contar

Senses

1. 1.

   to tell

   to narrate or relate a story, fact, or information

2. 2.

   to count

   to enumerate or determine the number of items

3. 3.

   to rely on

   to depend on or expect support from someone

4. 4.

   to matter

   to be important or significant

Examples

• "Ele me contou uma história muito interessante."

  He told me a very interesting story.

• "Vou contar até dez e depois você começa."

  I'll count to ten and then you start.

• "Você pode contar comigo para qualquer coisa."

  You can rely on me for anything.

Usage

Contar is one of the most common Portuguese verbs. When meaning "to tell," it's followed by the person and/or object (contar algo a alguém). When meaning "to count," it can stand alone or be followed by "até" (to) or "com" (with). The phrase "contar com" is idiomatic meaning "to count on/rely on." In colloquial speech, "não conta" means "it doesn't matter/count."