Saber vs. Conocer

Question

I know that these 2 verbs both mean "to know", but I am having trouble remember which one to use in certain situations. Is there a song or something that can make these easy to learn?

Answer 1

I think conocer is more like being aware of, being cognisant of

In the other hand, saber requires certain volitive act, like memorizing, practising, learning, It´s also to realize.

For instance,

Lo conozco pero en realidad no sé quién es --> I know him but I don´t really know who he is.

Conozco esta canción vs Sé esta canción ---> I know this song vs. I can sing/play this song

Maybe this link could help you a little more.

Answer 2

Yo sé cómo hacer mantecado. - I know how to make ice-cream.

Yo conozco la ruta. - I know the route.

Ella sabe cómo hacer mantecado. - She knows how to make ice-cream.

Ella conoce al vecino. - She knows the neighbor.

I'm fluent in Spanish, but want to be fluent in English. This site have helped me with translations. So if I make a mistake in English let me know. In this way I can learn more English and you more Spanish.

Answer 3

Something I use to help me is to think: conocer = to be familiar with saber = to know

or you can think of it like this; conocer is associated with a noun while saber is used with actions

saber is also to know a fact (and that's not an action) - pesta, Feb 2, 2011

Answer 4

Use conocer when talking about knowing a location or a person. Use saber when talking about how to do something, or knowing facts.

Answer 5

Hi all,

Translating into English, both verbs mean (to know), but in Spanish they are used in different situations ...

Conocer is used with things or persons that you just know or not, for example: Conozco a Juan = I know Juan.

¿Conoces paella? = Do you know Paella (spanish dish)?

Whereas, Saber is used with things or actions that generally you need to learn how to do them, for example:

¿Sabes español? = Do you know spanish? ... it's more or less like ¿hables español? ..> action that you nean to learn in order to say yes.

No sé nadar = I don't know swimming ... action that you need to learn before saying yes...

Regards,

Answer 6

Conocer is used with people. It is sort of "are you familiar with, have you been introduced to...?"

Conoces a Mary?

Do you know Mary?