contar con
Lemma Details
Translation: to count on; to rely on; to depend on; to have available; to expect
Part of Speech: phrasal verb
Etymology: This phrasal verb combines 'contar' (to count, to tell) with the preposition 'con' (with). 'Contar' derives from Latin 'computare' (to calculate, to sum up), which is also the source of English words like 'count', 'account', and 'computer'. The combination with 'con' extends the meaning from simply counting to counting on someone or something as a resource or support.
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 70%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Puedes contar conmigo para lo que necesites.
You can count on me for whatever you need.
El proyecto cuenta con suficiente financiación.
The project has sufficient funding available.
No contábamos con esta complicación.
We weren't expecting this complication.
¿Podemos contar con tu asistencia a la reunión?
Can we count on your attendance at the meeting?
El equipo cuenta con once jugadores.
The team has eleven players available.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'counting with' someone by your side - you're relying on them.
- Imagine 'counting' your resources and saying 'I can count with this' - meaning you have it available.
- Connect it to the English phrase 'I'm counting on you' which has the same meaning.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is extremely common in both personal and professional contexts in Spanish-speaking countries. It's used to express reliance on people, resources, or circumstances. In business settings, 'contar con' is frequently used to discuss available resources or expected support.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Contar' alone means 'to count' (numbers) or 'to tell' (a story), while 'contar con' means 'to rely on' or 'to have available'.
Confused word:
Voy a contar hasta diez.
I'm going to count to ten.
Notes: The preposition 'con' changes the meaning significantly from simple counting to reliance or availability.
Mnemonic: When you add 'con', you're counting WITH something, not just counting numbers.
Explanation: 'Contar a' means 'to tell to' (someone), while 'contar con' means 'to rely on' or 'to have available'.
Notes: The different prepositions ('a' vs 'con') completely change the meaning of the verb.
Mnemonic: 'Contar a' is about telling TO someone, 'contar con' is about counting ON someone.