sabe
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- Means 'he/she/it knows' facts or information.
- Means 'he/she/it knows how to' do a skill.
- Never used for knowing people or places.
- Often used as 'you know?' in casual speech.
A professora sabe todas as regras gramaticais de cor.
- Factual Knowledge
- Used when the subject possesses specific information, such as a password, an address, a mathematical formula, or the time of an event. Example: Ele sabe o meu nome.
Você sabe que horas são agora?
- Acquired Skills
- Used when the subject has learned how to do something through practice, study, or experience. It is always followed by an infinitive verb. Example: Ela sabe tocar piano muito bem.
O mecânico sabe consertar qualquer tipo de motor.
- Awareness of Events
- Used to indicate that someone is informed about a situation, news, or gossip. Often used with the preposition de. Example: A gente sabe do problema.
Ninguém sabe o que aconteceu ontem à noite na festa.
Ele acha que sabe tudo, mas na verdade não entende nada.
O diretor sabe os detalhes do novo projeto da empresa.
- Sabe + Que + Clause
- This structure is used to state that the subject is aware of a factual statement. The verb in the subordinate clause usually remains in the indicative mood because it represents a known reality. Example: Ele sabe que vai chover amanhã.
Você sabe que eu não gosto de acordar cedo nos fins de semana.
- Sabe + Interrogative Word
- Used to express knowledge related to a specific question word. It forms an indirect question within the statement. Example: Ela sabe quem quebrou a janela da sala.
O professor não sabe por que os alunos faltaram hoje.
- Sabe + Infinitive
- This is the standard formula for expressing a learned skill or ability. It is concise and direct. Example: A minha irmã sabe falar três idiomas fluentemente.
Você sabe nadar no mar aberto ou só em piscinas?
A mãe dele já sabe das notas baixas que ele tirou na escola.
Eu estava muito cansado ontem, sabe? Não queria sair de casa de jeito nenhum.
- Professional Contexts
- Used to verify skills, confirm awareness of protocols, and identify who holds specific institutional knowledge. Example: O gerente sabe como resolver esse problema técnico.
A equipe de marketing sabe que o lançamento foi adiado para o próximo mês.
- Journalistic Reporting
- Used to state confirmed facts, report on the progress of events, and clarify what information is currently available to the public or authorities. Example: A polícia já sabe a identidade do criminoso.
Até o momento, não se sabe a causa exata do incêndio no prédio histórico.
- Narrative and Literature
- Used to manage the flow of information between characters and the reader, creating suspense, dramatic irony, and psychological depth. Example: Ele sorriu, pois sabe a verdade que todos ignoram.
A velha senhora sabe muitas histórias sobre a fundação desta pequena cidade.
Como você bem sabe, as coisas por aqui funcionam de um jeito um pouco diferente.
INCORRECT: Ele sabe o presidente do Brasil. CORRECT: Ele conhece o presidente do Brasil.
- The 'Como' Trap
- Do not use 'sabe como + infinitive' to express a general skill. Simply use 'sabe + infinitive'. Only use 'sabe como' when emphasizing the specific method or manner of doing something, not the ability itself.
INCORRECT: Ela sabe como dançar samba. CORRECT: Ela sabe dançar samba.
- Missing Prepositions
- When referring to news, gossip, or ongoing events, remember to use the preposition 'de' (which contracts to do, da, dos, das) after 'sabe'.
INCORRECT: Você sabe a fofoca? CORRECT: Você sabe da fofoca?
- Subjunctive Confusion
- Ensure you are using the correct mood. 'Sabe' is indicative (certainty, facts). 'Saiba' is subjunctive (doubt, possibility, emotion).
INCORRECT: Duvido que ele sabe a resposta. CORRECT: Duvido que ele saiba a resposta.
Lembre-se: ele sabe a matéria, mas não conhece o professor.
Ele sabe a fórmula matemática, mas não entende como aplicá-la.
- Entender vs Compreender
- Both mean to understand, but 'compreender' is slightly more formal and implies a more profound, holistic grasp of a complex subject or emotional situation.
O detetive finalmente percebeu o que o suspeito sabe sobre o crime.
- Dominar
- Use this verb when you want to elevate the concept of 'knowing how to do something' to 'having mastery over something'. It sounds very professional and impressive.
A nova funcionária não apenas sabe usar o software, ela domina todas as suas funções.
- Estar a par de
- A sophisticated phrase used to indicate that someone is fully informed about the current state of affairs regarding a specific topic or event.
O conselho de administração já está a par de tudo o que o diretor sabe.
É importante que o público tenha conhecimento dos fatos que o governo já sabe.
How Formal Is It?
Wusstest du?
