At the A1 level, learners are introduced to the verb 'sabe' as a fundamental building block for basic communication. At this stage, the focus is on simple, concrete facts and essential survival vocabulary. Learners are taught to use 'sabe' to ask and answer straightforward questions about daily life. For example, they learn to ask 'Você sabe onde é o banheiro?' (Do you know where the bathroom is?) or to state 'Ele não sabe falar inglês' (He does not know how to speak English). The distinction between 'saber' (for facts/skills) and 'conhecer' (for people/places) is introduced early on, as it is a critical concept that differs from English. A1 learners practice conjugating the verb in the present tense, focusing heavily on the third-person singular 'sabe' because it is used with 'você' (you), 'ele' (he), and 'ela' (she), making it incredibly versatile for basic interactions. They learn to combine 'sabe' with question words like 'o que', 'onde', and 'quando'. The grammatical structures are kept simple, usually involving a direct object noun or a basic infinitive verb. The goal at this level is to enable the learner to navigate simple social situations, ask for directions, and express basic capabilities or lack thereof. Mastery of 'sabe' at A1 provides the necessary foundation for more complex interactions later on.
As learners progress to the A2 level, their use of 'sabe' expands beyond simple facts to include more complex sentence structures and a broader range of contexts. They begin to use 'sabe' to connect ideas and report information. A key development at this stage is the frequent use of 'sabe que' (knows that) followed by a subordinate clause, allowing learners to express awareness of situations, such as 'Ela sabe que nós estamos atrasados' (She knows that we are late). They also become more comfortable using 'sabe' with the preposition 'de' to indicate awareness of news or events ('Ele sabe da festa' - He knows about the party). At the A2 level, learners are expected to handle routine tasks and social exchanges, and 'sabe' is crucial for verifying information, asking for clarification, and discussing the abilities of others in more detail. They practice using 'sabe' in short dialogues, describing what their friends or family members know how to do, and expressing their own knowledge about familiar topics like hobbies, work, and daily routines. The distinction between 'saber' and 'conhecer' is reinforced through more varied exercises, ensuring that learners do not make the common mistake of using 'sabe' with people or places. The vocabulary surrounding 'sabe' grows to include more adverbs, such as 'sabe bem' (knows well) or 'não sabe muito' (doesn't know much).
At the B1 level, learners achieve a degree of independence and can use 'sabe' with confidence in a wide variety of everyday situations. They are now capable of maintaining conversations, expressing opinions, and narrating events, and 'sabe' plays a vital role in these functions. B1 learners use 'sabe' to discuss abstract concepts, report on what others have said, and manage the flow of conversation. They become aware of its use as a discourse marker, particularly in informal Brazilian Portuguese, where 'sabe?' is appended to sentences to check for understanding or maintain engagement. Grammatically, they are introduced to the contrast between the indicative 'sabe' and the subjunctive 'saiba'. They learn that while 'sabe' is used for stating facts ('Eu acho que ele sabe' - I think he knows), expressions of doubt or denial require the subjunctive ('Eu duvido que ele saiba' - I doubt he knows). This is a significant milestone in their grammatical development. Furthermore, B1 learners expand their vocabulary to include synonyms and related expressions, such as 'entender', 'compreender', and 'estar a par de', allowing them to express nuances of knowledge and awareness. They can discuss professional skills, academic knowledge, and complex social situations, using 'sabe' accurately to describe who holds what information and who possesses which capabilities.
Reaching the B2 level indicates a high degree of fluency and the ability to use 'sabe' spontaneously and accurately in complex, abstract, and professional contexts. Learners at this stage can participate actively in discussions, defend their viewpoints, and understand native speakers speaking at a normal pace. Their use of 'sabe' becomes more sophisticated, incorporating idiomatic expressions and nuanced phrasing. They might use phrases like 'sabe-se lá' (who knows) to express uncertainty or 'como você bem sabe' (as you well know) to build rapport or establish common ground in an argument. B2 learners have a solid grasp of the subjunctive mood and rarely make mistakes when choosing between 'sabe' and 'saiba' after trigger phrases. They also demonstrate a clear understanding of register, knowing when to use 'sabe' in a formal presentation versus when to use it as a casual discourse marker with friends. They can read articles, watch news reports, and understand literature where 'sabe' is used to convey subtle psychological states or report complex facts. The focus at this level is on refining their usage, eliminating lingering errors (such as the unnecessary insertion of 'como' before an infinitive), and expanding their repertoire of knowledge-related vocabulary to include words like 'dominar' (to master) or 'ter conhecimento de' (to have knowledge of).
At the C1 level, learners possess an advanced, almost native-like command of the language. They can express themselves fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions. Their use of 'sabe' is characterized by precision, flexibility, and a deep understanding of cultural nuances. They effortlessly navigate complex grammatical structures, including mixed conditionals and passive constructions involving 'sabe' (e.g., 'Sabe-se que a economia está em crise' - It is known that the economy is in crisis). C1 learners are fully aware of the regional variations in the use of 'sabe', understanding how its pronunciation and frequency as a discourse marker might differ between Brazil and Portugal, or even between different regions within Brazil. They can use 'sabe' rhetorically in debates, employing it to subtly challenge an opponent's knowledge or to assert their own authority on a subject. They are comfortable with a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms that incorporate 'sabe', using them naturally to add color and authenticity to their speech. At this level, 'sabe' is not just a verb for stating facts; it is a tool for managing social dynamics, structuring complex arguments, and demonstrating a profound mastery of Portuguese syntax and semantics. They can easily distinguish between subtle shades of meaning, choosing between 'sabe', 'percebe', 'entende', and 'domina' with pinpoint accuracy.
The C2 level represents mastery of the Portuguese language, equivalent to that of a highly educated native speaker. At this pinnacle of proficiency, the learner's use of 'sabe' is flawless, intuitive, and deeply integrated into their overall communicative competence. They can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read, including highly abstract, philosophical, or technical texts where 'sabe' might be used in specialized ways. C2 learners can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation, using 'sabe' to accurately attribute knowledge and delineate facts. They can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently, and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. Their use of 'sabe' as a discourse marker is perfectly calibrated to the social context, never overused, but employed exactly when needed to build rapport or manage the rhythm of a conversation. They appreciate the literary and poetic uses of the verb, understanding how authors use 'sabe' to reveal character psychology or create dramatic irony. At the C2 level, the learner has completely internalized the Portuguese conceptualization of knowledge, instinctively separating 'saber' from 'conhecer' without conscious thought, and wielding 'sabe' with the elegance, authority, and subtlety of a true master of the language.

