Saber vs. Conocer: The Key to Saying ‘I Know’ in Spanish

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April 15, 2025

Do you ever feel confused about whether to use saber or conocer when you want to say “I know” in Spanish? You’re not alone—and the good news is that once you understand the difference between saber and conocer in Spanish, you’ll feel a lot more confident communicating with native speakers.

In this post, we’ll break down the meaning, usage, and key differences between saber and conocer in a way that’s easy to understand—especially for beginner Spanish learners. We’ll also provide examples, translation challenges, and real-world tips to help the lesson stick.

What Does Saber Mean in Spanish?

✅ Saber = to know facts, information, or how to do something.

Think of saber as the verb you use when you’re talking about knowledge that can be learned, studied, or memorized.

Examples with Saber:

Sé que Madrid es la capital de España.
(I know that Madrid is the capital of Spain.)
¿Sabes cuánto cuesta?
(Do you know how much it costs?)
Mi hermano sabe hablar francés.
(My brother knows how to speak French.)
No sé dónde está el museo.
(I don’t know where the museum is.)

Saber Is Also Used to Talk About Skills or Abilities

If you know how to do something—like swim, play the piano, or cook—you need to use saber.

Sé nadar. (I know how to swim.)
¿Sabes cocinar? (Do you know how to cook?)

💡 Common Mistake Alert:
Many English speakers accidentally say conozco nadar when they should say sé nadar. Remember—conocer is not for skills!

What Does Conocer Mean in Spanish?

✅ Conocer = to be familiar with or acquainted with people, places, or things.

Use conocer when you’re talking about personal experience or familiarity with someone or something.

Examples with Conocer:

Conozco a María. (I know María.)
Conocemos Nueva York. (We know [have been to] New York.)
¿Conoces este libro? (Do you know [are you familiar with] this book?)

A Note on the Personal “A” in Spanish

When using conocer to talk about people, Spanish requires the personal “a” before the name or noun that refers to a person.

🚫 Incorrect: Conozco María.
✅ Correct: Conozco a María.

This is a small detail that makes your Spanish sound way more natural!

💡 Pro Tip:
If you’ve visited a city or a restaurant and are familiar with it (not just heard of it), use conocer.

Conozco un buen restaurante en la ciudad.
(I know a good restaurant in the city.)

Quick Comparison Chart: Saber vs. Conocer

Mini Practice Challenge 🎯

Try translating these English sentences into Spanish using the correct verb:

Do you know how to cook?
Do you know how to dance?
I know that she is a doctor.
I know a good restaurant in the city
We know that restaurant.
He knows how to drive.
I know your brother.

✅ Answers:

¿Sabes conocinar?
¿Sabes bailar?
Sé que ella es doctora.
Conozco un buen restaurante en la ciudad.
Conocemos ese restaurante.
Él sabe conducir.
Conozco a tu hermano.

Final Thoughts: Master the Difference Between Saber and Conocer in Spanish

The next time you want to say “I know” in Spanish, ask yourself:

Is it a fact or a skill? → Use saber.
Is it a person, place, or something you’re familiar with? → Use conocer.

Understanding this simple distinction will instantly level up your Spanish and help you avoid common mistakes. 💪

🎉 Now you know the difference between saber and conocer!

If you found this helpful, be sure to check out more of our beginner-friendly Spanish lessons. Subscribe to our newsletter for free mini-lessons, videos, and language tips sent straight to your inbox!

Watch our video lesson on this topic and let’s practice: