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The verb sapere <\/em>in Italian can be translated in English as \u201cto know\u201d. Be careful, though! Sapere<\/em> is not the only verb we can use to talk about knowledge in Italian\u2026 Indeed, we also have the verb conoscere, <\/em>which can also be translated as \u201cto know\u201d. Do not worry though, after reading this article you will never make a mistake between these two again! And, just as importantly, you will be able to use the right sapere <\/em>conjugation <\/strong>for every occasion!<\/p>\n By the way, the word sapere <\/em>can also be used as a noun to indicate \u201cknowledge; learning\u201d.<\/p>\n Are you ready?<\/p>\n Let\u2019s look at how to use the Italian verb sapere <\/em>correctly, how to conjugate it, and when to use it in context with examples and dialogues.<\/p>\n Sapere<\/em> is an irregular verb<\/strong>, which means it does not follow the regular pattern of other verbs that end in -ERE. It is usually employed to express factual knowledge: knowing the time, date or a name; being aware or informed of something, etc. Don\u2019t worry, we will go into more details on when to use sapere<\/em> below.<\/p>\n Sapere <\/em>is also a transitive verb<\/strong>, which means it always takes an object. Unlike conoscere, <\/em>however, which is always followed directly by \u201cthe thing\u201d you know, sapere<\/em> can also be followed by conjunctions or another clause, often using chi, come, dove, perch\u00e9, <\/em>etc.<\/p>\n According to some grammarians, sapere<\/em> can be considered as another modal (or helping) verb<\/strong>, just like volere<\/em><\/a> (to want or have the will to), potere<\/em><\/a> (to know how to) and dovere<\/em> (to have to). Modals behave differently to normal verbs: they are always followed by another verb, and they define and describe the \u201cmode\u201d of the action it describes.<\/p>\n In Italian, we call these verbi modali o servili<\/em><\/strong><\/a> and sapere <\/em>can sometimes be used as one.<\/p>\n Now that we\u2019ve covered the basic characteristics of the verb sapere<\/em>, let\u2019s see in more details how and when to use it.<\/strong><\/p>\n FACTUAL KNOWLEDGE<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n As we already mentioned, sapere <\/em>is often used to express factual knowledge. You can use it to state or ask about information or with the meaning of \u201cbeing aware\u201d.<\/p>\n Do not use <\/strong>sapere<\/em> when you talk about a person, though! That is incorrect!<\/p>\n KNOW HOW TO<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n When followed by a verb, sapere <\/em>takes the meaning of \u201cknowing how to\u201d, which means it describes an acquired ability.<\/p>\n Remember, sapere<\/em> is also used to talk about knowing a language. Both with the verb parlare<\/em><\/strong> (to speak) and on its own.<\/p>\n TO HEAR ABOUT \/ FIND OUT<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Often when used in the passato prossimo <\/em>(present perfect) the verb sapere <\/em>takes on the meaning of \u201cfinding out\u201d, being \u201cinformed of something\u201d or \u201clearning something\u201d. In this case it can be followed by another clause starting with che, come, dove, quanto, quando, etc. <\/em><\/p>\n IMPERSONAL USE<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Sapere<\/em> is also often used in the impersonal form, which does not have a subject and stands for something like \u201cit is known\u201d or \u201ceveryone knows\u201d. It can be used both in the present and past tense.<\/p>\n TIP: The word chiss\u00e0, <\/em>that you might have heard or studied, actually comes from chi sa <\/em>(who knows).<\/p>\n FAR SAPERE \/ FAR CONOSCERE<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The verb fare can be used with both sapere <\/em>and conoscere,<\/em> but the two verbs take on a very different meaning. Far conoscere <\/em>means to introduce.<\/p>\n TASTE<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Strangely enough, sapere di <\/em>means \u201cto smell\/taste of\/like\u201d something. It can therefore be used to describe smells and tastes of things and places.<\/p>\n MI SA<\/strong> <\/em><\/p>\n If you spend time with native speakers, especially from Toscany or the north of Italy, you might have heard someone expressing their opinion using mi sa che\u2026<\/em><\/p>\n This is quite common, and it stands for a mix between \u201cI think\u201d, \u201cI believe\u201d and \u201cI guess\u201d. Use it when you kind of think something will happen, but you\u2019re not so sure\u2026<\/p>\n After having learned all the ways to use the verb sapere, <\/em>let\u2019s look at the difference with conoscere<\/em>.<\/p>\n Conoscere <\/em>is used to talk about knowing someone. Here, using sapere <\/em>would be completely wrong.<\/p>\n It can also be used to talk about acquired knowledge of a specific subject, a knowledge resulting from study.<\/p>\n With places (cities, countries, regions, etc.) you also use conoscere. <\/em><\/p>\n\n
Do you know how to make a vegan cake?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Knowledge makes you free.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Sapere: <\/em>What Kind of Verb is it?<\/h2>\n
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<\/em> Do you know Claudio?<\/li>\n
Did you know that Claudio got married?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
I managed (knew how to) save her without your help.<\/li>\n
Fortunately, you were able to (knew how to) understand on your own.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Sapere<\/em>: When to Use<\/h2>\n
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Do you know, by any chance, what time it is?<\/li>\n
Were you aware that we are already in France here?<\/li>\n
I really don\u2019t know what to tell you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
I can (know how to) swim, and you?<\/li>\n
We do not know how to cook.<\/li>\n\n
Can you speak French?<\/li>\n
They know Italian very well.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/em> Have you heard the big news?<\/li>\n
<\/em> We heard you got married, congratulations!<\/li>\n
Have you found out where the concert will be?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/em> Everyone knows he\u2019s that way, don\u2019t be upset.<\/li>\n
<\/em> It was already known that it would end up like that.<\/li>\n
<\/em> It is common knowledge that Gianluca is the best pizzaiolo of the province.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/em> Who knows where Marco is!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Far sapere <\/em>means to inform, let someone know.<\/p>\n\n
<\/em> Let me know when you get home, so I don\u2019t get worried.<\/li>\n
Did they inform you about what time the party will be?<\/li>\n\n
Why don\u2019t you want to introduce me to your brother?<\/li>\n
She showed me the small town where she grew up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
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This pasta only tastes like cheese, I do not like it.<\/li>\n
This risotto doesn\u2019t taste like anything.<\/li>\n
Your jacket smells like smoke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
I I think it might rain today.<\/li>\n
I think\/ guess Giovanni is not coming.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/a>Sapere vs. Conoscere<\/em><\/h2>\n
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Do you know Gabriele?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
We know a lot about Italian poetry.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
<\/em> Do you know Venice?<\/li>\n