what is the difference between 'connaitre' and 'savoir'? and in what context should they both be used?
2007-02-10 08:12:29 · 14 answers · asked by Arlette 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Languages
Connaitre is to know something abstract, somewhere or some one.
Savoir is only to know something abstract( a fact, some news...)
2007-02-10 08:19:24 · answer #1 · answered by luciloobomber2 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Connaitre has more to do with having seen something or someone or some place like a city or a country before.
Savoir means to know in the sense of knowledge
2007-02-10 08:22:05 · answer #2 · answered by QQ dri lu 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
although both verbs are translated to the verb "to know" in english, there is a subtle difference:
The verb 'connaitre' is mainly used with people, you'd use this to say that you "know" a person. For example, "Je connais Jean Paul" which translates to "I know Jean Paul".
The verb 'savoir' is used to show knowledge of something more definite, such as a fact. "Je sais que Jean Paul est gentil", which means, "I know Jean Paul is kind". Or, "Sais-tu que Jean Paul est gentil?" ("Do you know John Paul is kind?"), "Oui, je sais..."
I hope that helped you!
Best of luck with learning French
2007-02-10 08:33:43 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Connaitre = to know some something, someone, somewhere
Savoir = to know some news, fact
2007-02-10 11:54:37 · answer #4 · answered by Neighbour 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Connaitre is to be familiar with a place or something. Savoir is to know a fact. Like "Je connais Paris" means "I am familiar with Paris." And "Je sais Bob" means "I know Bob."
2007-02-10 08:33:27 · answer #5 · answered by Queen of Hearts 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
'connaitre' can be used to know someone 'connaitre quelqu'un', more generally it means to be acquainted with (something or someone) or to be versed in a science/art.
'savoir' means to know something, or to be aware of something or to be able to.
2007-02-10 08:28:04 · answer #6 · answered by Reindeer Herder 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
connaitre= to know (a person) example: Je connais Georges.
savoir = to know (a fact) example : Je sais jouer au piano.
2007-02-10 09:39:40 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree with Marcelo.
Tu peux connaître une personne sans savoir rien sur cette personne.
2007-02-10 08:35:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
connaitre-is for disscover and savoir is basicly for know
2007-02-10 08:21:26 · answer #9 · answered by monyk@ 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Connaître refers to knowledge of a person or place. e.g. "Connais-tu cette dame?" or "Connaissez-vous Paris?"
It can also imply acquaintance with something. e.g. "Connaissez-vous beaucoup de langues?"
Savoir relates to knowledge of a thing. e.g. "Je sais qu'il est parti." or " Il sait bien nager." In the second of these sentences you will note that when we talk about being able to do something, the French will speak in terms of knowing how to do it.
2007-02-10 08:23:43 · answer #10 · answered by Doethineb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