whats the diffrence between " how do you know?" and "how would you know?"?

Answer 1

The first one implies that the person actually does know, the second makes no such implication, and in fact usually expresses skepticism as to whether the person actually does know.

Answer 2

It's important to note that the meaning of these phrases is largely dependent on which word or syllable is stressed. Asking questions about the nuances of the English language may prove to be a little confusing in an all-text forum.

That being said, if the stress is on the word "you", (i.e. "how do YOU know") I would say that both phrases express some unwillingness to believe that the person does indeed know, but "how would..." is to me a little more insulting, as if the person not only probably does not know, but in general does not know many things.

Answer 3

How do you know is implying the person knows the answer and you are questioning his/her source of knowledge.

How would you know is saying one of two things:
1. Emphasizing 'you', you are implying that the person you're talking to is not at a level that he/she would understand something 'so complex' as they are rather 'dull'.
2. Emphasizing 'would' you are asking when the time comes, how would you do such and such.

Hope this clears it up.

Answer 4

First, most people wouldn't know or care about the difference. They would use either in any application.

"How do you know?" asks from what scource do you gain your knowledge.

"How would you know?" suggests that the asker had no way of knowing, or, at least, that there is doubt about the asker's source.

Answer 5

How DO you know simply is asking how the person learned it.

How WOULD you know is more judgemental, and implies that the person would not be likely to know it.

Answer 6

Person asking the question either assumes the person asked knows or assumes they don't know.

Answer 7

listen to Mia

Answer 8

How do you know ? means what is your source?
How would you know? means how did you find this out?