Meaning
Used to indicate a lack of knowledge or information.
Cultural Background
In Spain, people often use 'No sé' with a slight upward inflection to sound more conversational. Mexicans might use 'Quién sabe' more frequently than 'No sé' to sound less blunt. Argentines often add 'che' or other fillers to soften the directness of 'No sé'.
Don't overthink it
You don't need to add anything else. 'No sé' is a complete sentence.
Watch the accent
Always write 'sé' with an accent. Without it, it's a different word!
Meaning
Used to indicate a lack of knowledge or information.
Don't overthink it
You don't need to add anything else. 'No sé' is a complete sentence.
Watch the accent
Always write 'sé' with an accent. Without it, it's a different word!
Use a shrug
Body language is 50% of the phrase. A shrug makes you sound more natural.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence: '—¿A qué hora es la clase? —____.'
—¿A qué hora es la clase? —____.
'No sé' is the correct response for lacking information.
Which is correct?
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The other options contain redundant or misplaced pronouns.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match 'No sé' with its English equivalent.
'No sé' translates directly to 'I don't know'.
Complete the dialogue.
—¿Sabes dónde está Juan? —____, no lo he visto hoy.
The context implies a lack of knowledge.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises—¿A qué hora es la clase? —____.
'No sé' is the correct response for lacking information.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
The other options contain redundant or misplaced pronouns.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
'No sé' translates directly to 'I don't know'.
—¿Sabes dónde está Juan? —____, no lo he visto hoy.
The context implies a lack of knowledge.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
6 questionsNo, it is perfectly neutral and polite in all contexts.
Yes, but follow it up with 'pero puedo investigarlo' (but I can look into it).
To distinguish it from the reflexive pronoun 'se'.
'No lo sé' specifically refers to the information just asked.
No, use 'No conozco' for people.
Yes, it is universal.
Related Phrases
Ni idea
synonymNo clue
Quién sabe
similarWho knows
No tengo ni idea
builds onI haven't the slightest clue
