Straightforward Guide to “saben”: Meaning, Use, and Clear Examples for Kiwi Learners

Hear the word “saben” in a song, a Netflix drama, or while travelling in Latin America, and it slips by fast. Yet it’s one of those useful words that unlock a lot of everyday Spanish. Here’s a clean, practical guide to what “saben” means, how it works, and how to use it confidently—especially if you’re learning Spanish in Aotearoa New Zealand or planning a trip abroad.

What is

“Saben” is a Spanish verb form. It is the present tense, third-person plural of the verb “saber.” It translates as “they know” or “you (plural) know.” In Latin America, “ustedes” is the standard “you all,” so “ustedes saben” means “you all know.”

“Saber” is used for knowledge of facts, information, and learned skills. Think of things you can learn, study, or find out. This is different from “conocer,” which covers familiarity with people, places, or things (being acquainted with them).

So when you hear “saben,” picture a group that knows a fact or a skill: “Ellos saben la respuesta” (They know the answer). Or someone addressing a group: “¿Ustedes saben dónde está la estación?” (Do you all know where the station is?).

How it works

“Saber” is irregular in the present tense. Here’s how it conjugates now:

• yo sé
• tú sabes
• él/ella/usted sabe
• nosotros/nosotras sabemos
• vosotros/vosotras sabéis (used mainly in Spain)
• ellos/ellas/ustedes saben

“Saben” pairs with “ellos/ellas” (they) and “ustedes” (you all). In Latin American Spanish—the variety many Kiwi learners study—people use “ustedes” instead of “vosotros.” In Spain, you’ll also hear “vosotros sabéis.”

Pronunciation is straightforward: SA-ben. In IPA, [ˈsa.βen]. The “b” is soft between vowels, and the stress lands on the first syllable. Keep it clean and short—two beats.

“Saben” shows up in statements and questions. Word order can shift, but meaning stays clear:

• Statement: “Ustedes saben cocinar.” (You all know how to cook.)
• Question: “¿Saben ustedes cocinar?” or “¿Ustedes saben cocinar?”

One more structure: use “saber” with an infinitive to express a learned skill—“saben nadar” (they know how to swim). For facts or information, use “saber” with “que,” “si,” or question words: “saben que,” “saben si,” “saben dónde.”

Types / examples

Knowing facts

• “Ellos saben la hora.” (They know the time.)
• “Ustedes saben que cierra a las seis.” (You all know it closes at six.)

Knowing how to do something (skill)

• “¿Saben conducir por la izquierda?” (Do you all know how to drive on the left?)
• “Ellas saben tocar la guitarra.” (They know how to play the guitar.)

Knowing information introduced by question words

• “¿Saben dónde queda el museo?” (Do you all know where the museum is?)
• “No saben cuándo llega el bus.” (They don’t know when the bus arrives.)

“Saber” vs “conocer” in action

• “¿Saben a Laura?” Incorrect. People are “known” with “conocer.”
• “¿Conocen a Laura?” Correct: Are you all acquainted with Laura?
• “¿Saben quién es Laura?” Correct: Do you all know who Laura is?

Common expressions with “saben”

• “Ya saben.” (You already know.)
• “No lo saben.” (They don’t know it.)
• “Saben de esto.” (They know about this.)

Pros and cons

Pros

• High-frequency: you’ll hear and use “saben” often in travel, work, and media.
• Clear function: perfect for facts, information, and learned skills.
• Polite and neutral: “ustedes saben” works across Latin America and is understood in Spain.

Cons

• Confusion with “conocer”: learners often mix “saben” and “conocen.”
• Regional twist: Spain uses “vosotros sabéis,” which may throw you the first time you hear it.
• Irregular verb family: “saber” changes in other tenses (e.g., preterite “supieron”).

How to use or choose

Step-by-step: decide if “saben” is the right choice

1. Ask: Is this about information, a fact, or a learned skill? If yes, go to step 2. If it’s about being familiar with a person/place/thing, use “conocen.”
2. For skills, use “saben + infinitive”: “saben esquiar,” “saben programar.”
3. For facts or information, use “saben + que/si” or a question word: “saben que,” “saben si,” “saben dónde…”
4. Talking to a group? Choose “ustedes saben” (Latin America). In Spain, informal groups use “vosotros sabéis,” but “ustedes saben” remains polite and correct.
5. Keep objects clear with pronouns when needed: “¿Lo saben?” (Do they/you all know it?).

