Saber vs Conocer: How to Say “To Know” in Spanish

The Great Spanish “Know-How”: Mastering Saber vs Conocer

Have you ever wanted to say “I know” in Spanish, only to freeze because you weren’t sure whether to use saber or conocer? You’re not alone! This is one of the most common challenges Spanish learners face, and for good reason.

In English, we use “to know” for everything:

• “I know the answer”
• “I know Maria”
• “I know how to swim”

But in Spanish, there are two different verbs for these situations, and using the wrong one can completely change your meaning. Imagine telling someone “Conozco la respuesta” (literally “I’m acquainted with the answer”) when you mean “Sé la respuesta” (“I know the answer”) – it would sound as strange as saying “I’m friends with the answer” in English!

• Use saber for facts and skills (“I know the answer”, “I know how to dance”)
• Use conocer for people and places (“I know Maria”, “I know Madrid”)

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The Main Difference

Think of it like this:
🔹 Saber = knowledge in your head
🔹 Conocer = experience with people/places

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When to Use SABER

1. For facts and information:
   • ¿Sabes qué hora es? (Do you know what time it is?)
   • No sé tu dirección. (I don’t know your address.)
2. For skills (with how to):
   • Sé cocinar. (I know how to cook.)
   • ¿Sabes nadar? (Do you know how to swim?)
3. When learning something new:
   • Acabo de saber la verdad. (I just found out the truth.)

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When to Use CONOCER

1. For people you’ve met:
   • Conozco a tu mamá. (I know your mom.)
   • ¿Conoces al profesor? (Do you know the teacher?)
2. For places you’ve been:
   • Conozco Madrid muy bien. (I know Madrid very well.)
   • Quiero conocer México. (I want to visit Mexico.)
3. For things you’re familiar with:
   • No conozco este libro. (I’m not familiar with this book.)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Don’t use conocer for skills:
Wrong: ~~Conozco cocinar.~~
Right: Sé cocinar.

❌ Don’t use saber for people:
Wrong: ~~Sé a Juan.~~
Right: Conozco a Juan.

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Tricky Cases Explained Simply

1. Books, movies, songs:
   • Sé la canción = I know (the words of) the song
   • Conozco la canción = I’m familiar with the song
2. With “a” (personal a):
   • Always use *a* with conocer + person:
     Conozco a María. (not ~~Conozco María~~)

Remember This Trick

Imagine these scenarios:
🍳 If you’re thinking about information (like a recipe), use saber
👩 If you’re thinking about a person (like your friend), use conocer