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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Savoir and Connaitre?

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In French, there are two words for the English verb "know": savoir and connaître. The difference between them depends on the context and the word that follows:

  • Savoir means "to know a fact" or "to know how to do something." It is used for acquired knowledge, facts, or knowing how to do something. For example:
  • Je sais conduire ("I know how to drive").
  • Je sais que tu parles français ("I know you speak French").
  • Connaître means "to know a person" or "to be familiar with a person, place, or thing." It is used for knowing or being acquainted with people, places, and areas of study. For example:
  • Je connais Paul ("I know Paul").
  • Tu connais Paris? ("Do you know Paris?").

In summary, use savoir for obtained knowledge, such as facts or knowing how to do something, and use connaître for knowing or being familiar with people, places, and things.

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  • What is the Difference Between Savoir and Connaitre?
  • Comparative Table: Savoir vs Connaitre

    • Comparative Table: Savoir vs Connaitre

    Here is a table summarizing the differences between "savoir" and "connaître" in French:

    Verb Meaning Usage Examples
    savoir to know with a sense of having acquired knowledge, to know how to do something followed by an interrogative expression (où, pourquoi, qui, avec qui, quand, etc.) or at the end of a sentence Tu sais où il habite? (Do you know where he lives?)
    Je sais conduire (I know how to drive)
    connaître to know as in to be familiar with, to know a person or to be familiar with a person, place, or thing usually followed by a noun or an interrogative expression (Est-ce que tu connais…?) Est-ce que vous connaissez Paris? (Do you know Paris?)
    Je connais bien le français (I know a lot of French)

    In summary, "savoir" is used for acquired knowledge, facts, or knowing how to do something, while "connaître" is used for knowing or being familiar with people, places, or things.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.