sable
/ˈsable/
The English phrase "saber" translates to sable in Spanish when referring to a species of marten known for its valuable dark fur.
In the context of the animal, sable refers to the marten. However, note that in Spanish, the word sable is also used to describe a curved sword. Use conocer when referring to knowing a person or being familiar with a place.
Which one should you use?
In Spanish, sable refers to a curved sword or the marten, whereas saber is the verb meaning 'to know'.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsable/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often confuse the Spanish noun sable (saber/sword or sable marten) with the Spanish verb saber (to know).
Did you know?
- The word sable meaning 'sand' is a cognate of the French word sable and shares a common root with the Latin word sabŭlum.
- In heraldry, the Spanish word sable is used to describe the color black, deriving from the dark fur of the marten.
Examples in context
- Ten cuidado con el sable, que está muy afilado.Be careful with the saber, it's very sharp.This sentence uses sable to refer to a sharp sword.Tatoeba #11697915 by Seael, translation #13760851 by araneo
- El tigre dientes de sable se extinguió durante la era de hielo.It was during the ice age that the saber-toothed tiger became extinct.This sentence uses sable in the context of a saber-toothed tiger.Tatoeba #1336454 by marcelostockle, translation #239041 by CK
- Los científicos encontraron mamuts, dientes de sable y bisontes en el norte.The scientists found mammoths, saber-toothed tigers and bison in the north.This sentence uses sable to describe saber-toothed tigers found by scientists.Tatoeba #10259541 by Seael, translation #12892805 by araneo
- ¿Sabe usted dónde está la biblioteca?Do you know where the library is?
- Sé que tienes experiencia en este campo.I know that you have experience in this field.
- Tengo conocimiento de las políticas de la empresa.I have knowledge of the company's policies.
- Sabes tocar la guitarra.You know how to play the guitar.
- No sé cocinar en el horno.I don't know how to cook in the oven.
- Sé que estás ocupado.I know you're busy.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are looking at a luxury fashion magazine.
- SofíaMira este abrigo de sable.Look at this sable coat.
- DanielEs muy elegante, pero muy caro.It is very elegant, but very expensive.
- SofíaEl pelaje del sable es muy suave.Sable fur is very soft.
- DanielPrefiero comprar algo sintético, Sofía.I prefer to buy something synthetic, Sofía.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry sable, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sable, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