Because 'saber' originally meant 'to taste' in Latin, Portuguese still retains this dual meaning in certain contexts. The verb 'saber' can mean 'to taste like'. For example, 'A sopa sabe a alho' means 'The soup tastes like garlic'. This is why 'saber' (knowledge) and 'sabor' (flavor) share the same root!
Aussprachehilfe
- Pronouncing the final 'e' as a strong 'eh' sound (like in 'bed'). In Brazil, it should be an 'ee' sound. In Portugal, it should be almost silent.
- Placing the stress on the second syllable (sa-BE). The stress must always be on the first syllable.
- Confusing the pronunciation with the Spanish 'sabe', which has a stronger 'b' sound (often a bilabial fricative) and a distinct 'eh' at the end.
- Swallowing the 'a' sound. The 'a' should be open and clear, like the 'a' in 'father'.
- When used as a discourse marker ('sabe?'), failing to raise the intonation at the end, which makes it sound like a statement rather than a check for understanding.
Schwierigkeitsgrad
Very easy to recognize in text. The spelling is straightforward and phonetic.
Easy to spell, but requires correct syntactic structures (like knowing when to use 'que' or 'de').
Requires remembering not to use 'como' before infinitives and mastering the Brazilian 'ee' sound at the end.
Can be tricky when used as a fast discourse marker ('sabe?') or when the final 'e' is swallowed in European Portuguese.
Was du als Nächstes lernen solltest
Voraussetzungen
Als Nächstes lernen
Fortgeschritten
Wichtige Grammatik
Saber vs Conhecer: Use 'saber' for facts and skills. Use 'conhecer' for people, places, and complex entities.
Ele sabe a capital da França, mas não conhece Paris.
Saber + Infinitive: To express 'knowing how to do something', follow 'saber' directly with an infinitive verb. Do not use 'como'.
Ela sabe dirigir. (NOT: Ela sabe como dirigir).
Saber de: Use the preposition 'de' after 'saber' to mean 'aware of' or 'informed about' a situation or news.
O chefe já sabe do atraso.
Indicative vs Subjunctive: Use 'sabe' (indicative) for certainty. Use 'saiba' (subjunctive) after expressions of doubt or denial.
Acho que ele sabe. / Duvido que ele saiba.
Passive Voice with 'se': Use 'sabe-se' to express general knowledge ('it is known').
Sabe-se que a Terra é redonda.
Beispiele nach Niveau
Ele sabe o meu nome.
He knows my name.
Basic use of 'sabe' with a direct object noun.
Você sabe onde é o hospital?
Do you know where the hospital is?
Using 'sabe' with the question word 'onde'.
A minha mãe sabe cozinhar muito bem.
My mother knows how to cook very well.
'Sabe' followed directly by an infinitive verb to express a skill.
O professor sabe a resposta.
The teacher knows the answer.
Stating a simple fact using 'sabe'.
Ela não sabe falar inglês.
She does not know how to speak English.
Negative form 'não sabe' with an infinitive.
Você sabe que horas são?
Do you know what time it is?
A very common everyday question using 'sabe'.
O menino sabe nadar.
The boy knows how to swim.
Expressing a physical ability.
A gente sabe o endereço da festa.
We know the address of the party.
Using 'sabe' with the informal 'we' pronoun 'a gente'.
Ela sabe que nós estamos atrasados para a reunião.
She knows that we are late for the meeting.
Using 'sabe que' to introduce a subordinate clause.
O gerente sabe do problema com o computador.
The manager knows about the problem with the computer.
Using 'sabe de' (do) to indicate awareness of an issue.
Ninguém sabe por que ele foi embora cedo.
Nobody knows why he left early.
Using 'sabe' with the interrogative 'por que'.
Você sabe tocar algum instrumento musical?
Do you know how to play any musical instrument?
Asking about a specific skill.
O meu pai sabe consertar carros antigos.
My father knows how to fix old cars.
Expressing a specialized practical skill.
Eles acham que a professora não sabe de nada.
They think that the teacher knows nothing about it.
Using 'sabe de nada' to express complete lack of awareness.
Você sabe se vai chover amanhã?
Do you know if it is going to rain tomorrow?
Using 'sabe se' to ask about a future possibility.
A secretária sabe organizar todos os documentos.
The secretary knows how to organize all the documents.
Describing professional competence.
Como você bem sabe, a situação econômica está difícil.
As you well know, the economic situation is difficult.
Using the phrase 'como você bem sabe' to establish common ground.
Eu estava muito cansado ontem, sabe? Fui dormir cedo.
I was very tired yesterday, you know? I went to sleep early.
Using 'sabe?' as a conversational discourse marker.
A polícia já sabe quem cometeu o crime na semana passada.
The police already know who committed the crime last week.
Reporting established facts in a formal context.