Quick Kiwi-focused examples

• “¿Ustedes saben dónde puedo comprar una SIM?” (Do you all know where I can buy a SIM?)
• “Ellos no saben si la tarjeta de crédito funciona aquí.” (They don’t know if the credit card works here.)
• “¿Saben surfear?” (Do you all know how to surf?)

Comparison: “saber” vs “conocer” (with “saben” in context)

Extra usage tips

Subject pronouns are often dropped

Spanish usually omits subject pronouns. “Saben la verdad” is normal without “ellos/ustedes,” as context tells you who “knows.” Add the pronoun for clarity or emphasis: “Ellos saben la verdad,” “Ustedes saben la verdad.”

Negatives are simple

Just place “no” before the verb: “No saben nada” (They don’t know anything). If you need a direct object pronoun, it goes between “no” and the verb: “No lo saben.”

Polite questions to groups

“¿Saben…?” is neutral and polite. If you want extra courtesy, add “por favor” or a softener like “disculpen”: “Disculpen, ¿saben dónde…?”

Spain vs Latin America

In Spain, the informal plural “you all” is “vosotros sabéis.” In Latin America, people use “ustedes saben” for both formal and informal groups. If you stick with “ustedes saben,” you’ll be understood everywhere.

Mini reference: beyond the present tense

While this guide focuses on “saben,” it helps to see related forms you’ll meet in daily Spanish:

• Preterite (simple past): “supieron” (they/you all found out). Example: “Ayer supieron la noticia.”
• Imperfect (ongoing past): “sabían” (they/you all knew). Example: “Ya sabían la ruta.”
• Present perfect: “han sabido” (they/you all have known/found out). Example: “Han sabido manejar la situación.”

Note the shift in meaning: preterite “supieron” often means “found out” at a specific moment, not just “knew.”

Practice: quick checks you can use today

• Replace “know” with “be acquainted with.” If it still makes sense, you probably want “conocer,” not “saber.”
• Try adding an infinitive. If “know how to [do X]” fits, use “saber + infinitive” (e.g., “saben nadar”).
• If a question word or “que/si” follows, “saber” is the natural choice.

FAQ

Is “saben” formal or informal?

In Latin America, “ustedes saben” is the standard plural “you all know,” used in both formal and informal settings. In Spain, “ustedes saben” is formal; the informal plural is “vosotros sabéis.”

What’s the difference between “saben” and “sabéis”?

Both mean “you all know,” but “sabéis” is used with “vosotros” in Spain. “Saben” goes with “ustedes” and is used across Latin America and understood worldwide.

How do you pronounce “saben”?

SA-ben, [ˈsa.βen]. The “b” is soft between vowels. Keep the stress on the first syllable.

Can I say “saben de…”?

Yes, with the meaning “know about.” Example: “Ellos saben de vinos” (They know about wines). For specific facts, drop “de”: “Ellos saben la respuesta.”

Do I need to say “ustedes”?

No. Spanish often omits subject pronouns. “¿Saben dónde…?” is natural. Add “ustedes” for emphasis, clarity, or politeness: “¿Ustedes saben…?”

How do I say “Do you all know how to…”?

Use “saben + infinitive.” Example: “¿Saben usar esta app?”

What’s the past of “saben”?

Preterite: “supieron” (found out). Imperfect: “sabían” (knew, used to know). Choose based on whether the past action is a one-time discovery (preterite) or ongoing state (imperfect).

Is “saben” used in set phrases?

Common ones include “ya saben” (you already know) and “no lo saben” (they don’t know it). You’ll also hear “como ya saben” to introduce shared information.

How do I ask a polite group question on the street?

Try “Disculpen, ¿saben dónde está…?” It’s friendly and clear in any Spanish-speaking country.

Wrap-up

“Saben” is short, frequent, and powerful. Use it for facts and skills, pair it with question words or an infinitive, and switch to “conocen” for people and places. Keep your ear tuned to the regional difference—“sabéis” in Spain versus “saben” in Latin America—and you’ll navigate conversations with a lot more confidence, whether you’re studying in New Zealand or asking for tips on a street corner in Santiago.