Gramática: Saber y conocer

There are two ways to express "to know" in Spanish. In this module, we will introduce the verbs "saber" and "conocer" in the present tense.

Video Lesson: saber vs conocer

View the presentation below of the verbs "saber y conocer." Take notes as you view the material as you will be responsible for the content. Be sure your speakers are turned up!

Video credit: Sr. Jordan (shared with permission, all rights reserved)

Present Tense Forms of saber and conocer

**Saber y conocer: Present Tense**
saber - to know	conocer - to know
yo sé tú sabes el/ella/usted sabe nosotros/as sabemos vosotros/as sabéis ellos/ellas/ustedes saben	yo conozco tú conoces el/ella/usted conoce nosotros/as conocemos vosotros/as conocéis ellos/ellas/ustedes conocen

Spanish Grammar: Comparing saber y conocer

The verbs saber and conocer both mean "to know." However, they have very different meanings. Use the information in the table to take notes on the differences and review the examples carefully.

**Comparing saber and conocer**
saber	conocer
The verb saber means: to know information (facts, data) to know how to do something *It expresses knowledge.* Examples: knowledge ¿Sabe usted dónde está? - Do you know where you are? Do you have knowledge of your location? ¿Sabe usted qué hora es? - Do you know what time it is? Do you have knowledge/are you aware of the time? When you use saber to know how to do something, all you need is the conjugated form of the verb itself followed by an infinitive. Do NOT add cómo - this is a common mistake, but is not correct for a sentence using saber. Examples: how to do Yo sé hablar español. - I know how to speak Spanish. Ellos saben nadar muy bien. - They know how to swim very well.	The verb conocer means: to know someone or something another translation could be "to be familiar with" *It expresses familiarity with a place or person.* Examples: people ¿Conoces tú a mi hermana? - Do you know my sister? Have you met? Are you familiar with her? ¿Conoces a la maestra de español? - Do you know the Spanish teacher? Have you met her? Nosotros vamos a conocer al presidente. - We are going to meet the president. Literal: We are going to know the president. Yo le conozco. - I know you. I am familiar with you/we've met. The verb conocer is also used to express familiarity with locations or concepts. Examples: places ¿Conoces tú Madrid? - Do you know Madrid? Are you familiar with Madrid? Have you been there? ¿Conoce usted la universidad? - Do you know the university? Have you visited the university? Are you familiar with?

Practice Activity: Saber vs. conocer

Please complete the following activities.

Activity 1

Activity 2

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