Verb SABER (to know - facts)

Saber works in two main ways. First, it connects you to a piece of information. You might know a date, an address, or a secret. In these cases, it is often followed by a noun or a clause starting with que (that), onde (where), or quem (who). For example, "I know where the party is." Second, it acts as a bridge to a skill. When followed directly by another verb in its base form (the infinitive), it means "to know how to" do something. You do not need a word for "how" in Portuguese; saber handles that work for you. It is like a Swiss Army knife for your abilities. You use it for everything from speaking languages to riding a bike. It is simple, direct, and very efficient.

1. 1Saber is a bit of a rebel. While most of its forms follow regular -er verb rules, the first person singular (the "I" form) likes to do its own thing. You need to memorize this one specifically because it is used constantly. Here is how you build it in the present tense:
2. 2For Eu (I), use sei. Forget the 'b' entirely; it just disappears!
3. 3For Tu (You - informal), use sabes. This is very common in Portugal.
4. 4For Você/Ele/Ela (You/He/She), use sabe. Just drop the 'r' from the end.
5. 5For Nós (We), use sabemos. This follows the standard pattern perfectly.
6. 6For Vocês/Eles/Elas (You all/They), use sabem.
7. 7Think of the change from saber to sei as a little shortcut. It is much faster to say than "sabo," which, by the way, is something only toddlers (or people making memes) say. If you use sei, you already sound like a pro.

Use saber when you are dealing with "cold, hard facts."

• Facts and Data: Use it for phone numbers, addresses, and dates. "Eu sei o número dele" (I know his number).
• Skills and Abilities: Use it for things you have learned. "Você sabe nadar?" (Do you know how to swim?). It covers playing instruments, speaking languages, and driving.
• Information: Use it when you have the answer to a question. "Nós sabemos onde fica o hotel" (We know where the hotel is).
• Memorized Content: If you know a poem by heart or a recipe, saber is your friend.

Imagine you are in a job interview. You would use saber to list your technical skills. If you are lost in Lisbon, you would ask someone if they sabe where the nearest metro station is. It is the verb of certainty and learned knowledge.

This is where things get interesting. Do not use saber for people. If you want to say you know your neighbor or a famous singer, saber will make you sound like you have memorized their data sheet but never met them. Also, avoid using it for places you are familiar with. If you have visited Rio and know your way around, you do not saber Rio; you conhecer Rio.

• People: Never say "Eu sei o João." It sounds like you know his structural integrity. Use conhecer instead.
• Familiarity: If you "know" a book because you have read it and like it, use conhecer.

Think of saber as a computer file and conhecer as a friendship. You saber the capital of France, but you conhecer Paris because you have walked its streets and smelled the croissants.

• The "Sabo" Trap: As mentioned, Eu sabo is incorrect. It is always Eu sei. If you say "sabo," people will smile, but they will know you are still a beginner.
• The "How To" Addition: English speakers often try to add a word for "how" (como). They say "Eu sei como cozinhar." While not strictly "illegal," it is redundant. Just say "Eu sei cozinhar." It is cleaner and more natural.
• Confusing with Conhecer: This is the big one. If you use saber for a person, it is a major red flag. Remember: Saber = Information. Conhecer = People/Places/Experience.
• Missing the 'm': In the plural form sabem, the 'm' is nasal. It is not "saben." If you miss the nasal sound, it might sound a bit flat.

The main rival of saber is conhecer. They both translate to "to know" in English, which is why your brain might get a bit confused.

• Saber: Is about the "what." It is deep, factual knowledge or a skill. It is often followed by a verb or a question word (que, onde, quem).
• Conhecer: Is about the "who" or the "where." It is about familiarity. It is usually followed by a noun (a person, a city, a brand).

Think of it like a grammar traffic light.

• Is it a person? Red light for saber, Green light for conhecer.
• Is it a skill? Green light for saber, Red light for conhecer.
• Is it a fact? Green light for saber.

Another minor contrast is with poder (can). Saber is about having the skill (I know how to swim), while poder is about having the permission or physical possibility (I can swim today because the pool is open).