ya sé
/ʝa se/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i know" is translated into Spanish as ya sé.
Ya sé is used to assert that the speaker has an answer or an idea. It can also function as an interjection to express realization or understanding, similar to the English expressions "I see" or "I get it".
Meaning: assertion that speaker has answer or idea (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I already know". The word ya means "already" or "now".
Which one should you use?
While ya sé emphasizes that the information is already known (often used to mean "I know already"), lo sé is a more direct translation of "I know it" (referring to a specific fact).
How does it change in a sentence?
To specify that you know a particular thing, you can insert the object pronoun lo between ya and sé to form ya lo sé, which means "I already know it".
How do you pronounce it?
/ʝa se/
Did you know?
- In some regions, ya is used to express a future certainty, such as ya verás, meaning 'you will see soon enough'.
- While ya sé asserts knowledge, using the reflexive ya me sé (followed by a noun) often implies that the speaker has memorized something by heart, like a poem or a song.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, saying ya sé with a specific rising intonation can express skepticism or even sarcasm, essentially meaning 'Oh, I see how this is going' in a mocking way.
Examples in context
- Ya sé, ya sé.I know, I know.This example shows how to repeat ya sé for emphasis.Tatoeba #7946567 by Seael, translation #7251504 by Hybrid
- Ya sé cómo va.I know how that goes.This sentence uses ya sé to express knowing how a situation progresses.Tatoeba #4554846 by swyter, translation #2375928 by CK
- Ya sé como suena.I know how it sounds.This sentence uses ya sé to express awareness of how something sounds.Tatoeba #4554845 by swyter, translation #2375914 by CK
- Sé que el informe está listo.I know that the report is ready.
- Sé cómo resolver este problema.I know how to solve this problem.
- Sé que has trabajado duro.I know you have worked hard.
- Tengo conocimiento del nuevo procedimiento.I have knowledge of the new procedure.
- Tengo conocimiento de sus habilidades.I am aware of your skills.
- Lo sé, pero quiero probarlo de todos modos.I know, but I want to try it anyway.
- Lo sé, gracias por recordármelo.I know, thanks for reminding me.
- Ya sé que llegará tarde.I know he/she will arrive late.
- Ya sé cómo hacerlo.I know how to do it.
- 11 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and María are discussing a movie they recently watched.
- JavierEsa película es muy buena.That movie is very good.
- MaríaYa sé, es excelente.I know, it is excellent.
- Javier¿Te gustó el final?Did you like the ending?
- MaríaSí, me encantó.Yes, I loved it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “i know” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
