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A1 verb 10 min de leitura

sapere

Exemplos sapere em 30 segundos
Explicação sapere in your Level:
At the A1 CEFR level, 'sapere' is introduced as a basic verb meaning 'to know'. Learners are expected to understand and use it in simple contexts, primarily for knowing basic facts or information. For example, 'Io so il tuo nome' (I know your name) or 'Sai l'ora?' (Do you know the time?). The focus is on recognizing the verb and its most common present tense conjugations (so, sai, sa). The distinction with 'conoscere' is not typically emphasized at this stage, with the primary meaning of factual knowledge being the focus. Sentences will be short and direct, often involving simple questions and answers. The concept of 'knowing how to do something' might be introduced with very basic verbs like 'sapere nuotare' (know how to swim) but will be limited in complexity. The aim is to enable basic communication regarding known information.
In A2, 'sapere' continues to be a core verb, expanding its usage. Learners will encounter and use it more frequently to express knowing how to perform simple actions, often followed by an infinitive. For instance, 'So cucinare la pizza' (I know how to cook pizza). They will also be more comfortable with questions involving 'sapere', such as 'Sai dov'è la stazione?' (Do you know where the station is?). The contrast with 'conoscere' might start to be introduced, focusing on the difference between knowing information/skills and knowing people/places. Learners will be able to form more complex sentences using 'sapere' with 'che' followed by a clause, like 'So che domani è festa' (I know that tomorrow is a holiday). The irregular conjugations are expected to be more firmly established.
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At the B1 level, learners are expected to have a solid grasp of 'sapere' and its common uses. They can confidently distinguish between 'sapere' (facts, skills) and 'conoscere' (familiarity) in most contexts. Usage expands to include more nuanced expressions, such as knowing about something indirectly or having a feeling about it. For example, 'So che qualcosa non va' (I know something is wrong). Learners will also be exposed to and begin to use the subjunctive mood after certain expressions that might follow 'sapere', although the focus remains on the indicative. The verb's role in expressing sensory experiences (taste, smell) might be explored more deeply. Sentences become more elaborate, incorporating subordinate clauses and a wider range of vocabulary.
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B2 learners will demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of 'sapere'. They can use it in a variety of registers and contexts, including more abstract or idiomatic expressions. The nuances between 'sapere' and 'conoscere' will be well-understood and applied correctly. They will be able to interpret and produce sentences where 'sapere' implies intuition, foresight, or a deep understanding of a situation. For example, 'Non sapevo che saremmo arrivati così tardi' (I didn't know we would arrive so late - using the imperfect tense). The verb's role in idiomatic phrases might also be explored. They can also handle conditional and past tenses of 'sapere' with greater accuracy.
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At the C1 level, 'sapere' is used with fluency and precision. Learners can employ it in complex sentence structures, formal and informal registers, and even recognize its subtle implications in sophisticated discourse. They will understand its use in expressing a comprehensive knowledge of a subject or field. For instance, 'So tutto quello che c'è da sapere su questo argomento' (I know everything there is to know about this topic). They can also effectively use its various past tenses (passato prossimo, imperfetto, trapassato prossimo) and the subjunctive mood when appropriate, demonstrating a mastery of its grammatical behavior in diverse situations.
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C2 proficiency indicates near-native command. Learners will use 'sapere' with complete naturalness, understanding and employing its full range of meanings, including idiomatic and figurative uses. They can effortlessly differentiate it from 'conoscere' and other related verbs in even the most complex scenarios. Their usage will reflect a deep cultural understanding of the word's connotations and its role in expressing nuanced states of knowledge, intuition, and awareness. They will be able to analyze and deconstruct its usage in literature and highly specialized texts.
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Exemplos

sapere em 30 segundos

  • Sapere: to know facts, information, or how to do something.
  • Irregular verb, key conjugations: so, sai, sa, sappiamo, sapete, sanno.
  • Used with nouns, 'che' + clause, or infinitive verbs.
  • Distinguish from 'conoscere' (familiarity with people/places).

Understanding "Sapere"

The Italian verb sapere is fundamental to expressing knowledge and ability. At its core, it means 'to know'. However, its usage extends beyond simple factual recall. It can refer to knowing a piece of information, knowing how to do something, or even having a certain taste or smell. You'll encounter sapere in everyday conversations, from asking if someone knows the time to understanding complex instructions.

