cuenta regresiva
/ˌkwenta reɡɾeˈsiba/Latin America, feminine
The English phrase "countdown" is translated into Spanish as cuenta regresiva. Wiktionary also lists cuenta atrás and conteo regresivo.
Meaning: a count backward to the time of some event (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| cuenta regresiva | /ˌkwenta reɡɾeˈsiba/ | Latin America, feminine |
| cuenta atrás | /ˌkwenta aˈtɾas/ | Spain, feminine |
| conteo regresivo | /konteo ɾeɡɾesibo/ (from spelling rules) | masculine |
All forms refer to a count backward to the time of some event.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase cuenta regresiva is composed of cuenta (count/account) and regresiva (regressive/backward).
Which one should you use?
Cuenta atrás is the standard way to say countdown in Spain, whereas cuenta regresiva is the standard way to say countdown in most of Latin America. Additionally, while cuenta regresiva is feminine, the synonym conteo regresivo is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkwenta reɡɾeˈsiba/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word cuenta is a versatile term that can mean a 'count' 'account' or even a 'bead' on a necklace.
- In many Spanish-speaking contexts, the term for 'countdown' is often replaced by the English word 'countdown' itself, especially in sports or technical space environments.
- The word atrás in cuenta atrás comes from the Vulgar Latin phrase 'ad trans' meaning 'beyond'.
Examples in context
- Detén la cuenta atrás.Stop the countdown.This sentence is useful for practicing the command to stop the cuenta atrás.Tatoeba #3775639 by marcelostockle, translation #2250027 by CK
- La cuenta atrás ha comenzado.The countdown has started.This sentence is useful for stating that the cuenta atrás has begun.Tatoeba #3775641 by marcelostockle, translation #2841986 by Hybrid
- Inicia la cuenta atrás y corre como loco.Set the countdown and run like hell.This sentence is useful for using cuenta atrás in a more energetic context.Tatoeba #3775643 by marcelostockle, translation #3775642 by marcelostockle
- La cuenta regresiva para el lanzamiento del cohete comenzará en cinco minutos.The countdown for the rocket launch will begin in five minutes.
- La cuenta atrás para el Año Nuevo está a punto de comenzar.The countdown for New Year's is about to begin.
- ¡Faltan diez segundos en la cuenta regresiva! ¡Prepárate para el lanzamiento!Ten seconds left in the countdown! Get ready for launch!
- La cuenta atrás para el espectáculo de fuegos artificiales ya inició.The countdown for the fireworks show has already begun.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are watching a rocket launch on television.
- Alejandro¡Mira, Elena, ya empezó la cuenta regresiva!Look, Elena, the countdown has already started!
- ElenaEs impresionante, Alejandro, el cohete es enorme.It's impressive, Alejandro, the rocket is huge.
- Alejandro¡Faltan solo diez segundos para el lanzamiento!There are only ten seconds left until the launch!
- Elena¡Qué emoción, ya casi llega el momento!How exciting, the moment is almost here!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “countdown” translations and entries cuenta regresiva, cuenta atrás, 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 atrás, cuenta, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