Ele finge que não sabe, mas na verdade ele entende tudo.
He pretends he doesn't know, but in reality he understands everything.
Contrasting 'sabe' with 'entende' for nuance.
Você sabe me dizer como chegar à estação de trem?
Can you tell me how to get to the train station?
Using 'sabe me dizer' as a polite way to ask for information.
O médico sabe exatamente qual é o tratamento adequado.
The doctor knows exactly what the appropriate treatment is.
Expressing professional certainty and expertise.
Sabe-se lá o que vai acontecer no futuro.
Goodness knows what is going to happen in the future.
Using the idiomatic expression 'sabe-se lá' for uncertainty.
A diretora sabe lidar com situações de crise muito bem.
The director knows how to deal with crisis situations very well.
Using 'sabe lidar com' to express emotional or professional intelligence.
Apesar de todas as evidências, ele ainda afirma que não sabe de nada.
Despite all the evidence, he still claims that he knows nothing about it.
Using 'sabe' in a complex sentence with concessive clauses.
É imprescindível que a equipe saiba, mas o gerente já sabe.
It is essential that the team knows, but the manager already knows.
Contrasting the subjunctive 'saiba' with the indicative 'sabe'.
Ele é um especialista na área; ele sabe do que está falando.
He is an expert in the field; he knows what he is talking about.
Using the idiom 'sabe do que está falando' to assert authority.
Sabe-se que a poluição afeta gravemente a saúde pública.
It is known that pollution severely affects public health.
Using the passive reflexive 'sabe-se que' for general truths.
O autor constrói a narrativa de forma que o leitor sabe mais que o protagonista.
The author constructs the narrative in a way that the reader knows more than the protagonist.
Discussing literary techniques and dramatic irony.
Ela sabe argumentar com uma clareza impressionante durante os debates.
She knows how to argue with impressive clarity during debates.
Expressing high-level cognitive and rhetorical skills.
Não se sabe ao certo qual será o impacto das novas medidas econômicas.
It is not known for sure what the impact of the new economic measures will be.
Using 'não se sabe ao certo' for formal uncertainty.
Ele sabe tirar proveito de qualquer situação difícil que apareça.
He knows how to take advantage of any difficult situation that appears.
Using 'sabe' with complex idiomatic phrasing ('tirar proveito').
O diplomata sabe contornar objeções com uma sutileza ímpar.
The diplomat knows how to circumvent objections with unparalleled subtlety.
Using 'sabe' to describe highly refined interpersonal skills.
Embora a teoria seja complexa, o professor sabe destrinchá-la perfeitamente.
Although the theory is complex, the professor knows how to break it down perfectly.
Using advanced vocabulary ('destrinchar') alongside 'sabe'.
Ele sabe de antemão quais serão as consequências de suas atitudes.
He knows beforehand what the consequences of his actions will be.
Using the adverbial phrase 'de antemão' with 'sabe'.
É um segredo de polichinelo; no fundo, todo mundo já sabe.
It's an open secret; deep down, everyone already knows.
Combining 'sabe' with advanced cultural idioms ('segredo de polichinelo').
A empresa sabe capitalizar sobre as tendências emergentes do mercado.
The company knows how to capitalize on emerging market trends.
Using 'sabe' in a sophisticated corporate context.
Sabe-se lá com que intenções ele propôs esse acordo absurdo.
Goodness knows with what intentions he proposed this absurd agreement.
Using 'sabe-se lá' to express deep skepticism and suspicion.
A protagonista sabe articular suas emoções de uma maneira visceral.
The protagonist knows how to articulate her emotions in a visceral way.
Describing profound psychological and expressive abilities.
O cientista sabe correlacionar dados aparentemente díspares com maestria.
The scientist knows how to correlate seemingly disparate data with mastery.
Using 'sabe' to describe high-level analytical skills.
O estadista sabe ler as entrelinhas da geopolítica internacional como poucos.
The statesman knows how to read between the lines of international geopolitics like few others.
Using 'sabe' with advanced metaphorical language ('ler as entrelinhas').
Sabe-se, de fonte fidedigna, que as negociações estão prestes a colapsar.
It is known, from a reliable source, that the negotiations are about to collapse.
Using highly formal journalistic phrasing ('de fonte fidedigna').
Ele não apenas detém a informação, mas sabe contextualizá-la historicamente.
He not only holds the information, but knows how to contextualize it historically.
Contrasting mere possession of facts with the ability to apply them.
A retórica do orador é impecável; ele sabe exatamente quais cordas emocionar.
The orator's rhetoric is impeccable; he knows exactly which emotional strings to pull.
Using 'sabe' to describe masterful psychological manipulation.
Quem sabe as agruras por que passou, entende o seu silêncio obsequioso.
