A2Verbs — Core• 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

Stories to practise with

Practice this in context

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