sabe en 30 secondes

  • 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 Portuguese word sabe is an incredibly versatile and fundamental verb form that every learner must master to achieve fluency. It is the third-person singular form of the verb saber in the present indicative tense. In English, it translates primarily to knows, specifically referring to knowing facts, having information about a particular subject, or possessing a specific learned skill. Understanding the depth and breadth of sabe requires a comprehensive look at how Portuguese speakers conceptualize knowledge. Unlike English, which uses the single verb know for almost all situations involving knowledge, Portuguese divides the concept of knowing into two distinct verbs: saber and conhecer. The form sabe belongs strictly to the realm of factual knowledge and acquired abilities. When a Portuguese speaker uses sabe, they are indicating that the subject possesses a piece of information in their mind, is aware of a specific truth, or has learned how to perform an action through study or practice. The subject of sabe can be ele (he), ela (she), você (you, formal or informal depending on the region), or a gente (we, informal). For example, if you want to say that your friend knows the answer to a question, you would say Ele sabe a resposta. If you want to say that your mother knows how to drive, you would say Ela sabe dirigir.

A professora sabe todas as regras gramaticais de cor.

The teacher knows all the grammar rules by heart.
In everyday conversation, sabe is used constantly to exchange information, verify facts, and discuss people's capabilities. It is a cornerstone of daily communication. When discussing what someone is capable of doing, sabe is followed directly by an infinitive verb. This is a crucial structural difference from English, which requires the words how to between the verb know and the action. In Portuguese, you do not say sabe como nadar; you simply say sabe nadar.
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?

Do you know what time it is right now?
Furthermore, sabe is frequently used in negative constructions to express ignorance or lack of ability. Não sabe is just as common as the affirmative form. When someone is completely unaware of a situation, you might hear Ele não sabe de nada (He knows nothing about it). This phrasing highlights the use of the preposition de (of/about) which often accompanies sabe when referring to being informed about a topic or event.
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.

