the uses of saber and conocer in Spanish These two verbs both translate to to know in English but are used in different contexts which can be a bit challenging for learnersSaber
Knowledge of Facts or Information
Saber is used when referring to knowledge of facts information or skills It often translates to to know in English when talking about knowing something by heart or knowing how to do something
Examples
Sé que la capital de España es Madrid I know that the capital of Spain is Madrid
Ella sabe nadar She knows how to swim
Knowing How to Do Something
Saber is also used when referring to knowing how to do something implying the possession of a skill
Examples
¿Sabes tocar el piano Do you know how to play the piano
No sabe cocinar HeShe doesnt know how to cook
Knowledge About a Subject
When discussing knowledge about a subject or academic discipline saber is the appropriate verb
Examples
Él sabe mucho de matemáticas He knows a lot about mathematics
No sé nada de física I dont know anything about physics
Discovering Information
Saber can also be used to indicate finding out or discovering information
Examples
Supe la verdad ayer I found out the truth yesterday
¿Supiste lo que pasó Did you find out what happened
Conocer
Familiarity with People
Conocer is used when you know or are familiar with a person This verb implies a level of personal acquaintance or experience
Examples
Conozco a María I know María
¿Conoces al nuevo profesor Do you know the new teacher
Familiarity with Places
Conocer is also used to express familiarity with a place This implies that you have visited or have some experience with that location
Examples
Conozco París muy bien I know Paris very well
Ellos no conocen esta ciudad They are not familiar with this city
Familiarity with Things
When discussing familiarity with objects works of art or a body of work conocer is used
Examples
Conozco esa novela I am familiar with that novel
¿Conoces la música de Beethoven Are you familiar with Beethovens music
Meeting Someone for the First Time
Conocer is used when you meet someone for the first time This denotes the initial moment of acquaintance
Examples
Encantado de conocerte Nice to meet you
Ayer conocí a tu hermano I met your brother yesterday
Differences in Use and Meaning
While both verbs translate to to know choosing the correct one depends on the context
Use saber for factual knowledge skills and information
Use conocer for familiarity with people places and things
Examples for Clarity
Here are some comparative examples to highlight their different uses
Sé dónde está el museo I know where the museum is vs Conozco el museo I am familiar with the museum
Sé hablar francés I know how to speak French vs Conozco a un profesor de francés I know a French teacher
Grammatical Structures
Saber
Present Tense Conjugation
Yo sé
Tú sabes
ÉlEllaUsted sabe
NosotrosNosotras sabemos
VosotrosVosotras sabéis
EllosEllasUstedes saben
Preterite Tense Conjugation used for specific instances of discovering information
Yo supe
Tú supiste
ÉlEllaUsted supo
NosotrosNosotras supimos
VosotrosVosotras supisteis
EllosEllasUstedes supieron
Conocer
Present Tense Conjugation
Yo conozco
Tú conoces
ÉlEllaUsted conoce
NosotrosNosotras conocemos
VosotrosVosotras conocéis
EllosEllasUstedes conocen
Preterite Tense Conjugation used for meeting someone for the first time
Yo conocí
Tú conociste
ÉlEllaUsted conoció
NosotrosNosotras conocimos
VosotrosVosotras conocisteis
EllosEllasUstedes conocieron
