A comprehensive explanation of the difference between "saber" and "conocer" in Spanish, including usage rules, examples, and tips.
Understanding the difference between saber and conocer is key to mastering how to express "to know" in Spanish. Both verbs mean "to know," but they are used in different contexts.
- Saber is used for knowledge of facts, information, or how to do something.
- Conocer is used for being familiar with people, places, or things.
Grammar Rules
Here’s a simple way to remember:
- Use saber + a fact, question word, or infinitive.
- Use conocer + a noun (person, place, or thing).
Examples
- Saber:
- Sé la respuesta. (I know the answer.)
- ¿Sabes dónde está el museo? (Do you know where the museum is?)
- Ella sabe nadar. (She knows how to swim.)
- Conocer:
- Conozco a María. (I know María.)
- ¿Conoces Madrid? (Are you familiar with Madrid?)
- Conocemos ese restaurante. (We know that restaurant.)
___ ese restaurante. (nosotros, conocer)
We ___ that restaurant. (to know - conocer)
Conocemos
'Conocemos' is the first-person plural form of 'conocer,' indicating familiarity with a place or thing.
___ la respuesta. (yo, saber)
I ___ the answer. (to know - saber)
Sé
The first-person singular form of 'saber' is 'sé', used for knowing facts.
Common Mistakes
- Conozco la respuesta. (Incorrect—use saber for facts.)
- Sé a Juan. (Incorrect—use conocer for people.)
Tips
- If you’re talking about meeting someone for the first time, use conocer:
- Conocí a Juan ayer. (I met Juan yesterday.)
- If you’re talking about knowing information or a skill, use saber:
- Sé tocar la guitarra. (I know how to play the guitar.)
By keeping these rules and examples in mind, you’ll confidently choose between saber and conocer when expressing "to know" in Spanish.
Last updated: Thu Jun 5, 2025
