Meaning
Used to introduce a piece of common knowledge or a widely accepted fact.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, formal language is often more conservative. 'É sabido que' is frequently used in 'Público' or 'Diário de Notícias' to discuss European politics. In Brazil, while the spoken language is very informal, the 'Língua Culta' (cultivated language) used in the Supreme Court (STF) is extremely formal and relies heavily on these structures. Angolan formal Portuguese often retains a high degree of classical structure, influenced by the Portuguese educational system of the mid-20th century. Across all Lusophone countries, the 'impersonal' tone is a requirement for scientific papers. Using 'Eu sei' is often discouraged in favor of 'É sabido que' or 'Sabe-se que'.
The 'Que' Rule
Always follow 'É sabido que' with a full sentence (subject + verb). It cannot be followed by just a noun.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a short text makes you sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Sabe-se que' or 'É evidente que'.
Meaning
Used to introduce a piece of common knowledge or a widely accepted fact.
The 'Que' Rule
Always follow 'É sabido que' with a full sentence (subject + verb). It cannot be followed by just a noun.
Don't Overdo It
Using this more than once in a short text makes you sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Sabe-se que' or 'É evidente que'.
The Brazilian 'Sabido'
Remember that in Brazil, calling someone 'sabido' can be a compliment for being smart, but 'É sabido que' remains strictly formal.
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct formal expression.
__________ que a água ferve a 100 graus Celsius ao nível do mar.
The expression is impersonal and always stays in the masculine singular form.
Which sentence is most appropriate for a formal academic essay?
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and vocabulary suitable for an essay.
Match the phrase to the most likely context.
Phrase: 'É sabido que o réu agiu em legítima defesa.'
The mention of 'réu' (defendant) and 'legítima defesa' (self-defense) indicates a legal context.
Complete the formal dialogue.
Entrevistador: 'Como você vê o futuro da nossa empresa?' Candidato: '__________, a inovação é o único caminho para a sobrevivência no mercado atual.'
'É sabido que' provides the professional authority expected in a high-level interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal 'Knowing'
Practice Bank
4 exercises__________ que a água ferve a 100 graus Celsius ao nível do mar.
The expression is impersonal and always stays in the masculine singular form.
Choose the best option:
This option uses the correct formal register and vocabulary suitable for an essay.
Phrase: 'É sabido que o réu agiu em legítima defesa.'
The mention of 'réu' (defendant) and 'legítima defesa' (self-defense) indicates a legal context.
Entrevistador: 'Como você vê o futuro da nossa empresa?' Candidato: '__________, a inovação é o único caminho para a sobrevivência no mercado atual.'
'É sabido que' provides the professional authority expected in a high-level interview.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsOnly if you are being ironic or talking to a lawyer. It's too formal for daily texting.
The correct form is 'É sabido que'. Adding 'de' is a common error called 'dequeísmo'.
'É sabido que' is slightly more emphatic and traditional. 'Sabe-se que' is the standard for modern academic writing.
No, in this impersonal construction, it is always 'sabido'.
Only if you want to frame your opinion as an undisputed fact. Be careful, as this can sound arrogant.
Yes, it is perfectly understood and used in all Portuguese-speaking countries.
Use the imperfect tense: 'Era sabido que'.
Yes, 'É sabido que' is more formal and objective.
No, it is an introductory phrase that must be followed by a clause.
Yes, especially in 19th-century realism and modern non-fiction.
Related Phrases
Sabe-se que
synonymIt is known that (synthetic passive)
É notório que
similarIt is notorious/well-known that
É de conhecimento geral que
similarIt is of general knowledge that
Diz-se que
contrastIt is said that / Rumor has it
