The Spanish verbs saber, conocer, and poder are three of the most commonly confused verbs among Spanish learners. Although they may look similar in other languages, in Spanish each verb has a very specific use.

This guide gives you a clear explanation, useful examples, and key phrases to help you understand and remember the difference.

 What’s the difference between saber, conocer, and poder?

• SABER = Information and learned skills
• CONOCER = People, places, and personal experiences
• PODER = Possibility, permission, or ability

Here’s a detailed breakdown of each verb.

1. SABER: information and learned skills

Use saber to talk about:

• information or intellectual knowledge
• specific facts
• learned abilities (saber + infinitive)

Examples with saber

• Sé que el examen es el viernes.
• ¿Sabes por qué no funciona el tren?
• No sé quién es esa persona.
• Mi primo sabe programar en Python.
• ¿Sabes cocinar comida española?

2. CONOCER: people, places, and experiences

Use conocer when referring to something you have experienced directly:

• people you have met
• places you have been
• things or experiences you are familiar with

Examples with conocer 

• Conozco a tu nueva profesora, es muy amable.
• ¿Conoces este barrio? Es muy tranquilo.
• No conozco ese libro, ¿es bueno?
• Conocemos bien Barcelona, vivimos allí cinco años.
• ¿Conoces a alguien que hable japonés?

3. PODER: possibility, permission, and ability

Use poder to talk about whether something:

• is possible
• is allowed
• can be done physically or circumstantially

Examples with poder 

• Hoy no puedo estudiar, estoy muy cansado.
• ¿Puedes venir a las 5?
• No puedo abrir la caja, está muy dura.
• ¿Puedo usar tu cargador?
• Aquí no se puede aparcar.

If you want to continue improving your Spanish, the best next step is to practice these verbs in conversations, short texts, or everyday interactions. The more you use them, the faster you’ll master them.

If you want personalised guidance, real conversation practice, and quick progress, book a lesson with me today.
Together we’ll make your Spanish more natural, confident, and fluent.

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