Screen width of at least 320px is required. Screen width can be adjusted by widening your browser window or adjusting your mobile device settings. If you are on a mobile device, you can also try orienting to landscape.

Verbs with different meanings in the preterit: Saber and Conocer

aa
AA
The verbs saber and conocer are special verbs in the sense that they both change their meaning when they are used in the preterite. This fact is clearly seen when it comes to translating them into English. It is then when their new meaning in the preterite is conveyed in English by using verbs different from the verb to know, which is the most direct translation of saber and conocer in the present.

The most common meaning of saber when used in the present is “to know information” or “to know how to do something,” but when used in the preterit, it also means “to find out, to hear or learn about something.” Also, the most common meaning of conocer when used in the present is “to know a person or to be acquainted with someone,” but when used in the preterit, it also means “to meet someone.” This second meaning in the preterit is more common than the original meaning “to know”. Compare the examples below.

Saber in the Present

sé, sabes, sabe, sabemos, saben

¿Sabes qué hora es?
Do you know what time it is?

End of free content.

To access this material, please LOG IN.

If you don't have a subscription, please click HERE to sign up for this program.