saberlo
sa-BER-lo
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Es importante saberlo antes de tomar una decisión.
A2It's important to know it before making a decision.
No quería decírtelo, pero creo que deberías saberlo.
B1I didn't want to tell you, but I think you should know it.
¿Sabías que Ana se va a mudar? — Sí, acabo de saberlo.
B1Did you know Ana is moving? — Yes, I just found it out.
Prefiero no saberlo, por favor.
A2I prefer not to know it, please.
💡 Grammar Points
Two Words in One
'Saberlo' is a shortcut! It's the verb 'saber' (to know) and the word 'lo' (it) stuck together. You'll only see this form after another verb, like 'quiero saberlo' (I want to know it), or as a command.
Where Does the 'lo' Go?
When you change the verb tense (like 'I know' or 'he knew'), the 'lo' usually moves to the front and separates from the verb. So, 'saberlo' becomes 'lo sé' (I know it) or 'él lo supo' (he knew it).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Knowing Facts vs. Knowing People
Mistake: "Quiero *conocerlo*."
Correction: Quiero *saberlo*. Use 'saber' for facts, information, or skills. Use 'conocer' when you mean being familiar with people, places, or things.
⭐ Usage Tips
Finding Things Out
In the past tense, 'lo supe' often means 'I found it out' or 'I learned it,' suggesting the moment you received the information. 'Lo sabía' means 'I already knew it' over a period of time.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: saberlo
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'I need to know it'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it 'saberlo' but 'lo sé'? Why does the 'lo' move?
Great question! In Spanish, little words like 'lo' (it), 'me' (me), and 'te' (you) have special placement rules. They attach to the end of verbs in their basic form (like 'saber') or command forms. But when the verb is changed for a person (like 'sé' for 'I know'), the little word moves to the front.
Can I say 'Lo quiero saber' instead of 'Quiero saberlo'?
Yes, absolutely! Both are correct and mean 'I want to know it.' You have the choice to either attach 'lo' to the end of the second verb or put it before the first verb. Both are used very frequently.