Comptent

Comptent is the third-person plural present indicative form of the French verb compter. It is most commonly translated as “they count” or “they are counting.” The verb also appears in phrases that express intention or reliance, such as “Ils comptent partir demain” (they plan to leave tomorrow) and “Ils comptent sur vous” (they are counting on you). The infinitive is compter, and the past participle is compté.

Etymology and related forms: compter comes from Old French and ultimately from Latin computare, linked to the English word compute. Related forms appear throughout the Romance languages with similar meanings related to counting, calculating, or reckoning.

Usage: compter has several senses. In a literal sense, it means to enumerate objects or people: “Ils comptent les voix” (they are counting the votes). In a figurative sense, it can mean to estimate or to consider: “Cela compte peu” (that scarcely counts). It is also used to express intention with être going to do something, as in “nous comptons y aller” (we intend to go there). The construction “compter sur” means to rely on someone or something.

Conjugation note: in present tense, the endings align with regular -er verbs. The form “comptent” specifically marks the third-person plural. Other present forms include: je compte, tu comptes, il/elle compte, nous comptons, vous comptez.

Past and compound tenses use the past participle compté with auxiliary avoir, e.g., j’ai compté. As with many French verbs, compter exhibits further inflected forms for moods and tenses (subjunctive, conditional, imperative).