora.I am going to count the players now.
- AlejandroEstá bien, avísame cuando termines.That's fine, let me know when you finish.
- ElenaSolo faltan dos personas por contar.There are only two people left to count.
- AlejandroEntonces ya podemos empezar el juego.Then we can start the game already.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “count” translations and entries contar, escrutar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