The mechanic knows how to fix any type of engine.
It is also important to note the use of sabe as a discourse marker in informal spoken Portuguese, particularly in Brazil. Often placed at the end of a sentence, sabe? functions similarly to the English you know? or right?. It is a way for the speaker to seek confirmation, ensure the listener is following the narrative, or simply fill a pause in the conversation. This usage strips the verb of its literal meaning of possessing facts and turns it into a tool for social cohesion and conversational rhythm.
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.

Nobody knows what happened last night at the party.
The versatility of sabe makes it a word you will encounter in virtually every context, from highly formal academic writing to the most casual street slang. In formal contexts, it asserts facts and establishes authority. In informal contexts, it navigates social dynamics and shares personal capabilities. Mastering when and how people use sabe is a significant milestone in achieving a natural, authentic command of the Portuguese language.

Ele acha que sabe tudo, mas na verdade não entende nada.

He thinks he knows everything, but in reality he understands nothing.
By recognizing the specific domains of knowledge that sabe governs—facts, skills, and awareness—you will avoid the common pitfalls that plague many learners and communicate your thoughts with precision and clarity.
Using the word sabe correctly in sentences requires an understanding of its syntactic properties and the specific grammatical structures it demands. Because sabe deals with facts, information, and skills, it frequently interacts with subordinate clauses, infinitives, and specific prepositions. Mastering these sentence patterns is essential for expressing complex thoughts accurately in Portuguese. The most straightforward use of sabe is with a direct object noun phrase that represents a piece of information. In this structure, the verb acts transitively. For instance, Ele sabe o endereço (He knows the address) or Você sabe a senha? (Do you know the password?). In these cases, the noun phrase following the verb is the specific fact that is known.

O diretor sabe os detalhes do novo projeto da empresa.

The director knows the details of the company's new project.
A highly frequent pattern involves using sabe followed by the conjunction que (that) to introduce a subordinate clause. This is how you express that someone is aware of a specific fact or event described by a full sentence. For example, Ela sabe que nós estamos aqui (She knows that we are here). This structure is incredibly common in reporting information, expressing certainty, or discussing what others are aware of.
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.

You know that I do not like to wake up early on weekends.
Another crucial pattern is sabe followed by an interrogative word, such as o que (what), quem (who), onde (where), quando (when), como (how), or por que (why). This structure is used to indicate knowledge (or lack thereof) regarding a specific question. For example, Ninguém sabe onde ele mora (Nobody knows where he lives) or Você sabe como fazer isso? (Do you know how to do this?).
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.

The teacher does not know why the students were absent today.
When discussing skills and abilities, sabe is followed immediately by a verb in the infinitive. This is a direct and efficient way to express capability. English speakers must be careful not to insert the word como (how) in these constructions unless they are specifically emphasizing the method rather than the ability itself. You say Ele sabe cozinhar (He knows how to cook), not Ele sabe como cozinhar, which sounds unnatural in most contexts unless you mean he knows the specific method of cooking something particular.
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?

Do you know how to swim in the open sea or only in pools?
Finally, the preposition de is frequently used with sabe to mean to know about or to be aware of a situation. When you say Ele sabe do acidente, you are saying He knows about the accident. This is different from knowing a concrete fact; it implies awareness of an event or circumstance. The preposition de will contract with definite articles, becoming do, da, dos, or das.

A mãe dele já sabe das notas baixas que ele tirou na escola.

His mother already knows about the low grades he got in school.
By practicing these diverse sentence structures—with direct objects, subordinate clauses, interrogative words, infinitives, and prepositions—you will develop a robust and flexible command of the word sabe, allowing you to express a wide range of meanings related to knowledge, awareness, and ability.
The word sabe is omnipresent in the Portuguese language, echoing through every layer of society and across all mediums of communication. Because the concept of knowledge is so central to human interaction, you will encounter this verb form constantly, whether you are walking down a bustling street in São Paulo, watching a dramatic telenovela, reading a formal news report, or listening to a philosophical debate. Its usage spans the entire spectrum of formality, adapting its function to suit the context perfectly. In everyday, informal conversation, sabe is perhaps most frequently heard as a discourse marker, particularly in Brazilian Portuguese. At the end of a sentence, a speaker will often append a quick, rising sabe? to check for understanding or to seek validation from the listener. It functions exactly like the English you know? or the British right?.

