el que sabe, sabe
The phrase "if you know, you know" in Spanish is el que sabe, sabe.
el que sabe, sabe is used to signal an inside joke or a shared understanding that excludes outsiders. It indicates that only people with specific insider knowledge will understand a particular point.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of "the one who knows, knows".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the third-person singular to create a general, impersonal statement about anyone who possesses certain knowledge.
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking social circles, saying el que sabe, sabe allows a speaker to avoid explaining a complex or controversial topic without appearing rude.
- The word el comes from the Latin ille, and despite a similar sound, it is a false cognate of the Arabic definite article al.
- The phrase el que sabe, sabe follows a rhetorical pattern used for universal truths, such as el que busca, encuentra, which means 'he who seeks, finds'.
Examples in context
- No hace falta explicarlo, el que sabe, sabe.There is no need to explain it, if you know, you know.
- No entiendo la broma, pero el que sabe, sabe.I don't understand the joke, but if you know, you know.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are talking about a secret club's entry ritual.
- Elena¿Cómo entramos en ese club tan exclusivo?How do we get into that exclusive club?
- JavierEs un secreto, el que sabe, sabe.It is a secret, if you know, you know.
- Elena¡Qué misterioso eres, Javier!You are so mysterious, Javier!
- JavierSolo los que están en la lista lo entienden.Only those on the list understand it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries el, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
