How to Say “You Know Spanish” in Spanish

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sabes español
/sabes espaɲol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you know Spanish" is translated into Spanish as sabes español.
This phrase is a statement used to tell someone that they have the ability to speak or understand the Spanish language. The verb saber is specifically used here to denote the possession of knowledge or a skill, such as a language.

Which one should you use?

While sabes español is a statement, raising the pitch at the end of the sentence turns it into the question "Do you know Spanish?"

How does it change in a sentence?

The form sabes español uses the informal tú conjugation of the verb saber (to know/to know how to). In casual situations, you may also use Hablas español to mean "You speak Spanish."

How do you pronounce it?

/sabes espaɲol/

Did you know?

  • The word español likely originates from the Punic word for 'coast of hyraxes', referring to the small mammals found in the region.
  • While we use español today, medieval people in the region often referred to themselves simply as cristianos rather than by a specific national identity.

Examples in context

  • Disculpe, ¿usted sabe español? Necesito ayuda con una traducción.
    Excuse me, do you know Spanish? I need help with a translation.
  • Como profesional, es importante que usted tenga conocimientos de español.
    As a professional, it is important that you have knowledge of Spanish.
  • ¡Eres increíble! Sabes español y francés.
    You're amazing! You know Spanish and French.
  • Oye, ¿sabías que Juan habla español?
    Hey, did you know that Juan speaks Spanish?
  • Tú sabes español, ¿verdad?
    You know Spanish, right?
  • Veo que sabes español muy bien.
    I see that you know Spanish very well.
  • Si sabes español, puedes ayudarme.
    If you know Spanish, you can help me.

Example conversation

Lucía is asking Mateo about his language skills at a café.

  1. Lucía

    ¿Sabes español, Mateo?
    Do you know Spanish, Mateo?
  2. Mateo

    Sí, hablo un poco.
    Yes, I speak a little.
  3. Lucía

    ¡Qué bueno! Me alegra mucho.
    That's great! I'm very happy.
  4. Mateo

    Gracias, Lucía.
    Thank you, Lucía.

Sources

  • IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
  • Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
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Simon Brent
Simon BrentHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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