sapere
/saˈpe.re/
The English phrase 'know' can be translated into Italian as sapere.
sapere is used when you know facts, information or how to do something.
Meaning: be acquainted or familiar with (verb)
Which one should you use?
While sapere is for facts and information, the verb conoscere is used for being acquainted with people or being familiar with places and things.
How does it change in a sentence?
The present indicative forms of sapere are: so (I know), sa (he/she/it knows), sappiamo (we know), sapete (you plural know) and sanno (they know).
How do you pronounce it?
/saˈpe.re/, with the stress on the second of three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using sapere when you are talking about knowing people or places. In these instances, you should use conoscere instead.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of sapere originally meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor'.
- In Italian, the expression far sapere literally means 'to make know'. It is the standard way to say 'let me know' or 'I will inform you'.
- When using sapere to mean 'to know how' to do something, Italians often omit the word 'how' (come) entirely, which is not possible in English.
Examples in context
- So di non sapere.I know that I do not know.This sentence uses the first-person singular present indicative form of sapere.Tatoeba #750832 by Guybrush88, translation #750825 by sctld
- Devo sapere chi è.I need to know who you are.This sentence shows how to use sapere to express the need to know information about someone.Tatoeba #3854203 by Guybrush88, translation #2387690 by CK
- Fallo sapere a Tom.Let Tom know.This sentence demonstrates using sapere to communicate information to someone else.Tatoeba #2689301 by Guybrush88, translation #2235854 by CK
- Sapete dov'è la biblioteca?Do you know where the library is?
- Conosco il direttore dell'azienda.I know the director of the company.
- Siamo a conoscenza del problema.We are aware of the problem.
- Sai dov'è il ristorante?Do you know where the restaurant is?
- Conosci Alessandro?Do you know Alessandro?
- Sei al corrente dell'ultima novità?Are you aware of the latest news?
- 1178 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Chiara are discussing a new restaurant.
- MatteoSai dove si trova il nuovo ristorante?Do you know where the new restaurant is located?
- ChiaraNo, non lo so ancora.No, I don't know it yet.
- MatteoTi farò sapere l'indirizzo più tardi.I will let you know the address later.
- ChiaraGrazie, Matteo, lo apprezzo.Thanks, Matteo, I appreciate it.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sapere, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sapere, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
