saben
/saben/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "they know" is translated as saben.
The word saben is used when referring to knowing facts, information or knowing how to do something.
Which one should you use?
The form saben is used for knowing facts or information. In contrast, conocen would be used if you are speaking about being acquainted with people or places.
How do you pronounce it?
/saben/
Did you know?
- The word saben is also the form of the verb saber used to describe how something tastes. For example, saying saben a chocolate means 'they taste like chocolate'.
- While saben refers to knowledge, the noun for a 'flavor' or 'taste' is sabor. Both words derive from the same Latin root meaning 'to have a taste'.
- Because saben is the third person plural, it is also the form used for 'you all know' when using the formal ustedes.
Examples in context
- Ellos no saben nada.They know nothing.Tatoeba #2418268 by hayastan, translation #2243213 by CK
- Ellos saben qué pasó.They know what happened.Tatoeba #1522731 by marcelostockle, translation #1522320 by Spamster
- Saben cómo te llamas.They know your name.Tatoeba #2693731 by Shishir, translation #2548153 by CK
- Ellos saben cómo resolver el problema.They know how to solve the problem.
- Ellos conocen muy bien la ciudad.They know the city very well.
- Ellos saben cómo arreglar el auto.They know how to fix the car.
- Ellos se la saben todas sobre fútbol.They know it all about football.
- 43 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Sofía are discussing their neighbors in the hallway.
- Javier¿Ellos saben que nos mudamos?Do they know that we are moving?
- SofíaNo, no saben nada todavía.No, they don't know anything yet.
- JavierEspero que sepan que somos buenos vecinos.I hope they know that we are good neighbors.
- SofíaSeguro que saben que somos amables.I'm sure they know that we are kind.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
