¿Sabes español?
/ˈsabes espaˈɲol/word by word
The English phrase "do you know spanish?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Sabes español?
This phrase is used to ask if someone has the ability to speak or understand the Spanish language.
Which one should you use?
In this context, the verb saber is used because the question refers to knowing a skill or piece of information, whereas conocer would be used for knowing a person or a place.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form ¿Sabes español? uses the informal tú conjugation and is used with friends, peers or people younger than you. Use the form ¿Sabe usted español? when addressing someone formally or showing respect, such as a stranger or an elder.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsabes espaˈɲol/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Unlike in English, the names of languages like español are not capitalized in Spanish unless they start a sentence.
When do people say it?
A common natural response to this question is Sí, hablo un poco (Yes, I speak a little).
Did you know?
- The word español likely descends from a Punic word meaning 'coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- ¿Sabes español?Do you know Spanish?
- Disculpa, ¿sabes español?Excuse me, do you know Spanish?
- Oye, ¿sabes español?Hey, do you know Spanish?
Example conversation
Javier meets a new student at school.
- JavierHola, soy Javier. ¿Sabes español?Hi, I'm Javier. Do you know Spanish?
- MaríaHola, Javier. Sí, hablo un poco.Hi, Javier. Yes, I speak a little.
- Javier¡Qué bien! Podemos practicar juntos.That's great! We can practice together.
- MaríaMe parece una buena idea.That sounds like a good idea.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (sabes, español) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
