Is there a different between Saber and Conocer?

Question

I am trying to figure out when I should use one rather than the other. What situation is each one used in or are they interchangeable?

Answer 1

................................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 como 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

This is really helpful, thank you! - erickamoore28, Mar 13, 2011

Answer 2

This is a fairly common question, Ericka. I invite you to write "conocer saber" in the search box in the answers page. You'll get lots of answers like this one.

Answer 3

I keep these two words distinct in my mind by learning their translations this way:

conocer = to be aquainted with

saber = to know a fact or skill

Answer 4

Saber is to know, or have knowledge of. Conocer is to be familiar with.