GrammarConhecer vs Saber
A2Verbs — Core4 min read

Conhecer vs Saber

Conhecer means to know (be acquainted with) a person, place, or thing. Saber means to know (a fact, information) or to know how to do something.

PS

PortuStories Editorial

European Portuguese Grammar Guide

Conhecer expresses familiarity or acquaintance: with people, places, works of art, food, etc.

Conheço bem o Porto.

I know Porto well.

Acquaintance with a place.

Conheces a Ana?

Do you know Ana?

Acquaintance with a person.

Saber expresses knowledge of facts, information, or the ability to do something (saber + infinitive).

Sabes onde fica a estação?

Do you know where the station is?

Factual knowledge.

Ela sabe tocar guitarra.

She knows how to play the guitar.

Saber + infinitive = to know how to.

Common Mistake

Conheço que ele é médico.

Sei que ele é médico.

To know a fact (a que clause) uses saber, not conhecer.

From a PortuStories Story

Conheço Lisboa muito bem e sei exatamente onde ficam os melhores pastéis de nata.

I know Lisbon very well and I know exactly where the best pastéis de nata are.

A2·Guia de Lisboa

Practice this in context

Reinforce this grammar point with stories written specifically for European Portuguese learners.