Eu estava muito cansado ontem, sabe? Não queria sair de casa de jeito nenhum.

I was very tired yesterday, you know? I didn't want to leave the house at all.
In the workplace and professional environments, sabe is used to assess competence and delegate tasks. Managers will ask if an employee knows how to use a specific software program (Você sabe usar o Excel?), or colleagues will discuss who holds the necessary information for a project (Quem sabe os prazos de entrega?). In these settings, the word is stripped of its colloquial filler function and returns to its literal meaning of possessing facts or skills.
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.

The marketing team knows that the launch was postponed to next month.
In journalism and news media, sabe is frequently employed to report on the state of investigations, public awareness, or government actions. News anchors will use phrases like Sabe-se que... (It is known that...) to introduce established facts, or Ninguém sabe o paradeiro do suspeito (Nobody knows the whereabouts of the suspect) to highlight missing information. This formal, often impersonal use of the verb underscores its role in establishing objective reality.
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.

Until this moment, the exact cause of the fire in the historic building is not known.
In literature and storytelling, sabe is a powerful tool for revealing character depth and advancing the plot. An author might write that a character sabe um segredo (knows a secret), instantly creating tension and intrigue. The verb is used to explore the internal world of the characters, detailing what they understand about their circumstances and what remains hidden from them.
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.

The old lady knows many stories about the founding of this small town.
Finally, you will hear sabe in countless idiomatic expressions and proverbs that reflect the cultural wisdom of Portuguese-speaking societies. Phrases like Deus sabe o que faz (God knows what He is doing) or Sabe-se lá (Goodness knows / Who knows) are deeply ingrained in the collective consciousness. By paying attention to where and how sabe is used across these diverse contexts, you will gain a profound appreciation for its role as a fundamental building block of Portuguese communication.

Como você bem sabe, as coisas por aqui funcionam de um jeito um pouco diferente.

As you well know, things around here work in a slightly different way.
Whether it is confirming a simple fact, verifying a complex skill, or simply keeping a conversation flowing, sabe is a word you cannot avoid and must embrace.
When English speakers learn the Portuguese word sabe, they inevitably encounter a series of common pitfalls, almost all of which stem from the fundamental difference between how English and Portuguese categorize the concept of knowledge. The single most prevalent and glaring mistake is confusing the verb saber (from which sabe is derived) with the verb conhecer. Because English uses the verb know for both factual information and personal familiarity, learners frequently attempt to use sabe in situations where it is entirely inappropriate, leading to sentences that sound nonsensical to native speakers. The golden rule is that sabe is strictly for facts, information, and learned skills. It must never be used to express familiarity with a person, a place, or a complex entity like a book or a movie.

INCORRECT: Ele sabe o presidente do Brasil. CORRECT: Ele conhece o presidente do Brasil.

He knows the president of Brazil.
Another extremely common mistake occurs when learners try to translate the English phrase knows how to literally. In English, when expressing a skill, we insert the words how to between the verb know and the action (e.g., He knows how to swim). In Portuguese, this construction is unnecessary and incorrect. The verb sabe already encapsulates the concept of possessing the skill when it is followed directly by an infinitive verb. Inserting the word como (how) creates a clunky and unnatural sentence.
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.

She knows how to dance samba.
Learners also frequently struggle with the preposition de when using sabe to mean aware of or informed about. In English, we might say He knows the situation, treating the situation as a direct object. In Portuguese, it is often more natural to say Ele sabe da situação (He knows of/about the situation). Forgetting the preposition de can make the sentence sound slightly off or alter the nuance from being aware of an event to possessing a concrete fact.
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?

Do you know about the gossip?
A more advanced, but still common, mistake involves the subjunctive mood. When expressing doubt, denial, or uncertainty about what someone knows, the verb in the subordinate clause often needs to be in the subjunctive. However, learners sometimes incorrectly put sabe itself into the subjunctive (saiba) when it should remain in the indicative, or vice versa. For example, Não acho que ele saiba (I don't think he knows) requires the subjunctive saiba because of the doubt introduced by não acho. Using sabe here is a grammatical error.
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.

