What does it mean word for word?
The phrase consists of two parts: lo, which is a direct object pronoun meaning "it" or "that" and sé, which is the first-person singular present indicative of the verb saber (to know). Literally, it translates to "it/that I know."
Which one should you use?
Use lo sé when you are referring to a fact or a piece of information. Do not use it if you mean you are acquainted with a person or a place. In those instances, you should use lo conozco.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the word Vale can be used to mean "I know" in certain contexts, similar to how one might say "Okay."
How does it change in a sentence?
In Spanish, you cannot simply say sé to mean "I know that". You must include the object pronoun lo to represent the thing that is being known.
How do you pronounce it?
/lo se/
Did you know?
- Spanish is a 'pro-drop' language where the subject 'I' is omitted, but the object 'it' in lo sé must remain for the sentence to be correct.
- Using lo sé with a dismissive tone or a specific gesture can be perceived as rude, implying the other person is stating the obvious.
- The spelling of sé includes an accent mark to distinguish it from the word se, which is a reflexive pronoun used in many different verbal constructions.
Examples in context
- Eso ya lo sé.I know that already.This sentence shows how to use lo sé to say you know something already.Tatoeba #1770973 by Shishir, translation #3826778 by CK
- Sé que sabes que lo sé.I know that you know that I know.This sentence demonstrates a complex sentence structure using lo sé.Tatoeba #834653 by Shishir, translation #764169 by darinmex
- Gracias, pero eso ya lo sé.Thanks, but I know that already.This sentence shows a polite way to use lo sé when someone is providing information.Tatoeba #3012399 by marcelostockle, translation #11201725 by Lebensfreude
- Sé que hoy es tu cumpleaños.I know that today is your birthday.
- Estoy al tanto de los cambios en el plan de estudios.I am aware of the curriculum changes.
- Conozco esa información sobre el proyecto.I know that information about the project.
- Ya sé que vas a salir esta noche.I know you're going out tonight.
- Lo sé, no tienes que repetírmelo.I know it, you don't have to tell me again.
- 5 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are discussing a change in their work schedule.
- AlejandroMañana no hay oficina.There is no office tomorrow.
- MaríaLo sé, ya me avisaron.I know that, they already notified me.
- Alejandro¿Entonces no vendrás?So you won't come?
- MaríaNo, no iré.No, I won't go.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
