saber
to know (facts/skills)
Intermediate Verb
🔊
Pronunciation
/sɐˈbeɾ/
💡
Cultural Note
Portuguese distinguishes 'saber' (to know facts or skills) from 'conhecer' (to know/be familiar with people, places). 'Eu sei nadar' (I know how to swim) vs 'Eu conheço o Rio' (I know Rio). Interestingly, 'saber' also means 'to taste': 'Este bolo sabe bem' (This cake tastes good) — connecting knowledge and sensory experience.
📝 Example Sentences
Eu sei falar português.
I know how to speak Portuguese.
Você sabe onde fica a farmácia?
Do you know where the pharmacy is?
Não sei a resposta.
I don't know the answer.