Saber means to know something—usually a fact, a piece of information, or how to do something.
Entender means to understand or comprehend—it’s about grasping the meaning of something.
In Simple Terms
- Saber* = know a fact or skill
- Entender* = understand or comprehend something
When to Use Each Verb
Using "Saber"
Use saber when talking about knowledge, facts, or abilities. It’s also used before infinitives to say you know how to do something.
- Sabes la hora? — Do you know the time?
- Sé nadar. — I know how to swim.
- Saben dónde está la tienda? — Do you know where the store is?
Using "Entender"
Use entender when talking about understanding or grasping the meaning of something, such as a concept, language, or situation.
- ¿Entiendes la lección? — Do you understand the lesson?
- No entiendo francés. — I don’t understand French.
- Entendemos el problema. — We understand the problem.
Key Differences
- Saber—knowing facts or skills
- Entender—comprehending or making sense of something
Conjugation Examples
Saber (to know)
Present Tense
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| yo | sé la respuesta | I know the answer |
| tú | sabes nadar | You know how to swim |
| él/ella | sabe la verdad | He/she knows the truth |
| nosotros | sabemos la fecha | We know the date |
| vosotros | sabéis el número | You all know the number |
| ellos/as | saben cocinar | They know how to cook |
Entender (to understand)
Present Tense
| Spanish Pronoun | Spanish Example | English Example |
|---|---|---|
| yo | entiendo la pregunta | I understand the question |
| tú | entiendes el problema | You understand the problem |
| él/ella | entiende la explicación | He/she understands the explanation |
| nosotros | entendemos la situación | We understand the situation |
| vosotros | entendéis el texto | You all understand the text |
| ellos/as | entienden la idea | They understand the idea |
Usage Tips
Saber + Infinitive
- Know how to do something
- Sé escribir en español. — I know how to write in Spanish.
Saber vs. Conocer
- Saber: know information
- Conocer: be familiar with people or places
- Conozco a María. — I know María. (meeting someone)
- Sé quién es María. — I know who María is.
Entender vs. Comprender
- Both mean “to understand.”
- Entender is more common in spoken Spanish.
- Comprender can sound more formal or literary.
Real-Life Examples
“Saber”
- ¿Sabes dónde está el baño? — Do you know where the bathroom is?
- No sé la respuesta. — I don’t know the answer.
- Sé tocar la guitarra. — I know how to play guitar.
“Entender”
- ¿Entiendes las instrucciones? — Do you understand the instructions?
- No entiendo este ejercicio. — I don’t understand this exercise.
- Entendemos que es difícil. — We understand that it’s difficult.
Mixed Examples
- No sé cómo hacerlo, pero creo que entiendo el problema.
(I don’t know how to do it, but I think I understand the problem.)
Practice Examples
Fill in the blanks with "saber" or "entender"
- ¿ tú la dirección?
- No la explicación.
- cocinar paella.
- ¿ ustedes el tema?
- No quién viene mañana.
Answers
- ¿Sabes tú la dirección?
- No entiendo la explicación.
- Sé cocinar paella.
- ¿Entienden ustedes el tema?
- No sé quién viene mañana.
Summary
- Use saber for facts, information, and knowing how to do something.
- Use entender for understanding, comprehending, or making sense of something.
- Saber + infinitive = “know how to [do something].”
- Entender = grasp the meaning or idea.
Now you can confidently choose between saber and entender depending on whether you’re talking about knowing a fact or understanding a concept.
Flashcards (1 of 12)
- English Example: I know the answer
Last updated: Wed Jun 18, 2025
