Spanish often uses different verbs for knowing information and being acquainted with someone or somewhere.

The idea

Use saber with a question clause or an infinitive for knowing how: sé dónde está; sé cocinar. Use conocer for familiarity with a person or place: conozco a Ana; conozco la ciudad.

Examples

  • Sé dónde está la estación.I know where the station is.
  • Conozco bien esta ciudad.I know this city well.
  • ¿Sabes cocinar arroz?Do you know how to cook rice?
  • Conozco a la profesora de música.I know the music teacher.
  • No sé la respuesta.I do not know the answer.
  • ¿Conoces este museo?Do you know this museum?

Read-aloud uses a synthetic Spanish voice available on your device. Voice quality and availability vary; it does not assess your pronunciation.

Watch out

The meanings can overlap with some nouns: conocer la respuesta is also possible. Notice the construction and intended sense, not just the English word know.

Try it yourself

  1. Ask about the ability to cook. ¿___ cocinar arroz? (Sabes / Conoces)

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    Sabes

    Sabes with an infinitive asks whether you know how to cook.

  2. Say that you know the teacher. ___ a la profesora de música. (Conozco / Sé)

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    Conozco

    Conozco a introduces a person you know.

  3. State that you know where the station is. ___ dónde está la estación. (Sé / Conozco)

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    Sé

    Sé dónde introduces known information about a place.

Use it today

Say what you know how to do and name a person or place you know.