sepan
seh-pahn
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Es importante que ellos sepan la verdad.
B1It is important that they know the truth.
No creo que ustedes sepan cocinar paella.
B2I don't think you all know how to cook paella.
¡Sepan que la reunión empieza a las diez en punto!
B1Know (you all) that the meeting starts at ten sharp!
💡 Grammar Points
Subjunctive Triggers
You must use 'sepan' (the special verb form) when the main part of the sentence expresses doubt, emotion, necessity, or denial about the knowledge itself (e.g., 'Dudo que sepan' - I doubt that they know).
Formal Commands
'Sepan' also acts as the formal plural command for 'know' or 'be aware' (e.g., 'Sepan la hora' - Know the time).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Indicative vs. Subjunctive
Mistake: "Using 'No creo que ellos saben' (I don't think they know)."
Correction: The phrase 'No creo que' (I don't believe that) expresses doubt, which requires the special verb form: 'No creo que ellos sepan.'
⭐ Usage Tips
The 'WEIRDO' Rule
Remember to use the subjunctive ('sepan') when the main sentence expresses Wishes, Emotions, Impersonal expressions (Es necesario que...), Requests, Doubt, or Ojalá.
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sepan
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses 'sepan'?
📚 More Resources
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.