conocimiento
“conocimiento” means “knowledge” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
knowledge, understanding
Also: insight
📝 In Action
El conocimiento es poder.
A2Knowledge is power.
Ella tiene un profundo conocimiento de la historia europea.
B1She has a profound understanding of European history.
La ciencia busca generar nuevo conocimiento.
B2Science seeks to generate new knowledge.
expertise, awareness
Also: acquaintance, skill set
📝 In Action
Necesitamos un ingeniero con conocimientos de robótica.
B2We need an engineer with knowledge/expertise in robotics.
Puso el plan en marcha sin el conocimiento de su jefe.
C1He launched the plan without the awareness/knowledge of his boss.
Hicimos un primer conocimiento mutuo en la conferencia.
C2We made our initial acquaintance at the conference. (Formal use)
🔀 Commonly Confused With
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Words that translate to "conocimiento" in Spanish:
acquaintance→awareness→expertise→insight→knowledge→skill set→understanding→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: conocimiento
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence correctly uses 'conocimientos' in the sense of specialized skills?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word comes directly from the Spanish verb *conocer* (to know, to be acquainted with). This verb traces back to the Latin verb *cognoscere*, which meant 'to know, perceive, or recognize.' The suffix '-miento' turns the action of knowing into the concept of knowledge itself.
First recorded: 13th century (in similar forms)
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'conocimiento' countable or uncountable?
It can be both. In the general sense ('Knowledge is power'), it is uncountable (singular). When referring to specific specialized skills or facts ('technical knowledge'), it is often used in the plural, *conocimientos*, making it countable in that context.
When should I use 'conocimiento' versus 'saber'?
'Saber' is primarily a verb ('to know facts'). The noun form, *el saber*, is usually reserved for deep, scholarly wisdom or collective human knowledge. *Conocimiento* is the much more common and general word for information, facts, or understanding.