I doubt that he knows the answer.
Finally, learners sometimes mispronounce sabe, particularly the final 'e'. In Brazilian Portuguese, an unstressed final 'e' is often pronounced like an 'i' (sah-bee). Pronouncing it with a strong, open 'eh' sound can sound foreign or overly formal depending on the regional accent. By being aware of these common mistakes—especially the saber vs conhecer distinction, the unnecessary use of como, the missing prepositions, the subjunctive triggers, and the pronunciation nuances—you can significantly improve your accuracy and sound much more natural when speaking Portuguese.

Lembre-se: ele sabe a matéria, mas não conhece o professor.

Remember: he knows the subject matter, but he does not know the teacher.
Constant practice and exposure to native materials will help solidify these rules in your mind.
While sabe is the most direct and common way to express factual knowledge and learned skills in Portuguese, the language offers a rich tapestry of similar words and alternatives that can add nuance, precision, and variety to your vocabulary. Understanding these alternatives allows you to express different shades of comprehension, awareness, and mastery, elevating your Portuguese from basic communication to sophisticated expression. The most immediate synonyms for the factual aspect of sabe are the verbs entender (to understand) and compreender (to comprehend). While sabe implies the mere possession of a fact, entender and compreender suggest a deeper cognitive process—grasping the meaning, logic, or significance of that fact.

Ele sabe a fórmula matemática, mas não entende como aplicá-la.

He knows the mathematical formula, but he does not understand how to apply it.
Another excellent alternative, particularly in European Portuguese, is the verb perceber. In Portugal, perceber is frequently used where Brazilians might use entender. It means to understand, to realize, or to notice. If someone explains a complex situation to you, responding with Eu percebo (I understand) is very common in Lisbon, whereas a Brazilian might say Eu entendo or Eu sei.
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.

The detective finally realized what the suspect knows about the crime.
When discussing skills and abilities, the verb dominar (to master) is a powerful alternative to sabe. While sabe nadar simply means someone knows how to swim, domina a natação implies a high level of expertise and control over the skill. It is often used in professional or academic contexts to describe someone's proficiency in a subject, a language, or a technique.
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.

The new employee doesn't just know how to use the software, she masters all its functions.
For expressing awareness of a situation or being informed about news, the phrase estar a par de (to be up to date with / to be aware of) is a highly useful, slightly more formal alternative to sabe de. If you want to assure your boss that you are informed about a project's status, saying Estou a par da situação sounds more professional than simply saying Eu sei da situação.
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.

The board of directors is already up to date with everything the director knows.
Finally, the verb ter conhecimento de (to have knowledge of) is the most formal and bureaucratic alternative. It is primarily found in legal documents, official communications, and highly formal writing. It functions exactly like sabe de but carries a weight of officialdom. By incorporating these alternatives—entender, compreender, perceber, dominar, estar a par de, and ter conhecimento de—into your vocabulary, you can express the concept of knowledge with far greater precision, adapting your tone perfectly to any situation, from a casual chat with friends to a formal business presentation.

É importante que o público tenha conhecimento dos fatos que o governo já sabe.

It is important that the public has knowledge of the facts that the government already knows.
Diversifying your vocabulary in this way is a hallmark of an advanced language learner.

How Formal Is It?

Le savais-tu ?

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!

Guide de prononciation

UK /ˈsa.bɨ/
US /ˈsa.bi/
SA-be (The stress falls on the first syllable).
Rime avec
cabe desabe labe macabe rabe sílabe árabe agabe
Erreurs fréquentes
  • 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.

Niveau de difficulté

Lecture 2/5

Very easy to recognize in text. The spelling is straightforward and phonetic.

Écriture 3/5

Easy to spell, but requires correct syntactic structures (like knowing when to use 'que' or 'de').

Expression orale 4/5

Requires remembering not to use 'como' before infinitives and mastering the Brazilian 'ee' sound at the end.

Écoute 5/5

Can be tricky when used as a fast discourse marker ('sabe?') or when the final 'e' is swallowed in European Portuguese.

Quoi apprendre ensuite

Prérequis

eu ele ela você não

Apprends ensuite

conhece entende pode consegue quer

Avancé

domina percebe ignora averigua constata

Grammaire à connaître

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.

Exemples par niveau

1

Ele sabe o meu nome.

He knows my name.

Basic use of 'sabe' with a direct object noun.

2

Você sabe onde é o hospital?

Do you know where the hospital is?

Using 'sabe' with the question word 'onde'.

