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How to Say "i know" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sé

VerbA1General
Use 'sé' when you know a fact, information, or how to do something. This is the most common way to express knowledge of abstract concepts or skills.

Examples

Yo sé dónde vives.

I know where you live.

conozco

/ko-NOS-ko//koˈnos.ko/

VerbA1General
Use 'conozco' when you are familiar with a person, place, or thing through experience. It implies a personal acquaintance or familiarity.
A child confidently pointing down a colorful, busy street, indicating they know the way.

Examples

Conozco Madrid muy bien.

I know Madrid very well.

Conozco a María desde que éramos niños.

I've known María since we were kids.

Sí, conozco un buen restaurante italiano cerca de aquí.

Yes, I know a good Italian restaurant near here.

¿Conoces París? Yo no lo conozco.

Do you know Paris? I don't know it.

The Personal 'a'

When you know a person or a pet, you must put the little word 'a' right after the verb. For example, 'Conozco a Juan' (I know Juan). But you don't use it for places or things: 'Conozco Madrid'.

'Yo' Form Irregularity

'Conozco' is an irregular verb, but only in the 'yo' (I) form of the present tense. Notice the 'zc' combination. This pattern also appears in verbs like 'ofrecer' (ofrezco) and 'traducir' (traduzco).

Confusing 'conocer' with 'saber'

Mistake: “Using 'conozco' for facts or skills. For example, saying: 'Conozco que él es doctor.'”

Correction: Use 'sé' for facts and information. The correct way is: 'Sé que él es doctor.' Use 'conozco' for people and places.

reconozco

reh-koh-NOHS-koh/rekoˈnosko/

VerbB1General
Use 'reconozco' specifically when you recognize someone or something, meaning you identify it based on prior knowledge or memory.
A colorful illustration of a girl looking surprised and happy, pointing excitedly at someone she recognizes in the distance.

Examples

Reconozco esa canción, me encanta.

I recognize that song, I love it.

Reconozco tu coche, es muy llamativo.

I recognize your car, it's very eye-catching.

¿De dónde viene ese acento? No lo reconozco.

Where does that accent come from? I don't recognize it.

Yo reconozco a Marta en cualquier multitud.

I recognize Marta in any crowd.

The 'Yo' Form Irregularity

This verb is irregular only in the 'yo' form (I). Instead of ending in '-co' like a regular verb, it adds a 'z' and becomes 'reconozco'. This change is to keep the soft 's' sound (or 'th' sound in Spain) consistent with the rest of the verb.

Missing the 'z'

Mistake: “Yo reconoco”

Correction: Yo reconozco. Remember that 'z' is needed to maintain the correct pronunciation and match its base verb, 'conocer'.

Sé vs. Conozco for 'I know'

The most frequent error is using 'sé' for people or places and 'conozco' for facts. Remember: 'sé' is for facts/skills, 'conozco' is for familiarity with people/places. Think of 'conocer' as 'to be acquainted with'.

Related Translations

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