Saber and Conocer can be tricky and confusing when you are learning Spanish because they both often translate to the word “to know” in English. However, they are quite different.
Saber
Saber is used for knowledge of facts, information, and skills.
Saber – Present indicative tense
| sé | sabemos |
| sabes | sabéis |
| sabe | saben |
Yo sé bailar. → I know how to dance.
Tú sabes la verdad. → You know the truth.
Nosotros sabemos quien es ella. → We know who she is.
Conocer
Conocer is used to show familiarity and relationship with people and places.
Conocer – Present indicative tense
| conozco | conocemos |
| conoces | conocéis |
| conoce | conocen |
Yo conozco a José. → I know José.
Tú conoces Guatemala. → You know (are familiar with) Guatemala. *This implies that you have experience with Guatemala and you have more than just book knowledge about that place.
Conocemos un muy buen restaurante. → We know a really good restaurant.
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