Both saber and conocer mean “to know” but they have different uses. (like ser and estar) Both verbs are irregular in the yo form but are regular in all other forms INFINITIVESABERCONOCER Yoséconozco Túsabesconoces Él, Ella, Ustedsabeconoce Nosotrossabemosconocemos Ellos, Ellas, Ustedes sabenconocen
We use the verb saber when we know a fact/detail or when we have information about something. It also means how to do something. Ejemplos: Yo sé el nombre de mi equipo favorito. I know the name of my favorite team. No sabemos a qué hora el partido empieza. We do not know what time the game begins. Ella sabe jugar al voleibol. She knows how to play volleyball.
To express knowledge or ignorace of a skill, or how to do something use saber + the infinitive María sabe conducir. Maria knows how to drive. No sé nadar muy bien. I don’t know how to swim very well. To say that you know something by heart use saber. Andrea sabe los verbos irregulares. Andrea knows the irregular verbs (by heart). Ella no sabe la letra de esa canción. She doesn’t know the words to that song.
We use conocer when we know a person place or thing. It is also used to talk about complex or abstract concepts as opposed to simple facts. Yo conozco a su hermana Esperanza. I know her sister Esperanza. Nosotros conocemos muy bien la literatura española. We are familiar with Spanish literature. We can also use conocer to talk about meeting someone for the first time. Ellos quieren conocer a los jugadores. They want to meet the players.
Conocer is used when you are or are not acquainted with a person place or thing. Yo no conozco a María. I don’t know (am not acquainted with María. Alberto y Alfredo conocen a Madrid. Alberto and Alfredo know (are acquainted with) Madird.
Saber – to know a fact, to know something thoroughly, to know how to do something. Conocer - to be acquainted with a person place or thing