Inklingo

How to Say "knowledge" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “knowledge” is “conocimiento” — use this for general information, facts, or the state of knowing something acquired through study or experience..

English → Spanish

conocimiento

ko-no-see-MYEN-toh/konoθiˈmjento/

nounB1general
Use this for general information, facts, or the state of knowing something acquired through study or experience.
A happy child sitting on a large stack of colorful storybooks. A bright, glowing lightbulb shines above the child's head, symbolizing understanding.

Examples

El conocimiento es poder.

Knowledge is power.

Ella tiene un profundo conocimiento de la historia europea.

She has a profound understanding of European history.

La ciencia busca generar nuevo conocimiento.

Science seeks to generate new knowledge.

Always Masculine

Even though it ends in '-a' sound, conocimiento is always masculine: 'el conocimiento'. Most Spanish nouns ending in -miento are masculine.

Conocer vs. Saber

This noun comes from the verb conocer (to know a person, place, or be familiar with something). For factual knowledge, conocimiento works for both conocer and saber concepts.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “La conocimiento es importante.”

Correction: El conocimiento es importante. (Remember, it's masculine, so use 'el' or 'un'.)

ciencia

SYEN-see-ah (Latin America) or thee-EN-thee-ah (Spain)/ˈsjen.sja/

nounC1formal, academic
This refers to deep, systematic understanding, often in a scientific or academic context, or 'certainty' when used in the phrase 'a ciencia cierta'.
A tall stack of colorful, closed storybooks resting on a surface, with a bright glowing yellow lightbulb floating directly above them, symbolizing accumulated knowledge.

Examples

No podemos saber a ciencia cierta quién fue el culpable.

We cannot know for certain who the culprit was.

Ese carpintero tiene mucha ciencia en el manejo de la madera.

That carpenter has great skill in handling wood.

Idiomatic Use

This meaning of 'ciencia' is almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 'a ciencia cierta' to express certainty or lack thereof.

saber

/sa-ber//saˈβeɾ/

nounB2general, literary
Use this for learning, scholarship, or wisdom, often in a more abstract or philosophical sense, especially in proverbs.
A large, ancient, open book resting on a simple surface. The pages emit a warm, golden glow, symbolizing deep knowledge and wisdom.

Examples

El saber no ocupa lugar.

Knowledge takes up no space.

Es un hombre de mucho saber.

He is a man of great knowledge.

sabiduría

nounB2general
This translates to profound knowledge, deep understanding, and wisdom, often gained through life experience.

Examples

La abuela siempre comparte su sabiduría con la familia.

Grandma always shares her wisdom with the family.

luces

/loo-ses//ˈlu.θes/ (Spain) or /ˈlu.ses/ (Latin America)

nounA1figurative, informal
This is a figurative use, usually plural, meaning enlightenment, insight, or wisdom, but it is rarely used to directly translate 'knowledge' in a general sense.
A simple storybook illustration showing three distinct, glowing light bulbs hanging down from dark wires against a dark background, providing bright illumination.

Examples

Necesitamos encender las luces antes de que oscurezca.

We need to turn on the lights before it gets dark.

Las luces de la ciudad son impresionantes desde aquí.

The city lights are impressive from up here.

Ese niño tiene muchas luces para su edad.

That kid has a lot of wisdom/smarts for his age. (Figurative usage)

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of the feminine noun 'luz' (light). Even though it ends in -es, you use feminine words (like 'las') before it.

Using the wrong plural form

Mistake: “Using 'luzs' instead of 'luces'.”

Correction: When a singular noun ends in 'z' (like luz), you change the 'z' to 'c' and add 'es' to make it plural (luces).

Conocimiento vs. Saber/Sabiduría

The most common mistake is using 'conocimiento' for all types of knowledge. Remember that 'saber' and 'sabiduría' imply a deeper, more learned, or wise understanding, while 'conocimiento' is often just about having information or facts.

Related Translations

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