contar
to tell / to recount / to count
Beginner Verb
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Pronunciation
/konˈtaɾ/
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Cultural Note
Contar has two main meanings: 'to tell/narrate' and 'to count.' In communication contexts, 'cuéntame' (tell me) is one of the warmest conversation openers in Spanish. 'Contar con alguien' means 'to count on someone' — an essential relationship expression. The stem change o→ue appears in the present tense.
📝 Example Sentences
Cuéntame qué pasó anoche.
Tell me what happened last night.
Le contó un secreto a su mejor amiga.
She told a secret to her best friend.
Puedes contar conmigo siempre.
You can count on me always.