contando
/kontando/from spelling rules
The English phrase "counting" is translated into Spanish as contando.
contando refers to the act of making a count.
Meaning: act of making a count (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
contando is the gerund of the verb contar (to count) and is used to form continuous tenses. It is derived directly from the infinitive contar.
How do you pronounce it?
/kontando/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word contar is a polysemous verb that can mean both 'to count' and 'to tell' a story or a joke. You might find yourself contando a tale instead of just contando numbers.
- In Spanish, a 'bill' at a restaurant is called la cuenta. This comes from the practice of 'counting' up the individual costs of the items ordered to reach a total.
- A cuentista is not necessarily someone who counts things. In common usage, it refers to a storyteller or, more pejoratively, someone who tells lies and tall tales.
Examples in context
- Estoy contando en alemán.I am counting in German.This sentence is useful for describing the act of counting in a specific language using contando.Tatoeba #2503167 by marcelostockle, translation #1785756 by Amastan
- Tom está contando su dinero.Tom is counting his money.This sentence is useful for showing someone counting a specific object using contando.Tatoeba #7951163 by Seael, translation #6271277 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are organizing a large group of people.
- ElenaMateo, ¿estás contando a los invitados?Mateo, are you counting the guests?
- MateoSí, ya casi termino.Yes, I am almost finished.
- ElenaDime el número cuando termines de contar.Tell me the number when you finish counting.
- MateoSomos veinte personas en total.There are twenty people in total.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
