What do you know about it? Saber vs. Conocer.



Saber and conocer can both be translated as "to know." These two verbs are not interchangeable, however; you must choose between them based on the context in which they are used. 


The Spanish verb conocer means to meet or become acquainted with a person, place, or particular object.  You use conocer to say that you are acquainted with a person or place: María y Alfredo conocen Nueva York (María and Alfredo are acquainted with New York).  Alfred conocío a María ayer (Alfredo met María yesterday). 


The verb saber means to know – to have a practical understanding or experience about an idea, subject matter, person, or place.  Use the verb saber to express that you know a fact or a person: Juan sabe donde está su mama (Juan knows where his mother is).  To say that you have knowledge about something, you use saber: Juan sabe un poco de Francés (Juan knows a little French).