saben
/SAH-ben/
they know
Saben (They know). This image shows two friends who know a fact (the location on the globe).
📝 In Action
¿Saben dónde está el baño?
A1Do they know where the bathroom is?
Mis padres no saben que tengo un tatuaje.
A2My parents don't know that I have a tattoo.
Ustedes saben la respuesta correcta.
A2You (all) know the correct answer.
💡 Grammar Points
Saber vs. Conocer: The Big Difference
Use 'saber' for facts, information, and skills (things you know with your brain). Use 'conocer' when you're talking about being familiar with a person, place, or thing. Think: Saben la capital de Francia. (They know the capital of France - a fact). Conocen Francia. (They know/are familiar with France - a place).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Saber' for People
Mistake: "Ellos saben a mi hermano."
Correction: Ellos conocen a mi hermano. (They know my brother.) Use 'conocer' when you mean 'to be acquainted with' a person.
⭐ Usage Tips
They or You?
'Saben' can mean 'they know' (ellos/ellas) or 'you know' if you're talking to a group of people (ustedes). The situation usually makes it clear who you're talking about.
Saben nadar (They know how to swim). The image illustrates the ability to perform an action.
saben(Verb)
they know how to
?skills, abilities
you know how to
?formal plural 'ustedes'
📝 In Action
Mis primos saben hablar tres idiomas.
A2My cousins know how to speak three languages.
Ellos no saben nadar.
A1They don't know how to swim.
¿Ustedes saben usar este programa?
B1Do you (all) know how to use this program?
💡 Grammar Points
Structure: Saber + Action
To say someone knows how to do something, just use saber followed by the basic '-ar', '-er', or '-ir' form of the action verb. It's simple: Saben cocinar. (They know how to cook.)
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adding an Extra 'Cómo'
Mistake: "Ellos saben cómo nadar."
Correction: Ellos saben nadar. In Spanish, you don't need the word for 'how' ('cómo') to talk about skills. Just put 'saber' and the action together.
Estas galletas saben a mantequilla (These cookies taste like butter). This meaning of saben describes the flavor of food.
📝 In Action
Estas galletas saben a mantequilla.
B1These cookies taste like butter.
Los mariscos aquí saben a mar.
B2The seafood here tastes like the sea.
¡Qué raro! Las manzanas saben a pera.
B1How strange! The apples taste like pear.
💡 Grammar Points
Structure: Saber + a
To talk about what something tastes like, use the formula saber + a + noun. For example, sabe a pollo means 'it tastes like chicken'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Not About Knowing
Remember, this meaning of 'saber' is completely separate from knowing facts or skills. It's all about the sense of taste.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: saben
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is grammatically correct and makes the most sense?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'saben' sometimes used for 'you' and sometimes for 'they'?
Great question! It depends on who you're talking to. 'Saben' is the form for 'ellos/ellas' (they). It's also the form for 'ustedes' (you all). In Spain, 'ustedes' is formal, but in Latin America, it's used for any group of 'you', formal or informal. So, 'saben' can mean 'they know' or 'you (all) know'.
Is it ever correct to say 'saben cómo hacer algo'?
While you will sometimes hear it, it's much more natural to just say 'saben hacer algo' (they know how to do something). Adding 'cómo' (how) is usually unnecessary. For example, 'Saben nadar' is better than 'Saben cómo nadar'.