contigo
Lemma Details
Translation: with you
Part of Speech: pronoun
Etymology: Contigo comes from the Latin 'cum tecum', which literally meant 'with you'. It's a contraction of the preposition 'con' (with) and the personal pronoun 'ti' (you) plus the suffix 'go'. This suffix is a remnant of the Latin 'cum' that was added again at the end. Spanish has similar contractions for other pronouns: conmigo (with me), consigo (with oneself/themselves).
Commonality: 90%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Mnemonics
- Think of 'con-ti-go' as 'with-you-go', like saying 'I go with you'
- Remember that 'ti' is the object form of 'tú' (you), and 'con' means 'with'
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
Contigo is used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's always the informal 'you' form (tú). For the formal 'you' (usted), Spanish speakers would say 'con usted'. The word appears frequently in songs, poetry, and everyday speech to express companionship or solidarity.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'contigo' means 'with you', 'consigo' means 'with himself/herself/themselves/oneself'
Confused word:
Ella lleva su libro consigo.
She carries her book with her.
Notes: Both are prepositional pronouns formed by combining 'con' with a personal pronoun and the suffix 'go'.
Mnemonic: 'Contigo' has 'ti' (you) in the middle, while 'consigo' has 'si' (self) in the middle.
Explanation: 'Contigo' means 'with you', while 'conmigo' means 'with me'
Confused word:
Ven conmigo.
Come with me.
Notes: Both follow the same pattern of 'con' + pronoun + 'go'.
Mnemonic: 'Contigo' has 'ti' (you) in it, while 'conmigo' has 'mi' (me) in it.