Factual Knowledge
This is the most common meaning, referring to knowing facts, information, or data. For example, 'Io so il tuo nome' (I know your name).
Knowing How to Do Something
When followed by an infinitive verb, sapere indicates possessing the skill or ability to perform an action. 'Lei sa nuotare' (She knows how to swim).
Having a Taste or Smell
Interestingly, sapere can also describe the sensation of taste or smell. 'Questo dolce sa di limone' (This cake tastes of lemon).
Intuition or Feeling
In some contexts, it can imply a sense of knowing without explicit evidence, like a hunch. 'So che qualcosa non va' (I know something is wrong).

Non sapere dove andare è frustrante.

Fig. 1: Not knowing where to go is frustrating.

Sai cucinare la pasta?

Fig. 2: Do you know how to cook pasta?

Mastering sapere is crucial for building fluency. It's a versatile verb that appears in countless everyday situations. Pay attention to the context to understand whether it refers to factual knowledge, a skill, or even a sensory experience. The more you expose yourself to Italian, the more natural its usage will become.

Non sapere come fare è normale all'inizio.

Fig. 3: Not knowing how to do something is normal at the beginning.
Distinguishing from 'Conoscere'
A common point of confusion for learners is the difference between sapere and conoscere. While both relate to knowing, sapere generally refers to knowing facts, information, or how to do something, whereas conoscere is used for being acquainted with people, places, or things. For instance, 'So chi è il presidente' (I know who the president is - factual knowledge), but 'Conosco il presidente' (I know the president - personal acquaintance).

Constructing Sentences with "Sapere"

Using sapere effectively involves understanding its conjugation and how it pairs with other sentence elements. Remember that sapere is an irregular verb, so its forms in the present tense require memorization. Here are some common sentence structures:

Sapere + Noun/Pronoun
This is the most straightforward usage, indicating knowledge of a specific piece of information. Examples include 'So la risposta' (I know the answer) or 'Sappiamo la verità' (We know the truth).
Sapere + che + Clause
To express knowing that something is true, you use sapere followed by 'che' and then another clause. For example, 'Credo che tu sappia la lezione' (I believe that you know the lesson) or 'Lei sa che domani piove' (She knows that it rains tomorrow).
Sapere + Infinitive
This construction signifies knowing how to perform an action. 'Io so parlare italiano' (I know how to speak Italian) or 'Voi sapete suonare la chitarra' (You all know how to play the guitar).
Sapere + Interrogative Pronoun/Adverb
Used when asking about or stating knowledge of 'who', 'what', 'where', 'when', 'why', or 'how'. 'Non so dove abiti' (I don't know where you live) or 'Sai come si fa?' (Do you know how it's done?).
Sapere di + Noun
This is used to indicate flavor or scent. 'Questa torta sa di cioccolato' (This cake tastes of chocolate) or 'La stanza sa di fresco' (The room smells fresh).

Non sapere cosa dire è imbarazzante.

Fig. 1: Not knowing what to say is embarrassing.

Lei sa cucinare piatti tradizionali.

Fig. 2: She knows how to cook traditional dishes.

Practice forming sentences using these patterns. Start with simple statements and gradually build up to more complex structures. Paying attention to the prepositions and conjunctions that follow sapere is key to using it correctly.

Non sapere la risposta non è una vergogna.

Fig. 3: Not knowing the answer is not a shame.

Sai dove si trova la stazione?

Fig. 4: Do you know where the station is located?

Real-World Italian with "Sapere"

You'll hear and use sapere constantly in Italy. It's woven into the fabric of daily life, from casual chats to more formal interactions. Listening to native speakers is one of the best ways to internalize its nuances.

Everyday Conversations
In cafés, markets, or when meeting friends: 'Sai che ore sono?' (Do you know what time it is?), 'Non so cosa cucinare stasera' (I don't know what to cook tonight), 'Sai per caso dove abita Marco?' (Do you happen to know where Marco lives?).
At School or Work
Teachers might ask students: 'Sapete la risposta a questa domanda?' (Do you all know the answer to this question?). Colleagues might discuss projects: 'Sai se è arrivata la mail?' (Do you know if the email has arrived?).
In Restaurants and Food
Waiters might ask about preferences: 'Sa cosa vuole bere?' (Do you know what you want to drink?). You might also hear descriptions of food: 'Questo piatto sa di spezie' (This dish tastes of spices).
Expressing Opinions or Feelings
'Non so cosa fare' (I don't know what to do), 'So che mi ami' (I know that you love me), 'Lei sa che è importante' (She knows that it is important).
Asking for Directions or Information
'Sai dov'è la farmacia?' (Do you know where the pharmacy is?), 'Non so come arrivare lì' (I don't know how to get there).

