Los verbos saber y conocer (The Verb to Know)

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Both saber and conocer mean "to know” in English, however, they are used in different situations. Before we discuss the different contexts in which they are used, let’s look at their conjugation. Remember that you already saw them in a previous chapter, since they have irregular yo forms. The rest of the forms follow a regular pattern:

Saber (to know)

Conocer (to know)

Now, let’s explore the different situations in which we use saber and conocer:

Saber vs. conocer

Use saber when talking about:

• Facts → Knowing information or data.
• Skills → Knowing how to do something (saber + infinitive).

Examples:

• Yo sé que Gordon Ramsay es un chef famoso. 🧑‍🍳

• I know that Gordon Ramsay is a famous chef. (fact)

• ¿Sabes dónde está el restaurante? 🍴

• Do you know where the restaurant is? (information)

• Nosotras sabemos cocinar. 🍳

• We know how to cook. (skill)

• Tú sabes hacer empanadas. 🥟

• You know how to make empanadas. (skill)

Use conocer when talking about:

• People → Knowing or being familiar with a person.
• Places → Knowing or having been to a place.
• Things → Being familiar with a subject, discipline, field of studies.

Examples:

• Conozco al chef José Andrés. 🧑‍🍳

• I know chef José Andrés. (person)

• ¿Conoces el restaurante “La Villita”? 🍝

• Do you know (have you been to) the restaurant called “La Villita”? (place)

• Él conoce la cocina española. 🥘

• He is familiar with Spanish cuisine. (thing/field)

Note: when referring to a person, conocer is followed by the personal preposition "a" (for example: conozco a tu hermano > I know your brother).

Here is a quick summary  of the contrast between saber and conocer:

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