FluenDay Blog – Learn languages

While learning Spanish, you might notice that both “saber” and “conocer” translate to “to know” in English. But do you know how these two words differ? Understanding the distinction between these verbs is essential for clear and accurate communication. So in this guide, we’ll explore the differences between “saber” and “conocer” and delve into their unique uses.

Saber

Definition and General Use

“Saber” is used to express knowing facts, information, or how to do something. Here’s how you to conjugate “saber” in the present tense:

Person	Saber
Yo	sé
Tú	sabes
Él/Ella/Usted	sabe
Nosotros/Nosotras	sabemos
Vosotros/Vosotras	sabéis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	saben

When to Use Saber

Facts/Information

When you’re talking about knowledge of facts or specific information, such as a historical date or a scientific fact, you can use “saber.”

• Spanish: Sé que Madrid es la capital de España.
  English: I know that Madrid is the capital of Spain.
• Spanish: ¿Sabes dónde está la estación?
  English: Do you know where the station is?

Skills/How to Do Something

“Saber” is also used when referring to knowing how to do something, implying a learned skill or ability. This includes activities such as swimming, cooking, playing a musical instrument, or speaking a foreign language. 

• Spanish: Sé nadar.
  English: I know how to swim.
• Spanish: “Ella sabe cocinar muy bien.
  English: She knows how to cook very well.

Besides the above usage, there are a few common expressions using “saber” worth noting:

• “Saber de memoria”: To know by heart.
  • Example: “Me sé el poema de memoria.” (I know the poem by heart.)
• “Saber bien/mal”: To taste good/bad.
  • Example: “Esta sopa sabe bien.” (This soup tastes good.)
• “No saber ni jota”: To not know a thing.
  • Example: “No sé ni jota de física.” (I don’t know a thing about physics.)
• “Saber a”: To taste like.
  • Example: “Este postre sabe a chocolate.” (This dessert tastes like chocolate.)

Conocer

Definition and General Use

“Conocer” is used to express familiarity or acquaintance with people, places, or things. Here’s the present tense conjugation of “conocer”:

Person	Saber
Yo	conozco
Tú	conoces
Él/Ella/Usted	conoce
Nosotros/Nosotras	conocemos
Vosotros/Vosotras	conocéis
Ellos/Ellas/Ustedes	conocen

When to Use Conocer

People

The verb “conocer” is appropriate for situations where you have personal experience or acquaintance with a person. This includes having met them in person or having a personal relationship with them.

• Spanish: Conozco a María.
  English: I know María.
• Spanish: ¿Conoces a mi hermano?
  English: Do you know my brother?

Places

“Conocer” is the right verb for expressing familiarity with a place. For instance, if you have traveled to a city, explored its neighborhoods, or are familiar with its landmarks, you would use “conocer” to describe your knowledge of that place. 

• Spanish: Conozco París.
  English: I am familiar with Paris.
• Spanish: Ellos conocen ese restaurante.
  They know that restaurant.

Things

It is also used for being familiar with things, such as books, songs, or movies.

• Spanish: Conozco ese libro.
  English: I am familiar with that book.)
• Spanish: ¿Conoces esta canción?
  English: Do you know this song?

Here are also some expressions using “conocer”:

• “Conocer a fondo”: To know deeply or thoroughly.
  • Example: “Conozco a fondo la historia de la empresa.” (I know the company’s history thoroughly.)
• “Conocer de vista”: To know someone by sight.
  • Example: “Lo conozco de vista, pero nunca hemos hablado.” (I know him by sight, but we’ve never spoken.)
• “Conocer en persona”: To meet someone in person.
  • Example: “Finalmente conocí en persona a mi colega.” (I finally met my colleague in person.)
• “Conocer algo como la palma de la mano”: To know something like the back of one’s hand.
  • Example: “Conozco la ciudad como la palma de mi mano.” (I know the city like the back of my hand.)

Tips for Memorizing

This chart will help you differentiate “saber” and “conocer” easily!

Context	Saber	Conocer
Facts/Information	Sé que 2 + 2 = 4.	X
Skills	Sé tocar la guitarra.	X
People	X	Conozco a Juan.
Places	X	Conozco Nueva York.
Things	X	Conozco esa película.

Recap

Hopefully, you’re more confident with the usage of “saber” and “conocer” now. Understanding how to use them correctly is essential for learning Spanish. Don’t be afraid to practice and make mistakes. With time and usage, choosing the right verb will become second nature.

Want more Spanish tips? Check out the FluenDay app! We’ve compiled all the useful Spanish tips in the “Learning Tips” section. Download the app now and start your journey to fluency!