Forgetting the Accent Mark

'Sé' is the special form of 'saber' (to know) that you only use for 'I'. It's very irregular, so you just have to memorize it: 'Yo sé' means 'I know'.

The Special 'I' Form of 'Saber'

Use 'sé' for facts, information, or skills (e.g., 'Sé tu nombre' - I know your name). To say you know a person or place, you need a different verb: 'conocer' (e.g., 'Conozco a tu hermano' - I know your brother).

Knowing Facts vs. Knowing People

The phrase 'No sé' is one of the most useful things you can learn. It's a perfect and natural way to say 'I don't know' in any situation.

Your Go-To for 'I Don't Know'

Extremely common. Used every day to talk about facts, information, or skills you have.

Mixing up 'Sé' and 'Se'

Using with 'Estar'

This 'sé' is the command form of the verb 'ser' (to be). You use it to tell one person you know well (like a friend) to be something. For example, 'Sé valiente' means 'Be brave'.

A Friendly Command

Use 'sé' with friends, family, or people younger than you. If you need to be more formal or polite, you use 'sea'. For example, 'Sea puntual' means 'Be punctual' (said to a boss or stranger).

Formal vs. Informal Commands

'Sé' is perfect for giving positive encouragement. Phrases like '¡Sé tú mismo!' (Be yourself!) or '¡Sé fuerte!' (Be strong!) are very common and sound natural.

Giving Encouragement

Very common when giving friendly advice, encouragement, or commands to one person.

Learn the two meanings of 'sé' in Spanish. Understand 'sé' as 'I know' from the verb saber and 'sé' as the command 'be' from the verb ser. Includes full conjugations, examples, and common mistakes.

sé

Complete Conjugation Tables

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

preterite

imperfect

future

conditional

subjunctive

present

imperfect

imperative

affirmative

negative

Practice Conjugations