Savoir vs. Connaître: to know
Savoir and connaître are two French verbs that both mean “to know,” but they are used in different contexts.
- Savoir is used for knowing facts, information, or how to do something.
- Connaître is used for being familiar with people, places, or things.
Usage Rules
Savoir
- Use when you know a fact or piece of information.
- Use when you know how to do something (often followed by an infinitive).
- Common question word: savoir is often used in questions with si, que, qui, quand, où, pourquoi, etc.
Connaître
- Use when you are familiar with or have met someone.
- Use when you know a place or a work of art.
- Not used with clauses or infinitives—followed by a noun.
What type of word(s) typically follow connaître?
A noun
**Connaître** is followed directly by a noun (e.g., Je connais Marie). It is not followed by infinitives or clauses.
Examples
Savoir Examples
- Je sais que Paris est la capitale de la France. (I know that Paris is the capital of France.)
- Elle sait jouer du piano. (She knows how to play the piano.)
- Sais-tu où il habite? (Do you know where he lives?)
Connaître Examples
- Je connais Marie. (I know Marie.)
- Nous connaissons ce restaurant. (We know this restaurant.)
- Connaissez-vous le Louvre? (Are you familiar with the Louvre?)
Connaissez-vous ____ Louvre?
le
Le Louvre is a famous museum; 'le' is the correct article.
Summary
- Use savoir for facts, information, and learned skills.
- Use connaître for familiarity with people, places, and things.
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
