conocerle
koh-noh-SEHR-leh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Queremos conocerle antes de firmar el contrato.
B1We want to meet him before signing the contract.
Es un honor conocerle, señor García.
A2It is an honor to meet you, Mr. García.
Si llegas a conocerle, dile que me llame.
B2If you manage to meet him, tell him to call me.
💡 Grammar Points
Pronoun Attachment
When you use an object pronoun like 'le' with an infinitive (the basic verb form), you attach it right to the end, forming a single word. This is often done after verbs like 'querer' (to want) or 'deber' (should).
The Meaning of 'le'
In this context, 'le' is the object being known or met. It usually means 'him' (a male person) or 'usted' (formal you). It is common, especially in Spain, to use 'le' even when 'lo' (the technical direct object pronoun) might be expected.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Confusing 'le' and 'lo'
Mistake: "Using 'conocerlo' when referring to a male person in Spain, expecting 'lo' to be standard."
Correction: While 'conocerlo' is grammatically correct as a direct object in many regions, 'conocerle' is preferred in central Spain when referring to a male person. This is called 'leísmo de persona' and is widely accepted.
⭐ Usage Tips
Alternative Placement
If you use 'conocerle' after a conjugated verb (e.g., 'debo'), you have two options for placement: 'Debo conocerle' (I should know him) or 'Le debo conocer.' (The pronoun can go before the conjugated verb instead.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: conocerle
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'conocerle'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'conocerle' and 'conocerlo'?
Both mean 'to know him' (or 'it' for 'conocerlo'). 'Conocerlo' uses the standard direct object pronoun 'lo.' 'Conocerle' uses the indirect object pronoun 'le' as a direct object when referring to a male person, a practice called 'leísmo' that is very common and accepted, especially in Spain.
How does 'conocer' differ from 'saber'?
'Conocer' means to be acquainted with a person, place, or thing (like 'Do you know Paris?'). 'Saber' means to know a fact, piece of information, or how to do something (like 'Do you know how to swim?').