Lo sé
/lo se/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I know it" is translated into Spanish as Lo sé.
Lo sé is used when you are referring to a piece of information or a fact. For more formal situations, you might use Estoy al tanto to imply you are up to date or informed or Tengo conocimiento de eso to express knowledge of a specific topic.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase Lo sé is composed of the direct object pronoun lo (it) and the first-person singular present indicative of saber (to know a fact), sé.
Which one should you use?
Use Lo sé when referring to a piece of information or a fact. Do not use it for people, places or complex things known through familiarity. For those, use Lo conozco.
How does it change in a sentence?
To negate the phrase, place no before the object pronoun: No lo sé.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo se/
Did you know?
- The verb saber used in Lo sé shares an ancient root with the English word 'savvy', which also refers to knowledge and understanding.
- While Lo sé sounds like a simple statement, placing the word ya before it to make Ya lo sé can signal to the listener that you find their information redundant or annoying.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, replying to a compliment with Lo sé can be perceived as arrogant rather than confident, as modesty is often more culturally valued.
Examples in context
- Lo sé por él.I know it from him.This sentence shows how to use Lo sé to express knowing something from a person.Tatoeba #5041625 by don_ramon, translation #1871547 by Asma
- Yo mismo lo sé.I know it myself.This sentence shows how to use Lo sé to emphasize knowing it yourself.Tatoeba #1325707 by marcelostockle, translation #327655 by CM
- Lo sé con seguridad.I know it for sure.This sentence shows how to use Lo sé to express certainty.Tatoeba #2412436 by marcelostockle, translation #2376017 by CK
- Me pidieron que estuviera al tanto de los últimos acontecimientos, y sí, estoy al tanto.They asked me to stay informed about the latest events, and yes, I know it.
- En mi experiencia laboral previa, tuve la oportunidad de trabajar con ese software, así que tengo conocimiento de eso.In my previous work experience, I had the opportunity to work with that software, so I have knowledge of it.
- 10 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are discussing a secret party.
- Alejandro¿Sabes que hay una fiesta sorpresa?Do you know there is a surprise party?
- LucíaSí, lo sé.Yes, I know it.
- Alejandro¿Cómo lo descubriste?How did you find out?
- LucíaMe lo contó un amigo.A friend told me.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
