Saber vs Conocer

Question

Is there a difference on how these two are used?

Answer 1

They both mean 'to know', but in different senses. Conocer is to know a person or a place, while saber is to know a fact, or to know how to do something

Answer 2

................................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

This is very helpful! Muchas gracias! - sherrera, Oct 10, 2011

Great explanation!!!!! :) - PrincessMariam, Oct 10, 2011

¡ Gracias, maestra! - kmaakheru, Oct 10, 2011

Sorry, but "Mi familia conocemos a nuestra ciudad natal" has no meaning whatsoever. That is not a correct sentence structure. It does not make sense. - farallon7, Jan 24, 2012

Answer 3

I would like to say that conocer and saber are two different verbs but have similar bases. Conocer is definitely to know somehting or someone that is concrete, something you can touch, like emily8 said. I want to add that "saber" is the "to know" that has to do with knowledge which is the abstract part of "to know" in English.

Answer 4

You know you can look this up.

Is this homework?

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No, it is not homework. I'm not taking Spanish, just teaching myself the language. I wouldn't expect you, or anyone else, to do my homework for me if I were taking a class. - sherrera, Oct 10, 2011