Whoever knows the hardships he went through, understands his obsequious silence.
Using 'sabe' in a complex, poetic sentence structure.
A inteligência artificial já sabe mimetizar a criatividade humana em certos domínios.
Artificial intelligence already knows how to mimic human creativity in certain domains.
Discussing cutting-edge concepts using advanced vocabulary ('mimetizar').
Ele sabe discernir o efêmero do perene com uma sabedoria invejável.
He knows how to discern the ephemeral from the perennial with enviable wisdom.
Using 'sabe' to express profound philosophical understanding.
A maestrina sabe extrair a quintessência de cada nota da orquestra.
The conductor knows how to extract the quintessence of every note from the orchestra.
Using 'sabe' to describe the absolute pinnacle of artistic mastery.
Häufige Kollokationen
Häufige Phrasen
— Used to introduce a fact that the listener is already aware of. It establishes common ground.
Como você sabe, a empresa está passando por mudanças.
— Means 'as far as I know'. Used to state a fact while acknowledging that one's knowledge might be incomplete.
Que eu saiba, a reunião ainda está confirmada.
— Means 'God knows'. Used to express that a situation is completely unknown or out of human control.
Deus sabe quando essa obra vai terminar.
— Means 'as far as is known'. Used in formal contexts or journalism to report the current state of information.
Até onde se sabe, não houve vítimas fatais.
— Means 'who knows' or 'go figure'. Used informally to express bewilderment or uncertainty about a situation.
Ele mudou de ideia de novo. Vai saber o motivo.
— Means 'you know what?'. Used to introduce a sudden realization, a new idea, or a change of heart.
Sabe de uma coisa? Eu não vou mais a essa festa.
— Means 'not that I know of'. A common response when asked to confirm a fact you believe to be false.
Ele foi demitido? Não que eu saiba.
— Means 'everyone knows'. Used to state that a fact is common knowledge and not a secret.
Todo mundo sabe que ele é o favorito para o cargo.
— Means 'nobody knows'. Used to emphasize that a piece of information is completely hidden or lost.
Ninguém sabe o verdadeiro motivo da briga.
— Means 'it is already known'. Used to indicate that a piece of news has already spread or a fact is established.
Já se sabe quem será o novo diretor.
Wird oft verwechselt mit
The most common confusion. 'Sabe' is for facts and skills. 'Conhece' is for familiarity with people, places, and things. You 'sabe' a password, but you 'conhece' a friend.
While 'sabe' means possessing the information, 'entende' means comprehending the logic or meaning behind it. You can 'sabe' a formula without 'entende' how it works.
Learners confuse the indicative 'sabe' (used for certainty) with the subjunctive 'saiba' (used for doubt, emotion, or hypothetical situations).
Redewendungen & Ausdrücke
— An arrogant phrase used to assert authority or social status, implying the listener should show more respect.
O cliente gritou: Você sabe com quem está falando?
informal/aggressive— Used as a placeholder for a name or detail that the speaker cannot remember or doesn't care about.
Ele foi conversar com o diretor, o senhor João sabe das quantas.
informal— Means 'knows where the shoe pinches'. Used to say that someone understands the real difficulties of a situation.
Só quem é mãe sabe onde o calo aperta.
informal— Means 'doesn't know the half of it'. Used when someone is making assumptions without knowing all the facts.
Você acha que foi fácil? Você não sabe da missa a metade.
informal— A noun referring to a 'know-it-all'. Someone who acts as if they have all the answers and is often annoying.
Não suporto trabalhar com ele, é um verdadeiro sabe-tudo.
informal/derogatory— A proverb meaning that those who are capable take action immediately instead of waiting for things to happen.
Não vamos esperar pelo governo. Quem sabe faz a hora.
literary/proverbial— Means to know the current status or progress of a situation or project.
Você sabe a quantas anda o processo de contratação?
informal— Means 'doesn't know what he/she is saying'. Used to dismiss someone's opinion as ignorant or foolish.
Ignore os comentários dele, ele não sabe o que diz.
neutral— Means 'knows what he/she wants'. Used to describe someone who is determined and has clear goals.
Ela é uma profissional excelente, muito focada e sabe o que quer.
neutral— A proverb meaning that wisdom comes more from age and experience than from cleverness or status.
Escute o conselho do seu avô. O diabo sabe mais por velho do que por diabo.
proverbialLeicht verwechselbar
Looks similar and shares the same Latin root ('sapere').
'Sabor' is a noun meaning 'flavor' or 'taste'. 'Sabe' is a verb meaning 'knows'. However, 'sabe' can also mean 'tastes like' in specific contexts (e.g., 'sabe a morango' - tastes like strawberry).
