Conocer vs. Saber ‘to know’
Saber and conocer both mean ‘to know’. They both follow the pattern of a regular ‘er’ verb in the present tense. They each have a ‘YO’ irregular form.
SABER sé Sabemos Sabes sabéis Sabe saben
Saber is intellectual/ factual. “Saber” is to know information. -Yo sé los numeros en español. I know the numbers in Spanish. -Mi madre sabe que tengo que trabajar hoy. My mom knows that I have to work today. Saber is intellectual/ factual.
Conocer Conozco Conocemos Conoces conocéis Conoce Conocen
Conocer “Conocer” is to be acquainted with a person or place. -Ella conoce bien la ciudad de Havana. She is well acquainted with the city of Havana. -Yo conozco a la chica en la iglesia. I know (I am acquainted with) the girl in the church. Conocer is personal.
When do we use each one?? Saber Conocer F acts I nformation S omething thoroughly H ow to do something - (infinitive) Conocer F amiliar with A cquainted with N ouns (people, places, things)
Saber or conocer? We know the quadratic formula.
Saber or conocer? I know that girl’s cousin.
Saber or conocer? I know that street like the back of my hand.
Saber or conocer? He knows my phone number by heart.
Saber or conocer? Who knows?