sé cómo
/se komo/from spelling rules
The Spanish phrase for "I know how to" is sé cómo.
This phrase is used to state that you possess the knowledge or the skill required to perform a specific action. For example, you can use it to express that you know how to cook by saying saber cocinar. To express that you have expertise or knowledge in a specific domain, a more formal alternative is tener conocimientos de. You may also use the verb dominar as a synonym for saber to express abilities or knowledge.
How does it change in a sentence?
While the word cómo can sometimes be omitted if the specific skill is already implied, using sé cómo is the standard way to emphasize the particular method or process being used.
Did you know?
- The word sé is a homonym that can also mean 'be' in the imperative mood, such as in the command sé valiente for 'be brave'.
- In some dialects, particularly in Mexico, people may use me sé instead of sé to express a deeper, more personal mastery of a skill or a piece of information.
- The word cómo is derived from the Latin cōmō̆, which was a non-literary or colloquial version of the more formal quōmodo.
Examples in context
- Yo sé cómo hacerlo.I know how to do it.This sentence shows how to use sé cómo to express knowing how to do something.Tatoeba #1264758 by marcelostockle, translation #1121830 by CK
- Yo sé cómo arreglar eso.I know how to fix that.This sentence shows how to use sé cómo to express knowing how to fix something.Tatoeba #4398211 by pchamorro, translation #3736351 by CK
- Sé cómo conducir un coche.I know how to drive a car.This sentence shows how to use sé cómo to express knowing how to drive a car.Tatoeba #3349996 by Shishir, translation #258393 by CK
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and María are in the kitchen trying to cook a new recipe.
- MaríaSé cómo preparar esta receta.I know how to prepare this recipe.
- Mateo¿De verdad? ¿Me enseñas?Really? Will you teach me?
- MaríaClaro, Mateo, es muy fácil.Of course, Mateo, it is very easy.
- MateoGracias, María, eres una experta.Thanks, María, you are an expert.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cómo, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
