Spanish Conversation · Level 16
90 words
Spanish word
contar
Pronunciation
IPA/konˈtaɾ/
Meaning
- verbtell
Example
¿Me puedes contar lo que pasó?
Can you tell me what happened?
More examples
A los niños les gusta contar cuentos antes de dormir.
Children like to tell stories before bed.
Core concept
A person listing events aloud in order.
Common phrases
contar un chiste
tell a joke
contar una historia
tell a story
contar un secreto
tell a secret
Similar words
decir: Utters words to communicate content to another person, often as a statement or reply.
hablar: Talks to express ideas or opinions orally, typically in conversation.
relatar: Narrates events or facts sequentially, emphasizing a coherent storyline.
explicar: Clarifies causes, reasons, or procedures step by step so the point becomes clear.
Definition in Spanish
Narrar detalles o acontecimientos a otra persona; además, expresar la acción de contar números o cantidades.
Word origin
From Latin computare 'to reckon', originally meaning 'to count', this sense broadened to 'recount' and produced Spanish contar with both 'count' and 'tell' senses.
Usage tips
- When contar means 'tell', the person told appears as an indirect object (le/les) or with 'a + noun', and contar con is a separate construction meaning 'to rely on'.