# 23. The Verb "Saber"

> Source: [video](https://youtube.com/watch?v=YHDZSHCt1DE&t=5812s)

`Saber` means "to know" — but specifically, knowing **factual information** or **knowing how to do something**. The video frames it as the cognitive cousin of `ser`: just as `ser` describes factual identity, `saber` describes factual knowledge.

## Key Rules
- Use `saber` for factual information (dates, times, facts).
- Use `saber` for knowing how to do something (skills, abilities).
- Conjugates regularly except in **yo: sé** (with an accent to distinguish from `se`, the reflexive/IOP).
- Spanish drops the word `cómo` ("how") in "I know how to ___": `Yo sé hablar español` (not `sé cómo hablar`).

## Conjugation / Pattern Tables

### saber — to know (factual) — present indicative
| Pronoun | Form |
|---|---|
| yo | sé |
| tú | sabes |
| él/ella | sabe |
| nosotros | sabemos |
| vosotros | sabéis |
| ellos | saben |

## Examples
| Spanish | English |
|---|---|
| Yo sé hablar español. | I know how to speak Spanish. |
| Tú sabes la hora. | You know the time. |
| Él sabe nadar. | He knows how to swim. |
| Yo sé hablar inglés. | I know how to speak English. |
| Tú sabes tocar el piano. | You know how to play the piano. |
| Él sabe cocinar bien. | He knows how to cook well. |
| Nosotros sabemos la respuesta. | We know the answer. |
| Ellos saben la verdad. | They know the truth. |

## Notes & Gotchas
- The accent on `sé` is critical: `se` (no accent) is a reflexive/object pronoun.
- `Saber + infinitive` = "to know how to [verb]". Don't insert `cómo`.
- `Saber` ≠ `conocer`. `Saber` is for facts and skills; `conocer` is for being acquainted with people, places, or things (next chapter).
