Portuguese verb

Conjugation of contar

The Portuguese verb contar means "to count, tell". Below are its 7 tenses as tables, 4 example sentences and answers to 3 common questions. Press play next to a present tense form or an example to hear it.

Meaning
to count, tell
Type
Regular -ar verb
Gerund
contando
Past participle
contado
Quick answer

The present tense of contar is eu conto, tu contas, ele/ela conta, nós contamos, vós contais, eles/elas contam. It is a regular -ar verb, so every tense takes the standard -ar endings. The tables below cover 7 tenses, from the present to the imperative. Every present form and 4 example sentences have a listen button.

Present tense of contar

Present Presente
eu conto
tu contas
ele/ela conta
nós contamos
vós contais
eles/elas contam

More tenses of contar

Simple past Pretérito perfeito
eu contei
tu contaste
ele/ela contou
nós contámos
vós contastes
eles/elas contaram
Imperfect Pretérito imperfeito
eu contava
tu contavas
ele/ela contava
nós contávamos
vós contáveis
eles/elas contavam
Future Futuro
eu contarei
tu contarás
ele/ela contará
nós contaremos
vós contareis
eles/elas contarão
Conditional Condicional
eu contaria
tu contarias
ele/ela contaria
nós contaríamos
vós contaríeis
eles/elas contariam
Present subjunctive Presente do subjuntivo
que eu conte
que tu contes
que ele/ela conte
que nós contemos
que vós conteis
que eles/elas contem
Imperative Imperativo
tu conta
você conte
nós contemos
vós contai
vocês contem

Notes on contar

Contar is regular. Its forms follow the regular -ar pattern, as in conto, contei, contava, and contado.

Meet contar in real Portuguese books

Lingo7 is an app for reading books in Portuguese with a translation under every sentence and audio, so the forms in these tables come back in context.

Example sentences with contar

  • Conto os livros na estante todos os dias. I count the books on the shelf every day.
  • Ontem contei tudo à minha irmã. Yesterday I told my sister everything.
  • Quando era criança, contava muitas histórias. When I was a child, I told many stories.
  • Amanhã contarei o dinheiro com cuidado. Tomorrow I will count the money carefully.

Frequently asked questions

Is contar regular in European Portuguese?

Yes. Contar is regular and follows the regular -ar model.

What are the present tense forms of contar?

The forms are conto, contas, conta, contamos, contais, and contam.

What are the past participle and gerund of contar?

The past participle is contado and the gerund is contando.