traer a cuenta
Lemma Details
Translation: to bring up; to mention; to recall; to remind of
Part of Speech: phrase
Etymology: This phrase combines 'traer' (to bring) from Latin 'trahere' (to drag, pull) and 'cuenta' (account) from Latin 'computare' (to calculate). The expression metaphorically refers to bringing something into the accounting or consideration of a conversation.
Commonality: 50%
Guessability: 30%
Register: neutral
Example Usage
Trajo a cuenta el asunto de la reunión pasada.
He brought up the matter from the last meeting.
No es necesario traer a cuenta ese tema ahora.
It's not necessary to bring up that topic now.
Siempre trae a cuenta sus problemas durante nuestras conversaciones.
He always brings up his problems during our conversations.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'bringing something to the accounting table' - you're adding it to the conversation's ledger.
- Imagine 'bringing to account' - making something accountable by mentioning it.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
This phrase is used in conversational Spanish when someone wants to introduce a topic or remind others of something previously discussed. It's less common in modern everyday speech than some of its synonyms.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'traer a cuenta' means to bring up or mention something in conversation, 'tener en cuenta' means to take something into consideration or account for something.
Confused word:
Ten en cuenta su opinión antes de decidir.
Take his opinion into account before deciding.
Notes: Both phrases involve 'cuenta' (account) but with different verbs that change the meaning significantly.
Mnemonic: 'Traer' (bring) vs 'tener' (have): you bring something up in conversation, but you have something in mind when considering.
Explanation: 'Traer a cuenta' is about mentioning topics, while 'a cuenta de' means 'on account of' or 'at the expense of'.
Confused word:
Compró el regalo a cuenta de su próximo sueldo.
He bought the gift on account of his next paycheck.
Notes: The preposition usage changes the meaning entirely between these phrases.
Mnemonic: Think of 'traer a cuenta' as bringing TO the account (conversation), while 'a cuenta de' is charging something TO an account.