Memorize “Contener” conjugations in the Present Tense effortlessly. Our unique loop-based audio helps you absorb verb forms naturally—just like native speakers. Tap to play and start memorizing 10x faster now!

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop while reviewing the conjugation chart to naturally absorb the correct forms. Try it now!

Conjugation Chart of “Contener” (to contain) in the Present Tense

Why Use Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Present Tense of “Contener”

The Present Tense of contener is used to express actions or states that are currently happening or that occur habitually. For example, El frasco contiene agua. (The bottle contains water.)

Contener is an irregular verb, meaning its conjugations don’t follow the standard patterns of regular verbs.

How to Use Contener in the Present Tense

Contener generally means to contain or hold something, but has several different meanings in the Present Tense, some of which might surprise you.

To contain or hold: For example, La caja contiene libros. (The box contains books.)

To restrain or control: For example, No puedo contener mi ira. (I cannot contain my anger.)

To include or comprise: For example, El libro contiene muchos capítulos. (The book contains many chapters.)

To stop or prevent: For example, Contengo mi respiración bajo el agua. (I hold my breath under water.)

Colloquial usage (rude): For example, ¡Contente, idiota! (Shut up, idiot!)

Real Life Examples of Contener in the Present Tense

Yo contengo mi emoción cuando me enojo. (I contain my emotion when I get angry.)

El tanque contiene suficiente agua para todo el día. (The tank contains enough water for the whole day.)

Nosotros contenemos nuestro aliento cuando vemos algo emocionante. (We hold our breath when we see something exciting.)

¿Contienes tus ganas de gritar cuando estás emocionado? (Do you contain your urge to shout when you’re excited?)

La caja fuerte contiene los documentos importantes. (The safe contains the important documents.)

Ellos contienen su risa durante la reunión seria. (They contain their laughter during the serious meeting.)

¿Ustedes contienen su emoción cuando ganan un premio? (Do you contain your emotion when you win a prize?)

La novela contiene escenas de violencia, así que ten cuidado. (The novel contains violent scenes, so be careful.)

Nosotros contenemos nuestra respiración cuando buceamos. (We hold our breath when we dive.)

El frasco contiene especias picantes, así que ten cuidado. (The jar contains spicy spices, so be careful.)

Ellos contienen su enojo cuando discuten con sus jefes. (They contain their anger when they argue with their bosses.)

¿Contienes tus ganas de comer dulces cuando estás a dieta? (Do you contain your urge to eat sweets when you’re on a diet?)

La caja contiene regalos para los niños, así que no la abras. (The box contains gifts for the children, so don’t open it.)

Nosotros contenemos nuestras emociones cuando estamos en público. (We contain our emotions when we are in public.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Contener (to contain) in the Present Tense (Castilian Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Castilian Spanish. For Latin American Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Present tense is also known as the Simple Present, Present Simple, Present Tense, or Present Indicative in English, and as Presente de Indicativo, Presente Simple, Tiempo Presente, or Indicativo Presente in Spanish.