Savoir is a French verb meaning “to know.” It is used to express knowledge of facts, information, or a learned skill. Savoir is irregular and is commonly followed by a subordinate clause introduced by que, si, or a question word (e.g., où, comment), or by an infinitive.
- Use savoir + que/si/wh-: Savoir is often followed by que (that), si (if/whether), or a question word (e.g., où, comment).
- Use savoir + infinitive: Savoir can be followed directly by an infinitive to mean “to know how to do something.”
- Do not confuse with connaître: Savoir refers to knowing facts or how to do something, while connaître refers to being familiar with people, places, or things.
. Usage
Savoir is used to express:
- Knowledge of facts or information
- Knowing how to do something (a skill)
- Understanding or being aware of something
Examples:
- Je sais que tu viens ce soir. (I know that you’re coming tonight.)
- Sais-tu où est la bibliothèque? (Do you know where the library is?)
- Elle sait parler espagnol. (She knows how to speak Spanish.)
- Nous savons nager. (We know how to swim.)
We know how to swim.
Nous savons nager.
The correct sentence uses savoir + infinitive: "Nous savons nager" means "We know how to swim." Connaître is incorrect, and the other options misuse the infinitive form.
. Conjugation
Savoir is irregular. Here is the full conjugation in the present indicative tense:
| Pronoun | French Conjugation | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| je | sais | I know |
| tu | sais | you know |
| il/elle/on | sait | he/she/one knows |
| nous | savons | we know |
| vous | savez | you (pl./form.) know |
| ils/elles | savent | they know |
Examples:
- Je sais la réponse. (I know the answer.)
- Vous savez conduire? (Do you know how to drive?)
- Ils savent que c’est important. (They know that it’s important.)
. Additional Notes
- Past participle: su (used in passé composé, e.g., J’ai su la vérité — I found out the truth)
- Imparfait stem: sav- (e.g., Je savais — I used to know)
- Subjunctive present root: sach- (e.g., Il faut que tu saches — You need to know)
- Savoir is part of the “-ir” and irregular verb group but is irregular in many tenses and moods.
- Use savoir when followed by a clause or an infinitive.
- Use connaître when referring to familiarity with people, places, or works of art.
Examples:
- J’ai su la nouvelle hier soir. (I found out the news last night.)
- Nous savions que le train était en retard. (We knew that the train was late.)
- Il faut que vous sachiez la vérité. (It is necessary that you know the truth.)
Flashcards (1 of 6)
- Pronoun: je
- English Meaning: I know
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
