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saber vs conocer
A2"saber" is for facts and skills, "conocer" is for being acquainted with people, places, and things.
Overview
"saber" is for facts and skills, "conocer" is for being acquainted with people, places, and things.
At a glance
- 1.saber = facts & information
- 2.saber + infinitive = know how to do
- 3.conocer = know people & places
- 4.conocer a + person
- 5.Contrast: know facts vs. be acquainted
Rules
51saber = facts & information
Use "saber" for facts, data, or information that you know.
- Sé tu número de teléfono. — I know your phone number.
- No sé dónde está la estación. — I don't know where the station is.before clause: saber
2saber + infinitive = know how to do
"saber" plus an infinitive means having a learned skill.
- Sé nadar muy bien. — I can swim very well.
- ¿Sabes cocinar paella? — Can you cook paella?
3conocer = know people & places
"conocer" means being acquainted with a person, place, or thing.
- Conozco Madrid muy bien. — I know Madrid very well.
- Conozco una buena cafetería aquí. — I know a good café here.
4conocer a + person
Before people, "conocer" always takes the personal "a".
- Conozco a Ana desde hace años. — I've known Ana for years.person → a
- ¿Conoces a mi hermano? — Do you know my brother?
5Contrast: know facts vs. be acquainted
"saber" = information/skill, "conocer" = personal acquaintance or experience.
- Sé quién es Ana, pero no la conozco. — I know who Ana is, but I don't know her.both in one sentence
Test
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