Saber or conocer?
Both mean “to know”. Saber is for facts and skills; conocer is for people and places you’re familiar with.
PART01
Theory
Ask: do I know a fact, or am I familiar with someone or somewhere?
Both are irregular in yo
| Who | saber | conocer |
|---|---|---|
| yo | sé | conozco |
| tú | sabes | conoces |
| él / ella / usted | sabe | conoce |
| nosotros/as | sabemos | conocemos |
| vosotros/as | sabéis | conocéis |
| ellos / ellas / ustedes | saben | conocen |
When to use which
| Verb | Example | English |
|---|---|---|
| saber: facts | Sé su número. | I know her number. |
| saber + infinitive | Sé nadar. | I can swim. |
| conocer: people | Conozco a Ana. | I know Ana. |
| conocer: places | Conozco Madrid. | I’ve been to Madrid. |
| conocer: meet | Quiero conocer a tu novio. | I want to meet your boyfriend. |
conocer a + person
Conozco a Pedro. = I know Pedro.
The little a is needed before people.
saber + infinitive = can
¿Sabes conducir?
= Can you drive?
saber + question word
Sé dónde vive. = I know where he / she lives.
No sé qué hacer. = I don’t know what to do.
No sé
= I don’t know
The most useful phrase of all.
conocer a place = been there
¿Conoces Sevilla?
= Have you been to Seville?
Accent on sé
sé = I know
se = himself
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