sapere
/saˈpe.re/
To know in Italian is sapere.
The verb sapere is used to express factual knowledge, awareness or expertise. This includes knowing a piece of information, a fact or how to perform a certain skill or action. To express that you know how to do something, you can use sapere followed by the infinitive or the word come.
Which one should you use?
While sapere is used for facts and information, you should use the verb conoscere when you mean to be acquainted with a person, a place or a thing.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the present indicative, the first-person singular form for 'I know' is so and the third-person singular form for 'he/she knows' is sa.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /saˈpe.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Latin root of sapere originally meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor'. This suggests that, in the ancient mind, understanding a concept was conceptually linked to the sense of taste.
- The English word 'sapient' as in 'Homo sapiens' shares the same root as sapere. Both trace back to the concept of wisdom and discernment.
- If an Italian says non saprei instead of non so, they are using the conditional mood to be more polite or hesitant, similar to saying 'I wouldn't know' in English.
Examples in context
- Devo sapere chi è.I need to know who you are.This sentence shows how to use sapere to express needing to know an identity.Tatoeba #3854203 by Guybrush88, translation #2387690 by CK
- Non lo vuoi sapere.You don't want to know.This sentence uses sapere to express a lack of desire for information.Tatoeba #3284031 by Guybrush88, translation #1820278 by Spamster
- Tom non deve sapere.Tom doesn't need to know.This sentence uses sapere to show that someone does not need to possess certain information.Tatoeba #2385693 by Guybrush88, translation #2279434 by CK
- Roberto sa come parlare italiano fluentemente.Roberto knows how to speak Italian fluently.
- Maria sa tutto sui vini italiani.Maria knows everything about Italian wines.
- Conosco il tuo amico, Paolo.I know your friend, Paolo.
- Voglio conoscere la città di Firenze.I want to get to know the city of Florence.
- Sai suonare la chitarra?Do you know how to play the guitar?
- Conosci Luca? È molto simpatico!Do you know Luca? He's very friendly!
- Non conosco quel ristorante, ma ho sentito dire che è buonissimo.I don't know that restaurant, but I've heard it's excellent.
- 805 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Matteo and Giulia are discussing a surprise party.
- MatteoGiulia, vuoi sapere cosa succede stasera?Giulia, do you want to know what is happening tonight?
- GiuliaNo, preferisco non sapere nulla!No, I prefer to know nothing!
- MatteoMa è una sorpresa per te.But it is a surprise for you.
- GiuliaAllora non mi dire niente.Then don't tell me anything.
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.
