To Know: Saber and Conhecer by Fernanda L. Ferreira, Ph.D.
In Portuguese there are two verbs that express the idea of “knowing.” The verb saber is used when you want to express the notion that you know a piece of information that can be reproduced, such as a set of numbers. For example, ela sabe o meu número de telefone (she knows my phone number). Similarly, if you say eles sabem cantar a canção do Roberto Carlos (they know how to sing the Roberto Carlos's song), that means that they have the skill to do it. On the other hand, the verb conhecer is used with you want to communicate that you are familiar or acquainted with a person, place, or object. For example, if you say nós conhecemos o nordeste do Brasil (We know northeast Brazil) this means that you are acquainted with that geographical location, because you perhaps visited there, and so on. The same verb is used when talking about people you know, because you are familiar with them, you are acquainted with them.
Both of these verbs are regular — er verbs, except for the first person singular, or the eu (I) form: eu sei and eu conheço (I know). The rest of the subject pronouns follow the same endings for regular verbs, that is sabe, sabemos, sabem, and conhece, conhecemos, and conhecem.
Below is a chart that helps you see the different usages of saber and conhecer:
When to Use Saber and Conhecer
Use Saber: Before information, such as numbers, dates
Example: Ela sabe a hora. (She knows the time.)
Use Saber: Before particles que (that), qual (which), quando (when)
Example: Eu sei que… (I know that… )
Use Saber: Before a verb in the infinitive ( — r)
Example: Ela sabe cozinhar. (She knows how to cook.)
Use Conhecer: before people
Example: Você conhece Teresa? (Do you know Teresa?)
Use Conhecer: before places
Example: Eles conhecem o Rio. (They know Rio.)
Use Conhecer: before familiar objects
Example: Nós conhecemos esse livro. (We know this book.)
It is important to understand that there are gray areas in the usage of these verbs, and that native speakers might use them interchangeably in some contexts. Also, in some situations, a poem or piece of music, for example, could become more than just familiar (conhecer), and be recited or played perfectly, by heart (saber). See how well you know these verbs now.
Exercise: Choose the Verb
Circle the verb that should be used in the sentence. Check your answers in Appendix C.
Elassabem/conhecembem a capital do Brasil.
(They know Brazil's capital really well.)
Vocêsabe/conheceandar de bicicleta?
(Do you know how to ride a bike?)
Nóssabemos/conhecemosos nossos vizinhos.
(We know our neighbors.)
Vocêssabem/conhecemaquela música do Gil?
(Do you guys know that song by Gil?)
Maristelasabe/conheceque Magdale é atriz.
(Maristela knows that Magdale is an actress.)
Exercise: Fill in the Blank
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of either saber or conhecer. Check your answers in Appendix C.
Eu_______________________Lisboa, a capital de Portugal.
Vocês_______________________o Rio Capibaribe?
Minha esposa e_______________________eu dirigir muito bem.
