compter
/kɔ̃.te/
To count up in French is compter.
The verb compter means to count or to get a sum. When you want to express that someone can count up to a specific number, use the construction compter jusqu'à followed by that number.
Meaning: get a sum (verb)
Which one should you use?
While compter is used for counting or calculating, it can also mean 'to intend' when it is followed by an infinitive, such as in the phrase compter partir (to intend to leave).
How does it change in a sentence?
compter is a regular '-er' verb in the first group. The third-person singular present indicative form is compte, and the past participle is compté.
How do you pronounce it?
/kɔ̃.te/. It has 2 syllables.
Did you know?
- The French phrase je compte sur toi uses the verb compter to mean 'I trust you' or 'I am counting on you'. This usage shifts the meaning from a mathematical sum to a social reliance.
- French has two words that sound exactly the same but are spelled differently: compter for counting and conter for telling a story.
- While compter is used for basic counting and budgeting, French speakers switch to the word calculer for complex mathematical operations.
Examples in context
- Mon fils sait déjà compter jusqu'à cent.My son can already count up to one hundred.This sentence shows how to use compter regarding a child's ability to count up to a number.Tatoeba #428140 by dominiko, translation #1153991 by belgavox
- Mon fils peut compter jusqu'à 100 maintenant.My son can count up to a hundred now.This sentence uses compter to express counting up to a number.Tatoeba #129655 by nimfeo, translation #24167 by CK
- Il dit que son fils sait à présent compter jusqu'à cent.He says his son can count up to 100 now.This sentence uses compter to describe a child's current ability to count up to a specific number.Tatoeba #132849 by qdii, translation #300937 by CK
- Je compte les chiffres un à unI count the numbers one by one
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Léa and Lucas are checking their change after shopping.
- LéaTu peux compter les pièces, s'il te plaît ?Can you count the coins, please?
- LucasOui, je vais compter l'argent tout de suite.Yes, I will count the money right away.
- LéaEst-ce qu'il nous reste beaucoup ?Do we have much left?
- LucasNon, il ne reste que quelques euros.No, there are only a few euros left.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry compter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries compter, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
