eu sei
To say "I know" in Portuguese, use eu sei.
eu sei is used to assert that the speaker possesses a specific answer or an idea.
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
Which one should you use?
While eu sei is used for factual knowledge, the verb conhecer is used for being acquainted with people or places.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The phrases Eu tô ligado, Eu tô por dentro and Eu tô sabendo are predominantly used in Brazil.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase eu sei uses the first-person singular present indicative of the verb saber.
Did you know?
- The word eu is a direct doublet of the English word 'ego'. Both originate from the Classical Latin egō̆.
- In many parts of Brazil, if you want to say 'I know' in a very informal, slangy way, you might say Eu tô ligado, which literally translates to 'I am tied'.
- In some Portuguese dialects, adding a short sei lá after eu sei can change the meaning to 'I know, but I have no idea why'.
Examples in context
- Eu sei quem é.I know who it is.This sentence is useful for showing how to identify a person with eu sei.Tatoeba #1396871 by alexmarcelo, translation #2376487 by CK
- Eu sei como é.I know what it's like.This sentence is useful for describing an experience or situation with eu sei.Tatoeba #9714293 by Cinthya, translation #2376302 by CK
- Eu sei de tudo.I know everything.This sentence is useful for stating total knowledge with eu sei.Tatoeba #397708 by brauliobezerra, translation #392308 by CM
- Eu sei, já estive aqui antesI know, I've been here before
- 1489 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Beatriz and Lucas are talking about a secret party.
- BeatrizVocê sabe onde é a festa?Do you know where the party is?
- LucasSim, eu sei!Yes, I know!
- BeatrizQue ótimo, me manda o endereço.That's great, send me the address.
- LucasTudo bem, eu sei onde fica.All right, I know where it is.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries eu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
