Translating ‘to know’: savoir or connaître? in French
French Grammar tips with Frantastique.
Learn French online
and test Frantastique for free.
Free with no obligation to buy.
Translating ‘to know’: savoir or connaître?
Savoir and Connaître are both translated as to know, however they are used in different contexts.
Here are some differences between the two.
SAVOIR
• une chose : to know a fact.
- J’ai toujours raison. - Je sais.
- I’m always right. - I know.
• + infinitif : to know how to do something.
Je sais parler français.
I know how to speak French.
• + que, comment, quand...
Je sais qu’il apprend le français.
I know that he’s learning French.
CONNAÎTRE
• une personne : to know a person or to know that they exist.
Je connais Victor, nous sommes amis.
I know Victor, we’re friends.
• un endroit: to know a place or have already visited it.
Je connais Paris, j’y ai vécu 3 ans.
I know Paris, I lived there for 3 years.
• une chose : to know something and have already seen it.
Je connais ce livre, je l’ai déjà lu.
I know this book, I have already read it.
Here are some differences between the two.
SAVOIR
• une chose : to know a fact.
- J’ai toujours raison. - Je sais.
- I’m always right. - I know.
• + infinitif : to know how to do something.
Je sais parler français.
I know how to speak French.
• + que, comment, quand...
Je sais qu’il apprend le français.
I know that he’s learning French.
CONNAÎTRE
• une personne : to know a person or to know that they exist.
Je connais Victor, nous sommes amis.
I know Victor, we’re friends.
• un endroit: to know a place or have already visited it.
Je connais Paris, j’y ai vécu 3 ans.
I know Paris, I lived there for 3 years.
• une chose : to know something and have already seen it.
Je connais ce livre, je l’ai déjà lu.
I know this book, I have already read it.

Learn more about French grammar with us. Still having difficulties with 'Translating ‘to know’: savoir or connaître?'? Want to improve your French? Test our online French lessons and receive a free level assessment!
What our users say:
Looking to improve French for beginners? Frantastique provides effective and fun training!
Tips for learning 'Translating ‘to know’: savoir or connaître?'? Share them with us!