Non sapere la strada è un problema.

Fig. 1: Not knowing the way is a problem.

Sai cucinare la pizza?

Fig. 2: Do you know how to cook pizza?

To really grasp how sapere is used, try listening to Italian podcasts, watching Italian movies or TV shows, and engaging in conversations with native speakers. Notice the contexts in which sapere appears and how it functions within the sentence. This practical exposure is invaluable for language acquisition.

Non sapere che fare è una sensazione comune.

Fig. 3: Not knowing what to do is a common feeling.

Sai dove si trova il Colosseo?

Fig. 4: Do you know where the Colosseum is?

Avoiding Pitfalls with "Sapere"

Learners often make a few common errors when using sapere. Being aware of these can significantly improve your accuracy and confidence.

Confusing 'Sapere' and 'Conoscere'
This is the most frequent mistake. Remember: sapere is for facts, information, and skills ('to know how to'), while conoscere is for familiarity with people, places, and things. Incorrect: 'Conosco la risposta' (unless you mean you are personally acquainted with the answer, which is unlikely). Correct: 'So la risposta'. Incorrect: 'So il tuo amico'. Correct: 'Conosco il tuo amico'.
Incorrect Conjugation
As an irregular verb, sapere has unique forms, especially in the present indicative. Forgetting these can lead to misunderstandings. Common errors include using regular verb endings. For example, saying 'io sàpo' instead of the correct 'io so'. Ensure you memorize the present tense conjugations: io so, tu sai, lui/lei/Lei sa, noi sappiamo, voi sapete, loro sanno.
Using 'Sapere' for General Knowledge of Subjects
While sapere can mean 'to know a subject' in a factual sense, if you mean you have studied or are familiar with a subject area, conoscere might be more appropriate, especially if it implies a deeper familiarity. However, for knowing facts within a subject, sapere is correct. 'So molto di storia' (I know a lot about history - factual knowledge) vs. 'Conosco la storia italiana' (I am familiar with Italian history - broader acquaintance).
Omission of 'che' or Infinitive
When using sapere to introduce a clause or an infinitive, these elements are essential. Incorrect: 'So è tardi'. Correct: 'So che è tardi'. Incorrect: 'So cucinare'. Correct: 'So cucinare' (this is correct, but omitting the infinitive where it's implied can be confusing, e.g. 'Sai?' alone might not be clear if it means 'Do you know?' or 'Do you know how to?').
Misinterpreting Sensory Usage
While 'sa di...' is used for taste and smell, learners might try to use it for other senses or abstract qualities. Stick to its established meanings for flavor, scent, or sometimes a general 'taste' of something abstract. For example, 'L'aria sa di pioggia' (The air smells of rain) is correct.

Non sapere dove andare è un problema.

Fig. 1: Not knowing where to go is a problem.

Sai cucinare la pasta?

Fig. 2: Do you know how to cook pasta?

Regular practice, self-correction, and seeking feedback are the best ways to overcome these common mistakes. Don't be discouraged; every learner faces these challenges!

Non sapere la ricetta è un peccato.

Fig. 3: Not knowing the recipe is a shame.

Exploring Alternatives to "Sapere"

While sapere is a primary verb for 'to know', Italian offers other words and phrases that can express similar concepts, often with subtle differences in meaning or nuance. Understanding these alternatives enriches your vocabulary and allows for more precise expression.

Conoscere
Meaning: To know (people, places, things), to be acquainted with, to be familiar with. Usage: Used for personal acquaintance or familiarity. Example: 'Conosco bene Roma' (I know Rome well - I am familiar with it). 'Conosco Maria' (I know Maria - I am acquainted with her). Difference from 'Sapere': Sapere is for facts and skills; conoscere is for familiarity. You 'sapere' a fact about Rome (e.g., its population), but you 'conoscere' Rome itself.
Capire
Meaning: To understand. Usage: Expresses comprehension rather than just factual knowledge. Example: 'Capisco quello che dici' (I understand what you are saying). Difference from 'Sapere': You might 'sapere' a rule, but you 'capire' its implications or how it works. 'So la regola' (I know the rule) vs. 'Capisco la regola' (I understand the rule).
Riconoscere
Meaning: To recognize. Usage: Implies identifying something or someone previously known. Example: 'Non ti riconosco più!' (I don't recognize you anymore!). Difference from 'Sapere': Riconoscere is about identifying based on prior knowledge, whereas sapere is the knowledge itself.
Essere a conoscenza di
Meaning: To be aware of, to be informed about. Usage: A more formal way to express knowing something. Example: 'Sono a conoscenza dei fatti' (I am aware of the facts). Difference from 'Sapere': It's a more formal and explicit way of stating knowledge, often implying official or detailed information.
Avere idea di
Meaning: To have an idea of, to have some knowledge of. Usage: Expresses partial or uncertain knowledge. Example: 'Ho un'idea di come funziona' (I have an idea of how it works). Difference from 'Sapere': Implies less certainty or completeness than sapere.

