'Conocer' vs. 'Saber'

When you talk about knowing a person or a pet, you must put the little word 'a' right after 'conocer'. For example, say 'Conozco a Juan', but just 'Conozco París'.

The Personal 'a'

Watch out for the present tense! The 'yo' form is special: 'yo conozco'. This 'zc' spelling also shows up in other important forms, like when you're making polite requests.

Irregular 'yo' Form: conozco

A great mental shortcut: if you could say 'I'm familiar with...' or 'I'm acquainted with...' in English, you almost always want to use 'conocer' in Spanish.

Think 'Familiarity'

Extremely common. One of the first verbs you'll learn for talking about people and places.

Meeting vs. Meeting Up

This 'to meet' meaning is most often used in a specific past tense (the preterite). 'Conocí' means 'I met', while 'Conocía' means 'I knew'.

The 'Meeting' Tense

When you're introduced to someone, saying 'Mucho gusto en conocerte' or just 'Mucho gusto' is the perfect, friendly response. It's the Spanish equivalent of 'Nice to meet you'.

A Common Greeting

Very common, especially when telling the story of how you first met someone.

Learn the complete meaning of the Spanish verb 'conocer'. Understand the difference between 'to know' a person and 'to meet' someone, see full conjugation charts, and avoid common mistakes like mixing up 'conocer' and 'saber'.

conocer

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

future

imperfect

conditional

preterite

imperative

negative

affirmative

subjunctive

present

imperfect

Practice Conjugations