sepa
“sepa” means “I know (in doubt/wish)” in Spanish (Present Subjunctive, 1st person singular).
I know (in doubt/wish), he/she/it knows (in doubt/wish), you know (formal, in doubt/wish), don't knowAlso: may know
📝 In Action
Espero que mi jefe no sepa que llegué tarde.
B1I hope my boss doesn't know that I arrived late.
Quiero que sepa la verdad antes de irse.
B2I want him/her/you (formal) to know the truth before leaving.
Tal vez sepa la respuesta, pero no está seguro.
C1Maybe he knows the answer, but he isn't sure. (Subjunctive used after 'tal vez' expressing doubt)
Señor, no sepa nada de lo que pasó ayer.
B2Sir, do not know anything about what happened yesterday. (Negative command, very formal/dramatic context)
Word Connections
Indicative
Present
Imperfect
Preterite
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "sepa" in Spanish:
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sepa
Question 1 of 2
Which of these sentences correctly uses 'sepa' to express doubt?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology
The infinitive verb 'saber' comes from the Latin verb *sapere*, which originally meant 'to taste' or 'to discern.' Over time, the meaning shifted to 'to know' or 'to understand.'
First recorded: c. 10th century (as 'saber')
Cognates (Related words)
💡 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
Why does 'sepa' sound so different from 'sé' (I know)?
'Saber' is a highly irregular verb. Its 'normal' forms (like sé, sabes) have one root, but its special forms (subjunctive, like sepa, sepas) use a completely different, older root (the 'sep-' sound) that comes from the same Latin origin. You just have to memorize that 'sé' is the exception, and 'sepa' is the pattern for wishes and doubts.
When is 'sepa' a command?
'Sepa' is a command only when used formally (addressing someone as 'usted'). '¡Sepa la diferencia!' means 'Know the difference!' (affirmative formal command). If you say 'No sepa,' it is the negative formal command, meaning 'Do not know.' This usage is less common than the affirmative command.