Non sapere la verità è doloroso.

Fig. 1: Not knowing the truth is painful.

Conosci questo posto?

Fig. 2: Do you know this place? (familiarity)

By understanding these synonyms and alternatives, you can express yourself with greater precision and nuance. Pay attention to the context in which these words are used by native speakers to fully grasp their subtle differences.

Sai cucinare la pasta?

Fig. 3: Do you know how to cook pasta? (skill)
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Exemplos por nível

1

Io so il tuo nome.

I know your name.

Present indicative of 'sapere', first person singular ('io so').

2

Tu sai l'ora?

Do you know the time?

Present indicative of 'sapere', second person singular ('tu sai').

3

Lei sa dov'è la scuola?

Does she know where the school is?

Present indicative of 'sapere', third person singular ('lei sa').

4

Noi sappiamo la risposta.

We know the answer.

Present indicative of 'sapere', first person plural ('noi sappiamo').

5

Voi sapete dove abito?

Do you all know where I live?

Present indicative of 'sapere', second person plural ('voi sapete').

6

Loro sanno il suo numero.

They know his number.

Present indicative of 'sapere', third person plural ('loro sanno').

7

So nuotare.

I know how to swim.

'Sapere' + infinitive verb to express ability.

8

Non so cosa fare.

I don't know what to do.

Negative form of 'sapere' + interrogative pronoun.

1

Sai cucinare la pasta?

Do you know how to cook pasta?

Using 'sapere' with an infinitive to ask about a skill.

2

Non so dove si trova la stazione.

I don't know where the station is located.

'Sapere' + interrogative adverb ('dove').

3

Sai che domani piove?

Do you know that it rains tomorrow?

'Sapere' + 'che' + subordinate clause.

4

Lei sa parlare inglese.

She knows how to speak English.

Expressing language proficiency using 'sapere' + infinitive.

5

Sappiamo la verità.

We know the truth.

Present tense 'sapere' with a direct object.

6

Non so il suo numero di telefono.

I don't know his phone number.

Negative form of 'sapere' with a noun phrase.

7

Sai per caso dove abita?

Do you happen to know where he lives?

Using 'per caso' to soften the question.

8

Loro sanno come arrivare lì.

They know how to get there.

'Sapere' + 'come' + infinitive.

1

Non sapevo che fossi qui.

I didn't know you were here.

Imperfect tense of 'sapere' + 'che' + subjunctive mood.

2

Sai, penso che dovremmo partire presto.

You know, I think we should leave early.

Colloquial use of 'sai' as an interjection.

3

Lei sa tutto quello che c'è da sapere.

She knows everything there is to know.

Expressing comprehensive knowledge.

4

Non so cosa succederà domani.

I don't know what will happen tomorrow.

'Sapere' + interrogative pronoun + future action.

5

So che è difficile, ma devi provarci.

I know it's difficult, but you have to try.

'Sapere' + 'che' + clause, followed by an imperative.

6

Sai di limone questo dolce?

Does this cake taste of lemon?

Using 'sapere di' for taste.

7

Non sapevo come comportarmi.

I didn't know how to behave.

Imperfect tense of 'sapere' + 'come' + infinitive.

8

Spero che tu sappia la verità.

I hope you know the truth.

'Sapere' in the present subjunctive after 'spero che'.

1

Non avrei mai saputo che saresti venuto.

I would never have known you would come.

Conditional perfect of 'sapere' + 'che' + subjunctive.

2

Sai dove sta andando a parare con questo discorso?

Do you know where he's heading with this speech?

Idiomatic use: 'sapere dove sta andando a parare'.

