Inklingo

sepan

seh-pahn/ˈse.pan/

sepan means they know (subjunctive) in Spanish (Used after expressions of doubt, emotion, or necessity).

they know (subjunctive), you all know (subjunctive)

Also: let them know
VerbB1irregular er
A simple storybook illustration showing three simplified figures standing closely together, looking upwards intently at a large, brightly glowing yellow orb floating above them, symbolizing shared knowledge or understanding.
infinitivesaber
gerundsabiendo
past Participlesabido

📝 In Action

Es importante que ellos sepan la verdad.

B1

It is important that they know the truth.

No creo que ustedes sepan cocinar paella.

B2

I don't think you all know how to cook paella.

¡Sepan que la reunión empieza a las diez en punto!

B1

Know (you all) that the meeting starts at ten sharp!

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • conozcan (they know (people/places))
  • entiendan (they understand)

Common Collocations

  • Espero que sepanI hope they know
  • Para que sepanSo that they know

🔄 Conjugations

indicative

present

él/ella/ustedsabe
yo
sabes
ellos/ellas/ustedessaben
nosotrossabemos
vosotrossabéis

imperfect

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

preterite

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

subjunctive

present

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

imperfect

él/ella/ustedsupiera/supiese
yosupiera/supiese
supieras/supieses
ellos/ellas/ustedessupieran/supiesen
nosotrossupiéramos/supiésemos
vosotrossupierais/supieseis

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sepan

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence correctly uses 'sepan'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
🎵 Rhymes
que pantrepan
📚 Etymology

The verb 'saber' comes from the Latin verb *sapere*, which originally meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor.' Over time, its meaning evolved to 'be wise' or 'know,' linking the idea of being able to discern flavors with being able to discern facts.

First recorded: Before the 10th century

Cognates (Related words)

Portuguese: saibamFrench: sachent

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'saben' and 'sepan'?

'Saben' is the regular present form (Indicative) used for statements of fact ('They know'). 'Sepan' is the special form (Subjunctive) used when the sentence expresses wishes, doubt, emotion, or is a formal command ('I hope that they know').

Is 'sepan' the same as 'conocen'?

No. Both mean 'they know,' but 'saber' (sepan) is for knowing facts, information, or how to do something, while 'conocer' (conocen) is for knowing or being familiar with people, places, or things.