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"Don't know" is a form of "know", a transitive verb which is often translated as "saber". "You tell me" is a phrase which is often translated as "me dices". Learn more about the difference between "you tell me" and "don't know" below.
you tell me
A phrase is a group of words commonly used together (e.g., once upon a time).
phrase
a. me dices
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
(informal)
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
You tell me that you aren't in love with Elena, but I can see it in your eyes.Me dices que no estás enamorado de Elena, pero lo puedo ver en tus ojos.
b. me cuentas
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person informal “tú” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., How are you?).
(informal)
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
I always laugh when you tell me jokesSiempre río cuando me cuentas chistes.
c. me dice
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
If you tell me what the problem is, I can help you.Si me dice cuál es el problema, le puedo ayudar.
d. me cuenta
A word or phrase used to refer to the second person formal “usted” by their conjugation or implied context (e.g., usted).
(formal)
A word or phrase that is singular (e.g., el gato).
(singular)
I always fall asleep when you tell me war stories, Grandpa.Siempre me duermo cuando me cuenta historias de guerra, abuelo.
a. me dicen
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
(plural)
If you tell me the truth now, you will not be punished.Si me dicen la verdad ahora, no serán castigados.
b. me cuentan
A word or phrase that is plural (e.g., los libros).
(plural)
I always have nightmares when you tell me scary stories.Siempre tengo pesadillas cuando me cuentan historias de miedo.
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know(
no
)
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. saber
Do you know when the next bus is leaving?¿Sabes a qué hora sale el próximo autobús?
He knows French, Spanish, and German.Sabe francés, español y alemán.
a. conocer
I know her from school, but we're not really friends.La conozco de la escuela, pero realmente no somos amigos.
a. entender
I don't know how you can treat her like that.No entiendo cómo puedes tratarla así.
a. reconocer
I knew him just by hearing his voice.Lo reconocí tan solo de escuchar su voz.
a. saber
I don't know if you should walk home so late.No sé si deberías caminar sola a tu casa a esta hora.
a. saberse
Do you know the alphabet yet?¿Ya te sabes el abecedario?
He knows a lot about the American Civil War.Se sabe mucho de la guerra civil estadounidense.
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. saber
Is today Tuesday? - I don't know.¿Hoy es martes? - No lo sé.
a. saber
Did I leave the keys on the table? - I don't know.¿Dejé las llaves sobre la mesa? - No sé.
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