Difference Between Savoir and Connaître?

A common question among French learners is: What’s the difference between savoir and connaître? Both verbs mean “to know,” but they are used in different contexts. Let’s clarify these differences with examples!

1. Savoir – To Know Facts or How to Do Something

Savoir is used when you know specific facts or information, or when you know how to do something. It’s often followed by a clause or an infinitive verb.

• Example 1:
  • Je sais que Paris est la capitale de la France.
    (I know that Paris is the capital of France.)

  Here, sais indicates knowledge of a specific fact.

• Example 2:
  • Elle sait jouer du piano.
    (She knows how to play the piano.)

  In this case, sait shows that she has the skill to perform a task.

• Example 3:
  • Nous savons où il habite.
    (We know where he lives.)

  Here, savons refers to knowing a piece of information.

• Example 4:
  • Ils ne savent pas parler espagnol.
    (They do not know how to speak Spanish.)

  In this example, savent indicates a lack of knowledge about a language.

2. Connaître – To Know or Be Familiar With People, Places, or Things

Connaître is used when you are familiar with someone, something, or a place. It emphasizes acquaintance or experience rather than specific facts.

• Example 1:
  • Je connais Marie.
    (I know Marie.)

  Here, connais indicates familiarity with a person.

• Example 2:
  • Il connaît bien Paris.
    (He knows Paris well.)

  In this case, connaît suggests that he has experience with the city.

• Example 3:
  • Nous connaissons ce livre.
    (We know this book.)

  Here, connaissons indicates familiarity with a specific book.

• Example 4:
  • Vous connaissez les œuvres de Victor Hugo ?
    (Do you know the works of Victor Hugo?)

  In this example, connaissez refers to being familiar with the author’s works.

  Quick Tip:

A good way to remember the difference is:

• Savoir = knowing facts or how to do something (like “to know”).
• Connaître = being familiar with (like “to be acquainted with”).