3

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.

4

O professor sabe a resposta.

The teacher knows the answer.

Stating a simple fact using 'sabe'.

5

Ela não sabe falar inglês.

She does not know how to speak English.

Negative form 'não sabe' with an infinitive.

6

Você sabe que horas são?

Do you know what time it is?

A very common everyday question using 'sabe'.

7

O menino sabe nadar.

The boy knows how to swim.

Expressing a physical ability.

8

A gente sabe o endereço da festa.

We know the address of the party.

Using 'sabe' with the informal 'we' pronoun 'a gente'.

1

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.

2

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.

3

Ninguém sabe por que ele foi embora cedo.

Nobody knows why he left early.

Using 'sabe' with the interrogative 'por que'.

4

Você sabe tocar algum instrumento musical?

Do you know how to play any musical instrument?

Asking about a specific skill.

5

O meu pai sabe consertar carros antigos.

My father knows how to fix old cars.

Expressing a specialized practical skill.

6

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.

7

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.

8

A secretária sabe organizar todos os documentos.

The secretary knows how to organize all the documents.

Describing professional competence.

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

O médico sabe exatamente qual é o tratamento adequado.

The doctor knows exactly what the appropriate treatment is.

Expressing professional certainty and expertise.

7

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.

8

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.

1

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.

2

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'.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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').

1

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.

2

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'.

3

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'.

4

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').

5

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.

6

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.

7

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.

8

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.

1

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').

2

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').

3

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.

4

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.

5

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.

6

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').

7

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.

8

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.

Collocations courantes

sabe de tudo
não sabe de nada
sabe muito bem
sabe como
sabe o que faz
quem sabe
sabe-se lá
sabe de cor
sabe lidar com
sabe dizer

Phrases Courantes

Como você sabe

— 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.

Que eu saiba

— 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.

Deus sabe

— Means 'God knows'. Used to express that a situation is completely unknown or out of human control.

Deus sabe quando essa obra vai terminar.

Até onde se sabe

— 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.

Vai saber

— 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.

Sabe de uma coisa?

— 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.

Não que eu saiba

— 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.

Todo mundo sabe

— 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.

Ninguém sabe

— Means 'nobody knows'. Used to emphasize that a piece of information is completely hidden or lost.

Ninguém sabe o verdadeiro motivo da briga.

Já se sabe

— 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.

Souvent confondu avec

sabe vs conhece

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.

sabe vs entende

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.

sabe vs saiba

Learners confuse the indicative 'sabe' (used for certainty) with the subjunctive 'saiba' (used for doubt, emotion, or hypothetical situations).

Expressions idiomatiques

"Sabe com quem está falando?"

— 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
"Sabe das quantas"

— 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
"Sabe onde o calo aperta"

— 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
"Não sabe da missa a metade"

— 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
"Sabe-tudo"

— 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
"Quem sabe faz a hora"

— 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
"Sabe a quantas anda"

— Means to know the current status or progress of a situation or project.

Você sabe a quantas anda o processo de contratação?

informal
"Não sabe o que diz"

— 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
"Sabe o que quer"

— 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
"O diabo sabe mais por velho do que por diabo"

— 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.

proverbial

Facile à confondre

sabe vs sabor

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.

sabe vs sábio

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.

sabe vs sobe

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.

sabe vs saiba

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.

sabe vs sabia

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.

Structures de phrases

A1

Subject + sabe + Direct Object

O aluno sabe a lição.

A1

Subject + sabe + Infinitive

A menina sabe ler.

A2

Subject + sabe + que + Clause

Ele sabe que o trem partiu.

A2

Subject + sabe + Interrogative + Clause

Você sabe onde ela mora?

B1

Subject + sabe + de + Noun Phrase

A diretora sabe do problema.

B1

Clause + sabe?

É muito difícil, sabe?

B2

Sabe-se + que + Clause

Sabe-se que a vacina é eficaz.

C1

Subject + sabe + Infinitive + Adverbial Phrase

Ele sabe articular as ideias com maestria.

