Inklingo
← Dictionary

sabes

SA-bess/ˈsa.βes/

“sabes” means “you know” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

you know

Also: do you know
VerbA1irregular er
Illustration of a person with a glowing lightbulb over their head, symbolizing having knowledge or an idea.
infinitivesaber
gerundsabiendo
past Participlesabido

📝 In Action

¿Sabes qué hora es?

A1

Do you know what time it is?

Tú sabes la respuesta.

A1

You know the answer.

No sabes cuánto me alegro de verte.

B1

You don't know how happy I am to see you.

Word Connections

Antonyms

  • ignorar (to not know, to be unaware of)
  • desconocer (to not know, to be ignorant of)

Common Collocations

  • que yo sepa – as far as I know
  • hacer saber – to let know, to inform

Idioms & Expressions

  • ¿Sabes qué? – You know what? (Used to introduce a new idea or piece of news)
  • vete a saber – who knows, your guess is as good as mine

you know how to

Also: you can
VerbA2irregular er
Illustration of a person juggling, representing the ability or skill to do something.
infinitivesaber
gerundsabiendo
past Participlesabido

📝 In Action

¿Sabes nadar?

A2

Do you know how to swim?

Sabes hablar español muy bien.

A2

You know how to speak Spanish very well.

Si no sabes qué hacer, pregunta.

B1

If you don't know what to do, ask.

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedsabe
yosé
túsabes
ellos/ellas/ustedessaben
nosotrossabemos
vosotrossabéis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsabía
yosabía
túsabías
ellos/ellas/ustedessabían
nosotrossabíamos
vosotrossabíais

preterite

él/ella/ustedsupo
yosupe
túsupiste
ellos/ellas/ustedessupieron
nosotrossupimos
vosotrossupisteis

subjunctive

present

él/ella/ustedsepa
yosepa
túsepas
ellos/ellas/ustedessepan
nosotrossepamos
vosotrossepáis

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsupiera
yosupiera
túsupieras
ellos/ellas/ustedessupieran
nosotrossupiéramos
vosotrossupierais
View All Tenses & Moods →

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sabes" in Spanish:

you can→you know→you understand→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sabes

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence is the correct way to ask if your friend knows how to play the guitar?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word 'sapere', which had a double meaning: 'to taste' and 'to be wise'. You can still see a hint of the 'taste' meaning when someone says a food 'sabe a...' (tastes like...). Over time, the 'to be wise' or 'to know' meaning became the most common one.

First recorded: Around the 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

French: savoirItalian: saperePortuguese: saber

💡 Master Spanish

Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the #1 rule for 'saber' vs. 'conocer'?

The simplest rule is: use 'saber' for facts ('I know WHAT') and skills ('I know HOW'). Use 'conocer' for people, places, and things you are familiar with ('I know OF him/it').

Why is the 'yo' (I) form 'sé' and not 'sabo'?

'Saber' is an irregular verb, which means some of its forms don't follow the standard rules. The 'yo' form in the present tense is one of these special cases you just have to memorize: 'yo sé'. It happens with a few other common verbs too!

Is 'sabes' formal or informal?

'Sabes' is the informal 'you' form, used with friends, family, and people your age (the 'tú' form). For a formal situation, like speaking to a respected elder or a boss, you would use 'sabe' (the 'usted' form).