When to use saber and when to use conocer?

Question

When do you use saber and when do you use conocer?

Answer 1

¡Hola!, GeorgeOdum:

Here is another reply. There is nothing in this reply that Izanoni has not already given to you. This reply may be more succinct and focused but it is all the same stuff.
   

................................Comparing Conocer and Saber

....................Conocer To meet or be acquiainted with people, places, things	.....................Saber To have knowledge of facts, data, processes
To know or to be acquainted with people, to be familiar with people: • “Conozco a mi tio.” I know my uncle.	To know facts:   • “¿Sabes que mi tio tiene las diabetes?” Do you know that my uncle has diabetes. This question is about facts not aquaintanceship.
To be acquainted with and have experience of a place: • “Mi familia conocemos a nuestra ciudad natal.” My family is familiar with our home town	Speaking of facts, consider:   • “No sé nada.” I don’t know anything. (I know no facts. I have no knowledge.)
To meet people, use conocer:   • “Conocí a mi maestro en una aula” I met my teacher in a classroom	To know how to do something, to swim,to play tennis,to play guitar: • “María sabe tocar el piano.” Maria knows how to play the piano.

 

In addition, here is a YouTube Video that explains these differences and the uses of "Conocer" and "Saber" ----> Conocer/Saber

Good replay Moe! helped clear a point for me! - pacofinkler, Mar 12, 2011

Answer 2

Hi George and Welcome to the SpanishDict Forum!!!

Several past threads have already been dedicated to this topic, and you can research these by doing a keyword search of the SpanishDict archives. In the search box next to the green "go" button at the top of the "Questions" section, simply type in the terms "Saber AND conocer," and you should be able to find plenty of helpful threads on the subject.

Here are a couple to get you started:

Saber/conocer: What's the rule?

What's the difference between saber and conocer?

Hope to see you around the forum.