O sorvete tem sabor de morango, mas ele não sabe disso.
Shares the same root and sounds similar.
'Sábio' is an adjective or noun meaning 'wise' or 'wise person'. 'Sabe' is the verb 'knows'. A 'sábio' is someone who 'sabe' many things.
O homem sábio sabe quando ficar calado.
Only one letter difference (a vs o).
'Sobe' is the third-person singular of the verb 'subir', which means 'to go up' or 'to climb'. 'Sabe' means 'knows'.
Ele sobe a escada porque sabe que o escritório é no segundo andar.
It is the subjunctive form of the exact same verb.
'Sabe' is used when stating a fact you believe is true (indicative). 'Saiba' is used when expressing doubt, desire, or a hypothetical situation (subjunctive).
Eu sei que ele sabe. / Eu duvido que ele saiba.
It is the past imperfect form of the same verb.
'Sabe' is present tense (he knows right now). 'Sabia' is past tense (he knew in the past).
Hoje ele sabe a verdade, mas ontem ele não sabia.
Satzmuster
Subject + sabe + Direct Object
O aluno sabe a lição.
Subject + sabe + Infinitive
A menina sabe ler.
Subject + sabe + que + Clause
Ele sabe que o trem partiu.
Subject + sabe + Interrogative + Clause
Você sabe onde ela mora?
Subject + sabe + de + Noun Phrase
A diretora sabe do problema.
Clause + sabe?
É muito difícil, sabe?
Sabe-se + que + Clause
Sabe-se que a vacina é eficaz.
Subject + sabe + Infinitive + Adverbial Phrase
Ele sabe articular as ideias com maestria.
Wortfamilie
Substantive
Verben
Adjektive
Verwandt
So verwendest du es
Extremely High. It is one of the top 50 most used words in the Portuguese language.
-
Ele sabe o João.
→
Ele conhece o João.
English speakers use 'know' for people, but Portuguese strictly uses 'conhecer' for familiarity with people. 'Saber' is only for facts.
-
Ela sabe como falar espanhol.
→
Ela sabe falar espanhol.
Translating 'knows how to' literally results in adding an unnecessary 'como'. In Portuguese, 'sabe' followed directly by an infinitive already means 'knows how to'.
-
Você sabe a fofoca?
→
Você sabe da fofoca?
When referring to being aware of news, events, or gossip, the verb 'saber' requires the preposition 'de' (which contracts with articles).
-
Não acho que ele sabe a verdade.
→
Não acho que ele saiba a verdade.
The phrase 'não acho que' expresses doubt and triggers the subjunctive mood. You must use 'saiba' instead of the indicative 'sabe'.
-
Pronouncing 'sabe' as 'sah-beh' in Brazil.
→
Pronouncing it as 'sah-bee'.
In Brazilian Portuguese, words ending in an unstressed 'e' are pronounced with an 'i' (ee) sound. Pronouncing a strong 'e' sounds unnatural.
Tipps
The 'Conhecer' Rule
Never use 'sabe' with a person's name or a city. Always stop and think: Is this a fact or a person? If it's a person, switch to 'conhece' immediately.
Drop the 'Como'
When expressing a skill, banish the word 'como' from your sentence. 'Sabe + infinitive' is all you need. 'Sabe cozinhar', not 'sabe como cozinhar'.
The Brazilian 'I'
To sound more Brazilian, make sure the final 'e' in 'sabe' sounds like a soft 'ee'. Say 'sah-bee', not 'sah-beh'.
Use 'Sabe que'
Get comfortable using 'sabe que' to connect sentences. It's the easiest way to report information. 'Ele sabe que choveu' (He knows that it rained).
The Conversational Filler
Try adding a quick 'sabe?' to the end of your sentences when speaking informally with Brazilians. It builds rapport and makes you sound fluent.
Preposition 'De'
When talking about news or gossip, remember to use 'de' (do, da). 'Você sabe da festa?' sounds much better than 'Você sabe a festa?'.
Subjunctive Triggers
Memorize trigger phrases like 'duvido que' or 'não acho que'. When you use these, you must switch 'sabe' to 'saiba'.
Quem Sabe
Use 'quem sabe' at the beginning of a sentence to mean 'maybe' or 'perhaps'. 'Quem sabe amanhã?' (Maybe tomorrow?).
Upgrade to 'Entende'
If you want to sound smarter, swap 'sabe' for 'entende' when discussing complex topics to show deep comprehension rather than just factual recall.
Listen for the Infinitive
When listening to native speakers, if you hear 'sabe' followed by an 'r' sound (the end of an infinitive), you know they are talking about a skill.
Einprägen
Eselsbrücke
Think of a SABER-toothed tiger. A saber-toothed tiger KNOWS how to hunt. 'Sabe' means 'knows'.
