Spanish - The Verb “Saber” Explained In 3 Minutes

Summary

This video explains the Spanish verb 'saber,' which means 'to know' but is used differently than the English verb. 'Saber' refers to knowing factual information or knowing how to do something, unlike English, where 'to know' can apply to various contexts. The video emphasizes that 'saber' is used for factual knowledge and skills that cannot be forgotten, drawing comparisons with the verb 'ser,' which also describes permanent traits. It also clarifies that in Spanish, you don't need to use the word 'como' when expressing knowledge of skills, simplifying language structure. The lesson serves as a foundation for understanding the verb 'saber' and contrasts it with 'conocer,' to be covered in a later video.

Takeaways

• 😀 The verb *saber* in Spanish means 'to know,' but it is used differently than the English verb 'to know.'
• 😀 *Saber* is used to express knowing factual information or knowing how to do something.
• 😀 Spanish uses two verbs for 'to know'—*saber* and *conocer*—and this video focuses on *saber*.
• 😀 The verb *saber* follows the regular conjugation pattern for verbs ending in -ER but is irregular in the *yo* form (yo sé).
• 😀 The word 'sé' (I know) requires an accent on the 'e' to distinguish it from a reflexive pronoun.
• 😀 Common conjugations of *saber* include 'tú sabes' (you know), 'él sabe' (he knows), and 'nosotros sabemos' (we know).
• 😀 *Saber* refers to factual knowledge or skills that cannot be forgotten, such as knowing how to swim or knowing facts like the time.
• 😀 When expressing how to do something in Spanish, you don’t need to include the word 'cómo' (how) because the verb *saber* implies it.
• 😀 *Saber* is often compared to the verb *ser* (to be), as both express factual, unchangeable knowledge.
• 😀 Once you understand *saber*, learning other verbs like *conocer* becomes easier, as they are typically taught together, but *saber* is more straightforward.
• 😀 The video aims to simplify understanding *saber*, avoiding confusion between the two verbs and helping learners navigate Spanish grammar more easily.

Q & A

What does the verb 'saber' mean in Spanish?

'Saber' in Spanish means 'to know,' but it refers specifically to knowing factual information or knowing how to do something. It doesn't have the broad meaning of 'to know' as in English.

How is the verb 'saber' different from the verb 'to know' in English?

In English, the verb 'to know' is used in many different contexts, including knowing people, places, facts, and skills. In Spanish, 'saber' is specifically used for knowing factual information or how to do something, not for knowing people or places.

What are the two verbs for 'to know' in Spanish?

In Spanish, there are two verbs for 'to know': 'saber' and 'conocer.' This video focuses on 'saber,' which refers to knowing facts or how to do something.

What is the main definition of 'saber' in the context of this video?

The main definition of 'saber' in the video is 'to know how to do something' or 'to know factual information.' It's closely related to the concept of having knowledge about a skill or fact.

How does the verb 'saber' conjugate in the present tense for the 'yo' form?

The verb 'saber' is conjugated as 'yo sé' in the present tense for the 'yo' (I) form. It's important to note the accent on the 'é' to avoid confusion with other forms of pronouns.

What is the significance of the accent on 'sé' in the verb 'saber'?

The accent on 'sé' in 'yo sé' is essential to differentiate it from the indirect object pronoun 'se,' which has multiple meanings relating to oneself. Without the accent, the meaning would change.

How does the verb 'saber' work in sentences that describe factual knowledge?

'Saber' is used when talking about knowing facts that cannot change. For example, 'Yo sé cómo hablar español' (I know how to speak Spanish) implies that the knowledge is permanent and factual.

How does Spanish avoid redundancy when expressing knowledge of how to do something?

In Spanish, when expressing knowledge of how to do something, the adverb 'como' (like) is often omitted because the verb 'saber' already implies knowing how to do the action. For example, 'Yo sé hablar español' (I know how to speak Spanish) eliminates the need for 'como.'

How does the verb 'saber' relate to the verb 'ser' in Spanish?

'Saber' and 'ser' share a conceptual similarity in that both verbs deal with factual knowledge. 'Saber' refers to knowing factual information or how to do something, while 'ser' refers to being, in terms of permanent characteristics or traits.

What is a potential source of confusion for learners when studying 'saber' and 'conocer'?

A common source of confusion for learners is the difference between 'saber' and 'conocer.' While 'saber' is used for knowing facts or how to do something, 'conocer' refers to being familiar with people, places, or things. Teachers often introduce both verbs simultaneously, which can be confusing.