How to Say Know in Spanish - Saber vs Conocer Guide
As of 2026, the verb "to know" can be translated into Spanish using several verbs depending on the context. This article delves into how to say "know" in Spanish, including detailed explanations of regional differences, common phrases related to knowing something, and a comparison with other languages that distinguish between knowing facts and people.
If you are learning Spanish, one of the first verbs you'll encounter is "saber," which translates to "to know" but specifically refers to knowledge of facts, skills, or information. For example, "I know how to swim" would be "Sé nadar." Saber is also used to ask if someone knows something, as in "¿Sabes dónde está el baño?" (Do you know where the bathroom is?)
The verb conocer, on the other hand, expresses familiarity with a person, place, or thing. For example, "I know Maria" would be "Conozco a María." Conocer is also used to ask if someone knows a person or place, as in "¿Conoces este restaurante?" (Do you know this restaurant?)
How to Say Know in Spanish: A Comprehensive Guide
The verb "to know" can be translated into Spanish using several verbs, each with a specific meaning and usage context:
- Saber (IPA: /saˈβeɾ/): This verb is used to express knowledge of facts, skills, or information. For example, "I know how to swim" would be "Sé nadar." Saber is also used to ask if someone knows something, as in "¿Sabes dónde está el baño?" (Do you know where the bathroom is?)
- Conocer (IPA: /ko.no.'θer/): This verb expresses familiarity with a person, place, or thing. For example, "I know Maria" would be "Conozco a María." Conocer is also used to ask if someone knows a person or place, as in "¿Conoces este restaurante?" (Do you know this restaurant?)
- Enterarse (IPA: /en.te.ɾar.'se/): This verb means finding out about something through hearsay or news. For example, "I just found out about the party" would be "Me acabo de enterar de la fiesta."
- Aprender (IPA: /ap.ɾen.'deɾ/): This verb is used to express learning something new. For example, "I learned how to cook paella" would be "Aprendí a cocinar paella."
Differences Between Saber and Conocer
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Browse all 4 volumes →The verbs saber and conocer are often confused because they both translate to "to know" in English. However, their usage differs significantly:
- Saber is used for factual knowledge or skills.
- Conocer expresses familiarity with people, places, or things.
In personal relationships, the distinction between saber and conocer can be even more nuanced. For example, when referring to a close friend, you might use "conozco" to express your long-term relationship, while using "sé" for factual information about them.
Common Mistakes When Using Saber and Conocer
Learners often make mistakes by mixing up the usage of saber and conocer. For instance, saying "Sé a María" instead of "Conozco a María," or vice versa, can lead to confusion.
Common Phrases and Idioms Related to Knowing Something in Spanish
Beyond just the verbs themselves, there are many common phrases and idioms that use these concepts:
- No sé nada de eso. (I don't know anything about that.)
- Conozco bien a esa persona. (I am well acquainted with that person.)
Regional Differences in Usage of "Know" in Spanish
In different regions, the verbs used to express knowing something can vary:
- In Spain: Saber is often used to express familiarity with a person or place.
- In Latin America: Conocer is more commonly used for this purpose.
- In Mexico: Saber might be preferred in certain contexts, but it varies widely depending on the region and personal preference.
The Spanish Frequency Dictionary series covers the 10,000 most common Spanish words — ranked by how often native speakers actually use them, with IPA pronunciation, English translations, and bilingual example sentences at every level. The 
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