Visuelle Assoziation
Imagine a glowing lightbulb above someone's head with the word 'SABE' written inside it. The lightbulb represents a fact or an idea popping into their mind. Whenever you see someone who has the answer, picture that 'SABE' lightbulb.
Word Web
Herausforderung
For the next 24 hours, every time you realize you know a fact (like what time it is, or someone's name), say to yourself 'Eu sei' (I know). Every time you see someone else demonstrate a skill or state a fact, say 'Ele/Ela sabe' (He/She knows). This will build the habit of associating the word with factual knowledge.
Wortherkunft
The Portuguese verb 'saber' and its conjugated form 'sabe' originate from the Latin verb 'sapere'. In Classical Latin, 'sapere' primarily meant 'to taste' or 'to have flavor'. Over time, in Vulgar Latin, the meaning evolved metaphorically from 'having good taste' to 'having good sense', 'being wise', and eventually 'to know'. This semantic shift from sensory perception to cognitive understanding is a common linguistic phenomenon.
Ursprüngliche Bedeutung: To taste, to have flavor, to be wise.
Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese.Kultureller Kontext
Using 'sabe com quem está falando?' (Do you know who you are talking to?) is considered highly arrogant and offensive in Brazil. It is a phrase historically associated with authoritarianism and social inequality, used by the elite to pull rank on service workers or police officers. Avoid using it.
English speakers often struggle because 'know' covers both 'saber' and 'conhecer'. It requires a mental shift to categorize knowledge into 'facts/skills' vs 'people/places' before speaking.
Im Alltag üben
Kontexte aus dem Alltag
Asking for information or directions.
- Você sabe onde fica...
- Sabe me dizer...
- Alguém sabe...
- Não sabe?
Discussing skills and abilities.
- Ele sabe falar...
- Ela sabe tocar...
- Você sabe cozinhar?
- Não sabe dirigir.
Gossiping or sharing news.
- Você sabe da última?
- Todo mundo sabe que...
- Ele não sabe de nada.
- Já sabe o que aconteceu?
Professional environments and problem-solving.
- O gerente sabe como...
- Quem sabe a senha?
- A equipe sabe que...
- Sabe resolver isso?
Casual conversation (filler).
- É complicado, sabe?
- Eu estava lá, sabe?
- Não é bem assim, sabe?
- Sabe como é, né?
Gesprächseinstiege
"Você sabe se vai chover hoje à tarde?"
"Alguém sabe me dizer que horas são agora?"
"Você sabe tocar algum instrumento musical ou falar outro idioma?"
"Sabe da última notícia que saiu no jornal de hoje?"
"Você sabe onde eu posso encontrar um bom restaurante por aqui?"
Tagebuch-Impulse
Escreva sobre uma habilidade que você não tem, mas gostaria de ter. (Ex: Eu não sei nadar, mas...)
Descreva uma situação em que alguém achou que sabia de tudo, mas estava errado.
Qual é o segredo que 'todo mundo sabe' na sua cidade ou local de trabalho?
Escreva sobre a diferença entre o que a sociedade sabe e o que ela ignora.
Pense em um problema difícil. Quem você conhece que sabe como resolvê-lo?
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenUse 'sabe' when talking about factual information (passwords, addresses, math formulas) or learned skills (swimming, speaking a language). Use 'conhece' when talking about people, places, or complex entities you have experienced (a friend, a city, a movie). If you can replace 'know' with 'have the information that', use 'sabe'.
No. This is a direct translation error from English. In Portuguese, you simply put the infinitive verb directly after 'sabe'. To say 'He knows how to swim', you say 'Ele sabe nadar'. Saying 'Ele sabe como nadar' sounds unnatural unless you are specifically emphasizing the method.
It is a discourse marker, similar to 'you know?' or 'right?' in English. It is used to check if the listener is paying attention, to seek validation, or simply to fill a pause in the conversation. It makes the speech sound more friendly and interactive.
'Sabe o problema' means they know what the problem is (they can identify it as a fact). 'Sabe do problema' means they are aware of the problem's existence or the situation surrounding it. The preposition 'de' (do) adds the nuance of 'about'.
In Brazil, the unstressed final 'e' is usually pronounced like an 'i' (ee), so it sounds like 'sah-bee'. In Portugal, the final 'e' is heavily reduced and almost silent, sounding more like a clipped 'sab'.
Yes. In Portuguese, 'você' (you) is grammatically treated as a third-person singular pronoun. Therefore, 'Você sabe' means 'You know'. This makes 'sabe' an incredibly useful word since it covers he, she, and you.