Famille de mots

Noms

saber (knowledge)
sabedoria (wisdom)
sábio (wise person)
sabedor (one who knows)

Verbes

saber (to know)
ressaber (to know very well)

Adjectifs

sábio (wise)
sabedor (knowing/aware)
sabido (known/clever)

Apparenté

sabor (flavor - shares the same Latin root)
saborear (to taste)
insípido (tasteless)
sapiência (sapience)
homo sapiens (wise man)

Comment l'utiliser

frequency

Extremely High. It is one of the top 50 most used words in the Portuguese language.

Erreurs courantes
  • 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.

Astuces

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.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Think of a SABER-toothed tiger. A saber-toothed tiger KNOWS how to hunt. 'Sabe' means 'knows'.

Association visuelle

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

sabe fatos (facts) informação (information) habilidades (skills) verdade (truth) resposta (answer) certeza (certainty) mente (mind)

Défi

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.

Origine du mot

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.

Sens originel : To taste, to have flavor, to be wise.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Western Romance > Ibero-Romance > Portuguese.

Contexte culturel

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.

The famous Brazilian song 'Sabe de Nada, Inocente' (You know nothing, innocent) by Compadre Washington, which became a massive national catchphrase. The philosophical quote by Socrates, often translated to Portuguese as 'Só sei que nada sei' (I only know that I know nothing), highlighting the root verb 'saber'. The popular Brazilian TV show 'Sabe ou Não Sabe' (Do you know or not?), a street trivia game show.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

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?

Amorces de conversation

"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?"

Sujets d'écriture

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?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Use '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-toi 200 questions

writing

Write a simple sentence stating that your friend knows the answer to a question.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses subject + sabe + direct object.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses subject + sabe + direct object.

writing

Write a sentence asking someone formally if they know where the train station is.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses formal 'o senhor' + sabe + interrogative clause.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses formal 'o senhor' + sabe + interrogative clause.

writing

Write a sentence stating that she knows how to speak three languages.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses sabe + infinitive (falar) without 'como'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses sabe + infinitive (falar) without 'como'.

writing

Write a sentence using 'sabe que' to report that the manager knows the project is late.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses sabe que + subordinate clause.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses sabe que + subordinate clause.

writing

Write a sentence using the informal 'a gente' to say 'we know about the problem'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses a gente + sabe + preposition 'de' (do).

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses a gente + sabe + preposition 'de' (do).

writing

Write a sentence using 'sabe?' as a discourse marker at the end.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Places 'sabe?' at the end to check for understanding.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Places 'sabe?' at the end to check for understanding.

writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'quem sabe' to mean 'maybe it will rain'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'quem sabe' at the beginning of the clause.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses 'quem sabe' at the beginning of the clause.

writing

Write a sentence contrasting 'sabe' (facts) with 'conhece' (people).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Correctly separates factual knowledge from personal familiarity.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Correctly separates factual knowledge from personal familiarity.

writing

Write a sentence using the formal passive 'sabe-se que'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the reflexive passive construction for general knowledge.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the reflexive passive construction for general knowledge.

writing

Write a negative sentence stating that nobody knows the truth.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the negative pronoun 'ninguém' with 'sabe'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the negative pronoun 'ninguém' with 'sabe'.

writing

Write a sentence asking if someone knows how to cook.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Direct question using sabe + infinitive.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Direct question using sabe + infinitive.

writing

Write a sentence using the idiom 'sabe-se lá'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the idiom to express uncertainty about a location.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the idiom to express uncertainty about a location.

writing

Write a sentence stating that the teacher knows the text by heart.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the collocation 'sabe de cor'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the collocation 'sabe de cor'.

writing

Write a sentence using 'sabe lidar com' to describe a good manager.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the phrase for interpersonal skills.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the phrase for interpersonal skills.

writing

Write a sentence starting with 'Como você bem sabe'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the phrase to establish common ground.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the phrase to establish common ground.

writing

Write a sentence stating that he knows nothing about the crime.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses double negative and preposition 'de'.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses double negative and preposition 'de'.

writing

Write a sentence asking 'Do you know what time it is?'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Standard everyday question format.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Standard everyday question format.

writing

Write a sentence using 'sabe' to mean 'tastes like' (European Portuguese style).

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses 'sabe a' for flavor.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses 'sabe a' for flavor.

writing

Write a sentence describing a 'sabe-tudo'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Uses the compound noun.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Uses the compound noun.

writing

Write a sentence where 'sabe' is incorrect and correct it to 'saiba'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Demonstrates understanding of the subjunctive trigger.

