saben
“saben” means “they know” in Spanish. It has 3 different meanings depending on context:
they know
Also: you know
📝 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.
they know how to
Also: you know how to
📝 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?
they taste like
📝 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.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "saben" in Spanish:
you know→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: saben
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence is grammatically correct and makes the most sense?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'sapere'. Interestingly, 'sapere' meant both 'to taste' and 'to be wise'. You can see how both meanings, 'to know' and 'to taste like', survived in modern Spanish from the same root.
First recorded: 10th century
Cognates (Related words)
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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'.