Yes, primarily in European Portuguese and formal Brazilian Portuguese. Because 'saber' originally meant 'to taste' in Latin, you can say 'A comida sabe bem' (The food tastes good) or 'Sabe a chocolate' (It tastes like chocolate).
It is an idiomatic expression that translates to 'who knows' or 'goodness knows'. It is used to express complete uncertainty or bewilderment about a situation, often implying that the answer is impossible to find.
The phrase 'não acho que' (I don't think that) introduces doubt. In Portuguese, expressions of doubt trigger the subjunctive mood. Therefore, the verb must change from the indicative 'sabe' to the subjunctive 'saiba': 'Não acho que ele saiba'.
Yes. 'A gente' is an informal way of saying 'we' in Brazil, but it conjugates verbs in the third-person singular. So, 'A gente sabe' means 'We know'. It is extremely common in spoken Portuguese.
Teste dich selbst 200 Fragen
Write a simple sentence stating that your friend knows the answer to a question.
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Uses subject + sabe + direct object.
Uses subject + sabe + direct object.
Write a sentence asking someone formally if they know where the train station is.
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Uses formal 'o senhor' + sabe + interrogative clause.
Uses formal 'o senhor' + sabe + interrogative clause.
Write a sentence stating that she knows how to speak three languages.
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Uses sabe + infinitive (falar) without 'como'.
Uses sabe + infinitive (falar) without 'como'.
Write a sentence using 'sabe que' to report that the manager knows the project is late.
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Uses sabe que + subordinate clause.
Uses sabe que + subordinate clause.
Write a sentence using the informal 'a gente' to say 'we know about the problem'.
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Uses a gente + sabe + preposition 'de' (do).
Uses a gente + sabe + preposition 'de' (do).
Write a sentence using 'sabe?' as a discourse marker at the end.
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Places 'sabe?' at the end to check for understanding.
Places 'sabe?' at the end to check for understanding.
Write a sentence using the idiom 'quem sabe' to mean 'maybe it will rain'.
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Uses 'quem sabe' at the beginning of the clause.
Uses 'quem sabe' at the beginning of the clause.
Write a sentence contrasting 'sabe' (facts) with 'conhece' (people).
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Correctly separates factual knowledge from personal familiarity.
Correctly separates factual knowledge from personal familiarity.
Write a sentence using the formal passive 'sabe-se que'.
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Uses the reflexive passive construction for general knowledge.
Uses the reflexive passive construction for general knowledge.
Write a negative sentence stating that nobody knows the truth.
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Uses the negative pronoun 'ninguém' with 'sabe'.
Uses the negative pronoun 'ninguém' with 'sabe'.
Write a sentence asking if someone knows how to cook.
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Direct question using sabe + infinitive.
Direct question using sabe + infinitive.
Write a sentence using the idiom 'sabe-se lá'.
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Uses the idiom to express uncertainty about a location.
Uses the idiom to express uncertainty about a location.
Write a sentence stating that the teacher knows the text by heart.
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Uses the collocation 'sabe de cor'.
Uses the collocation 'sabe de cor'.
Write a sentence using 'sabe lidar com' to describe a good manager.
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Uses the phrase for interpersonal skills.
Uses the phrase for interpersonal skills.
Write a sentence starting with 'Como você bem sabe'.
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Uses the phrase to establish common ground.
Uses the phrase to establish common ground.
Write a sentence stating that he knows nothing about the crime.
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Uses double negative and preposition 'de'.
Uses double negative and preposition 'de'.
Write a sentence asking 'Do you know what time it is?'.
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Standard everyday question format.
Standard everyday question format.
Write a sentence using 'sabe' to mean 'tastes like' (European Portuguese style).
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Uses 'sabe a' for flavor.
Uses 'sabe a' for flavor.
Write a sentence describing a 'sabe-tudo'.
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Uses the compound noun.
Uses the compound noun.
Write a sentence where 'sabe' is incorrect and correct it to 'saiba'.
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Demonstrates understanding of the subjunctive trigger.
Demonstrates understanding of the subjunctive trigger.
Pronounce the word 'sabe' as it is spoken in São Paulo, Brazil.
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Ensure the stress is on 'sa' and the final 'e' sounds like 'ee'.
Pronounce the word 'sabe' as it is spoken in Lisbon, Portugal.
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Ensure the stress is on 'sa' and the final 'e' is almost completely swallowed.
Say 'He knows the answer' in Portuguese.
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Focus on smooth linking between words.
Say 'Do you know how to swim?' without translating the words 'how to'.
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Remember to drop 'como'.
Use 'sabe?' as a discourse marker at the end of this sentence: 'It was very cold'.
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Raise your intonation on 'sabe?' to make it sound like a question.
Say 'She knows about the problem' using the correct preposition.
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Ensure 'de' + 'o' becomes 'do'.
