Inklingo

How to Say "to know" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “to know” is “conocer” — use 'conocer' when you are familiar with a person, place, or thing, implying a level of acquaintance..

English → Spanish

conocer

/koh-noh-SEHR//kono'seɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'conocer' when you are familiar with a person, place, or thing, implying a level of acquaintance.
A smiling woman standing in a colorful, busy city square, pointing confidently down a specific street, showing deep familiarity with the location.

Examples

¿Conoces a mi amiga, Sofía?

Do you know my friend, Sofía?

Conozco muy bien el centro de la ciudad.

I know the city center very well.

Ella conoce la historia del arte como nadie.

She is familiar with art history like no one else.

The Personal 'a'

When you talk about knowing a person or a pet, you must put the little word 'a' right after 'conocer'. For example, say 'Conozco a Juan', but just 'Conozco París'.

Irregular 'yo' Form: conozco

Watch out for the present tense! The 'yo' form is special: 'yo conozco'. This 'zc' spelling also shows up in other important forms, like when you're making polite requests.

'Conocer' vs. 'Saber'

Mistake: “Yo sé Madrid.”

Correction: Use 'conocer' for people, places, and things you're familiar with ('Conozco Madrid'). Use 'saber' for facts, information, or skills ('Sé que Madrid es la capital').

saber

/sa-ber//saˈβeɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'saber' to express knowledge of a fact, information, or how to do something.
A person's head shown in profile with a single, bright, glowing lightbulb floating above it, symbolizing knowing a fact or piece of information.

Examples

No sé tu número de teléfono.

I don't know your phone number.

¿Sabes qué hora es?

Do you know what time it is?

Ayer supe que te mudas.

Yesterday I found out that you are moving.

Saber vs. Conocer

This is a big one! Use 'saber' for facts, data, and information. Use 'conocer' when you're talking about being familiar with a person, place, or thing. Think: 'saber' for your brain, 'conocer' for your experiences.

A Special 'Yo' Form

Watch out for the present tense! While most forms are regular (sabes, sabe), the 'yo' form is special: 'sé'. It's just one of those you have to memorize.

Knowing People

Mistake: “Using 'saber' when you mean you know a person. For example: *Yo sé a María.*”

Correction: Always use 'conocer' for people: 'Yo conozco a María.' You *know of* her (conocer), you don't *know the fact of* her (saber).

Conocer vs. Saber: The Biggest Hurdle

The most common mistake is using 'saber' when you mean to say you are familiar with someone or something. Remember, 'conocer' is for people and places you've met or experienced, while 'saber' is for information.

Related Translations

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