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Demonstrates understanding of the subjunctive trigger.

speaking

Pronounce the word 'sabe' as it is spoken in São Paulo, Brazil.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Ensure the stress is on 'sa' and the final 'e' sounds like 'ee'.

speaking

Pronounce the word 'sabe' as it is spoken in Lisbon, Portugal.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Ensure the stress is on 'sa' and the final 'e' is almost completely swallowed.

speaking

Say 'He knows the answer' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Focus on smooth linking between words.

speaking

Say 'Do you know how to swim?' without translating the words 'how to'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Remember to drop 'como'.

speaking

Use 'sabe?' as a discourse marker at the end of this sentence: 'It was very cold'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Raise your intonation on 'sabe?' to make it sound like a question.

speaking

Say 'She knows about the problem' using the correct preposition.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Ensure 'de' + 'o' becomes 'do'.

speaking

Say 'Nobody knows' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Practice the nasal sound in 'ninguém'.

speaking

Say 'As you well know' to start a formal sentence.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Use a steady, confident tone.

speaking

Say the idiom 'Who knows' in Portuguese.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Often said with a shrug of the shoulders.

speaking

Say 'He thinks he knows everything' (He is a know-it-all).

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Pronounce the compound noun as a single unit.

speaking

Say 'We know' using the informal Brazilian 'a gente'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Remember that 'a gente' takes the singular 'sabe'.

speaking

Say 'God knows' to express uncertainty.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Often said with a sigh.

speaking

Say 'Do you know what time it is?'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

A very common, fast-paced everyday question.

speaking

Say 'He doesn't know anything' using a double negative.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Link 'não' and 'sabe' smoothly.

speaking

Say 'It is known that...' for a formal presentation.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Pronounce the hyphenated 'se' clearly.

speaking

Say 'I doubt that he knows' using the correct subjunctive form.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Make sure to clearly pronounce 'saiba' instead of 'sabe'.

speaking

Say 'You know what?' to introduce a new idea.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Use an excited or decisive intonation.

speaking

Say 'He knows the text by heart'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Emphasize 'de cor'.

speaking

Say 'The soup tastes like garlic' (European Portuguese).

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Link 'sabe' and 'a' together.

speaking

Say the arrogant phrase 'Do you know who you are talking to?'.

Read this aloud:

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

Use an authoritative, aggressive tone (for acting purposes only!).

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Ele sabe consertar o carro.' What is the person capable of doing?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The verb 'consertar' (to fix) follows 'sabe'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Ninguém sabe onde ele está.' What information is missing?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The phrase 'onde ele está' (where he is) follows 'ninguém sabe'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'A gente sabe da festa.' Are they aware of the event?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'A gente sabe da' means 'we know about'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Foi complicado, sabe?' What is the function of the last word?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The rising intonation at the end indicates it's a discourse marker.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Sabe-se lá o que ele quer.' Does the speaker know what the person wants?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The idiom 'sabe-se lá' indicates complete uncertainty.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Ela não sabe falar alemão.' What skill does she lack?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'Não sabe' + 'falar alemão'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Como você bem sabe, o orçamento acabou.' What is the speaker doing?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The phrase 'Como você bem sabe' establishes common ground.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Ele é muito arrogante, um verdadeiro sabe-tudo.' How is the person described?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The noun 'sabe-tudo' is used negatively.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Você sabe se o banco está aberto?' What is the person asking?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The structure 'sabe se' asks about a condition or possibility.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Deus sabe quando isso vai terminar.' Is there a clear deadline?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'Deus sabe' implies only God knows, meaning humans have no idea.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'O diretor tem conhecimento dos fatos.' Is this formal or informal?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

The phrase 'tem conhecimento' is a formal alternative to 'sabe'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Ele sabe a matéria de cor.' How well does he know the subject?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'De cor' means by heart.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Não que eu saiba.' Did the person confirm the information?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

It means 'not that I know of'.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'A comida sabe a sal.' What does this mean in Portugal?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'Sabe a' means 'tastes like' in European Portuguese.

listening

Listen to the phrase: 'Quem sabe amanhã.' What does this mean?

Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :
Correct ! Pas tout à fait. Rponse correcte :

'Quem sabe' functions as 'maybe'.

/ 200 correct

Perfect score!

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