Say 'Nobody knows' in Portuguese.
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Practice the nasal sound in 'ninguém'.
Say 'As you well know' to start a formal sentence.
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Use a steady, confident tone.
Say the idiom 'Who knows' in Portuguese.
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Often said with a shrug of the shoulders.
Say 'He thinks he knows everything' (He is a know-it-all).
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Pronounce the compound noun as a single unit.
Say 'We know' using the informal Brazilian 'a gente'.
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Remember that 'a gente' takes the singular 'sabe'.
Say 'God knows' to express uncertainty.
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Often said with a sigh.
Say 'Do you know what time it is?'.
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A very common, fast-paced everyday question.
Say 'He doesn't know anything' using a double negative.
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Link 'não' and 'sabe' smoothly.
Say 'It is known that...' for a formal presentation.
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Pronounce the hyphenated 'se' clearly.
Say 'I doubt that he knows' using the correct subjunctive form.
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Make sure to clearly pronounce 'saiba' instead of 'sabe'.
Say 'You know what?' to introduce a new idea.
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Use an excited or decisive intonation.
Say 'He knows the text by heart'.
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Emphasize 'de cor'.
Say 'The soup tastes like garlic' (European Portuguese).
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Link 'sabe' and 'a' together.
Say the arrogant phrase 'Do you know who you are talking to?'.
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Use an authoritative, aggressive tone (for acting purposes only!).
Listen to the phrase: 'Ele sabe consertar o carro.' What is the person capable of doing?
The verb 'consertar' (to fix) follows 'sabe'.
Listen to the phrase: 'Ninguém sabe onde ele está.' What information is missing?
The phrase 'onde ele está' (where he is) follows 'ninguém sabe'.
Listen to the phrase: 'A gente sabe da festa.' Are they aware of the event?
'A gente sabe da' means 'we know about'.
Listen to the phrase: 'Foi complicado, sabe?' What is the function of the last word?
The rising intonation at the end indicates it's a discourse marker.
Listen to the phrase: 'Sabe-se lá o que ele quer.' Does the speaker know what the person wants?
The idiom 'sabe-se lá' indicates complete uncertainty.
Listen to the phrase: 'Ela não sabe falar alemão.' What skill does she lack?
'Não sabe' + 'falar alemão'.
Listen to the phrase: 'Como você bem sabe, o orçamento acabou.' What is the speaker doing?
The phrase 'Como você bem sabe' establishes common ground.
Listen to the phrase: 'Ele é muito arrogante, um verdadeiro sabe-tudo.' How is the person described?
The noun 'sabe-tudo' is used negatively.
Listen to the phrase: 'Você sabe se o banco está aberto?' What is the person asking?
The structure 'sabe se' asks about a condition or possibility.
Listen to the phrase: 'Deus sabe quando isso vai terminar.' Is there a clear deadline?
'Deus sabe' implies only God knows, meaning humans have no idea.
Listen to the phrase: 'O diretor tem conhecimento dos fatos.' Is this formal or informal?
The phrase 'tem conhecimento' is a formal alternative to 'sabe'.
Listen to the phrase: 'Ele sabe a matéria de cor.' How well does he know the subject?
'De cor' means by heart.
Listen to the phrase: 'Não que eu saiba.' Did the person confirm the information?
It means 'not that I know of'.
Listen to the phrase: 'A comida sabe a sal.' What does this mean in Portugal?
'Sabe a' means 'tastes like' in European Portuguese.
Listen to the phrase: 'Quem sabe amanhã.' What does this mean?
'Quem sabe' functions as 'maybe'.
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Summary
Use 'sabe' exclusively for factual knowledge, awareness of events, and learned skills (followed by an infinitive). If you are talking about familiarity with a person, a city, or a piece of art, you must use 'conhece' instead. Example: Ele sabe a resposta (He knows the answer).
- Means 'he/she/it knows' facts or information.
- Means 'he/she/it knows how to' do a skill.
- Never used for knowing people or places.
- Often used as 'you know?' in casual speech.
The 'Conhecer' Rule
Never use 'sabe' with a person's name or a city. Always stop and think: Is this a fact or a person? If it's a person, switch to 'conhece' immediately.
Drop the 'Como'
When expressing a skill, banish the word 'como' from your sentence. 'Sabe + infinitive' is all you need. 'Sabe cozinhar', not 'sabe como cozinhar'.
The Brazilian 'I'
To sound more Brazilian, make sure the final 'e' in 'sabe' sounds like a soft 'ee'. Say 'sah-bee', not 'sah-beh'.
Use 'Sabe que'
Get comfortable using 'sabe que' to connect sentences. It's the easiest way to report information. 'Ele sabe que choveu' (He knows that it rained).
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