Have you read my post on the difference between the Italian verbs “abitare” and “vivere” (click to read)? In the post I explain the difference between two common Italian verbs, but today I will focus on two other verbs, that confuse many students just like the other two: “sapere” and “conoscere”.
Sapere: passive knowledge or practical knowledge (know how)
1) “sapere” conjugated + verb at the infinitive = ability to do something.
Maria sa nuotare molto bene = she can swim very well
2) (non) + “sapere” conjugated + (indirect question) = introducing or implying an indirect question, where you know or don’t know something
Non lo so = I don’t know (what you asked me)
Scusi, sa dov’è la stazione? = Excuse me, do you know where the station is?
Conoscere: active knowledge
1) To know by experience or study.
Conosco Roma = I know Rome
Conosco Giovanni = I know Giovanni
Conosco bene l’arte moderna = I know modern art very well
Test your knowledge with this online activity for free!
Level: beginner
The intermediate students can go to this link (link )
