quién sabe
/ˌkjen ˈsabe/
The English phrase "who knows" is translated into Spanish as quién sabe. Wiktionary also lists saber and a saber.
Meaning: rhetorical question: one doesn't know (phrase)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| quién sabe | /ˌkjen ˈsabe/ |
| saber | /saˈbeɾ/ |
| a saber | /a saˈbeɾ/ |
quién sabe is used as a rhetorical question to indicate that one does not know something. It can also be used in idiomatic expressions, such as quién sabe dónde, which is a fixed phrase used to describe a place that is mysterious or unknown.
Which one should you use?
The pack provides the related forms saber and a saber.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase quién sabe, the word quién carries an accent mark because it functions as an interrogative pronoun within a rhetorical or direct question.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌkjen ˈsabe/
Did you know?
- The English word 'savvy' and the Spanish verb saber both stem from the idea of 'tasting' or 'having flavor' in Proto-Indo-European.
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, quién sabe can be used as a skeptical retort to imply that the speaker suspects the other person is lying.
- If you use quién sabe as a standalone response, it can sound more dismissive or indifferent than the English 'who knows'.
Examples in context
- ¿Quién sabe que Tom está aquí?Who knows Tom is here?This sentence shows how to use quién sabe to ask about someone's presence.Tatoeba #3194839 by cueyayotl, translation #2892873 by CK
- Un avión surgió de quién sabe dónde.A plane emerged from who knows where.This sentence demonstrates the use of quién sabe to describe an unknown origin.Tatoeba #10012135 by manufrutos, translation #10011506 by AlanF_US
- ¿Quién sabe qué encontraremos en el ático?Who knows what we'll find up in the attic?This sentence shows quién sabe used when expressing uncertainty about a future discovery.Tatoeba #3562416 by ficion, translation #2674223 by WestofEden
- Quién sabe qué pasará en el futuroWho knows what will happen in the future
- ¿Quién sabe qué haremos este fin de semana?Who knows what we'll do this weekend?
- A saber qué pasaWho knows what's happening
- A saber dónde estaráWho knows where he/she will be
- Vaya a saber dónde fueWho knows where he/she went
- Vaya a saber qué pasaráWho knows what will happen
- 13 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Lucía are wondering if it will rain later.
- Alejandro¿Crees que va a llover hoy?Do you think it's going to rain today?
- LucíaNo estoy segura, quién sabe.I'm not sure, who knows.
- AlejandroEl cielo se ve muy gris.The sky looks very gray.
- LucíaSí, quizás llueva en una hora.Yes, maybe it will rain in an hour.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “who knows” translations and entries quién sabe, saber, a saber, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries a, quién, saber, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
