conocer
/konoˈθeɾ/
The Spanish verb for 'know' in the sense of being acquainted or familiar with something is conocer. Wiktionary also lists cognocer (desus.).
Meaning: be acquainted or familiar with (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| conocer | /konoˈθeɾ/ /konoˈseɾ/ |
| cognocer (desus.) |
conocer is used when you are acquainted with people, familiar with places or have experienced something. It is also frequently used to mean 'to meet' for the first time.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between conocer and saber. Use conocer for people, places and things you are familiar with, whereas use saber when referring to knowing facts, information or knowing how to do something.
How does it change in a sentence?
When conocer takes a person as a direct object, you must use the preposition a before the person's name or pronoun.
How do you pronounce it?
/konoˈθeɾ/
Did you know?
- While conocer means 'to know', its relative reconocer means 'to recognize' or 'to acknowledge'. In Spanish, recognizing something is literally viewed as 'knowing it again'.
- The verb conocer shares a deep linguistic root with the English word 'cognition'. This connection exists because both words descend from the same Latin origin.
- The Spanish language has a specific expression darse a conocer, which means 'to make oneself known' or 'to become famous'.
Examples in context
- Quiero conocer el amor.I want to know love.This sentence shows how to express a desire to experience or know a concept using conocer.Tatoeba #6703396 by arh, translation #10191482 by DJ_Saidez
- Quiero conocer los hechos.I want to know the facts.This sentence illustrates using conocer to express a desire to be familiar with facts.Tatoeba #3011743 by wallebot, translation #3011705 by CK
- ¿Cómo llegaste a conocerla?How did you come to know her?This sentence demonstrates how to use the verb when asking how someone came to know a person.Tatoeba #1330824 by marcelostockle, translation #16493 by CK
- Conozco todas las ciudades principales de España.I know all the main cities in Spain.
- ¿Conoce usted al director de la empresa?Do you know the director of the company?
- Sé que el examen es difícil.I know that the exam is difficult.
- Él sabe mucho sobre historia.He knows a lot about history.
- ¿Sabe usted dónde está la estación de tren más cercana?Do you know where the nearest train station is?
- Tengo conocimiento de las nuevas regulaciones.I have knowledge of the new regulations.
- El abogado tiene conocimiento de derecho internacional.The lawyer has knowledge of international law.
- Sé lo que pasó ayer.I know what happened yesterday.
- ¿Sabes cómo llegar al cine?Do you know how to get to the movie theater?
- Entiendo cómo te sientes.I know how you feel.
- Me di cuenta de que se me olvidaron las llaves en casa.I realized I left my keys at home.
- ¿Te das cuenta de lo importante que es este momento?Do you realize how important this moment is?
- 97 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a person they might meet at a party.
- Alejandro¿Conoces a Carlos?Do you know Carlos?
- LucíaNo, no lo conozco.No, I don't know him.
- AlejandroEs un chico muy amable.He is a very kind guy.
- LucíaEntonces quiero conocerlo pronto.Then I want to meet him soon.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “know” translations and entries conocer, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conocer, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