3

Mi dispiace, ma non so dirti nulla a riguardo.

I'm sorry, but I can't tell you anything about it.

Using 'sapere' with 'nulla' and 'a riguardo'.

4

Se solo avessi saputo prima, avrei agito diversamente.

If only I had known earlier, I would have acted differently.

Past perfect of 'sapere' in a conditional sentence.

5

Non si sa mai cosa può succedere.

One never knows what can happen.

Impersonal use of 'sapere' ('non si sa mai').

6

Il profumo sa di rose antiche.

The perfume smells of old roses.

Using 'sapere di' for a sophisticated scent description.

7

Sapevo che mi stavi nascondendo qualcosa.

I knew you were hiding something from me.

Imperfect tense of 'sapere' + 'che' + imperfect subjunctive.

8

Non sapevo che tipo di persona fosse.

I didn't know what kind of person he/she was.

'Sapere' + interrogative adjective phrase.

1

Avrei voluto saperlo prima, per potermi preparare adeguatamente.

I would have liked to know earlier, to be able to prepare myself adequately.

Conditional perfect of 'sapere' + infinitive phrase for purpose.

2

Non si può sapere con certezza cosa pensi veramente.

One cannot know with certainty what you truly think.

Impersonal 'non si può sapere' + adverb 'con certezza'.

3

Ho saputo che il progetto è stato approvato.

I have learned/found out that the project has been approved.

Passato prossimo of 'sapere' implying receiving news.

4

Saper gestire una crisi è una competenza fondamentale.

Knowing how to manage a crisis is a fundamental skill.

'Sapere' + infinitive as a noun phrase (gerund equivalent).

5

Non sapevamo neanche lontanamente che le conseguenze sarebbero state così gravi.

We didn't even remotely know that the consequences would be so serious.

Imperfect tense of 'sapere' + adverbial phrase 'neanche lontanamente'.

6

Ciò che più mi sorprende è che tu non lo sapessi.

What surprises me most is that you didn't know it.

'Sapere' in the imperfect subjunctive after 'che'.

7

Per saperne di più, consulta il nostro sito web.

To know more about it, consult our website.

'Saperne di più' - idiomatic expression meaning 'to know more about it'.

8

Aveva un'aria di chi sa tutto.

He/She had an air of someone who knows everything.

'Sapere' used in a comparative phrase describing demeanor.

1

Il suo silenzio sapeva di rimprovero.

His/Her silence seemed to imply a reproach.

Figurative use of 'sapere di' implying an abstract quality or feeling.

2

Non si può mai sapere dove condurrà il destino.

One can never know where destiny will lead.

Impersonal 'non si può mai sapere' + future tense.

3

Mi resi conto che non sapevo veramente di cosa parlassi.

I realized that I didn't truly know what I was talking about.

Imperfect tense of 'sapere' + realization of lack of knowledge.

4

Quella melodia sapeva di ricordi d'infanzia.

That melody evoked memories of childhood.

Figurative use of 'sapere di' to evoke memories or feelings.

5

Saper leggere tra le righe è un'arte.

Knowing how to read between the lines is an art.

'Sapere' + infinitive phrase, emphasizing a subtle skill.

6

Non sapevo più che pesci pigliare di fronte a tanta ostinazione.

I no longer knew what to do in the face of such stubbornness.

Idiomatic expression: 'non sapere che pesci pigliare'.

7

Tutto ciò che sapeva era che doveva partire.

All he/she knew was that he/she had to leave.

Past tense of 'sapere' + 'che' + imperfect subjunctive.

8

Il suo sguardo sapeva di malinconia.

His/Her gaze held a hint of melancholy.

Figurative use of 'sapere di' to describe an emotion conveyed by a look.

Colocações comuns

sapere fare qualcosa
sapere di cosa si parla
non sapere che pesci pigliare
sapere per certo
sapere di buono
sapere di fumo
sapere tutto
sapere a memoria
non sapere più dove battere la testa
sapere di cosa si tratta

Frases Comuns

Non lo so.

— I don't know.

Mi chiedi dove sia, ma non lo so.

Sai?

— You know? (as an interjection or question)

È una situazione strana, sai?

Non so cosa fare.

— I don't know what to do.

Ho un problema e non so cosa fare.

Sai cucinare?

— Do you know how to cook?

Sì, so cucinare piatti semplici.

Non sapevo.

— I didn't know.

Mi dispiace, non sapevo di questo.

Lo so.

— I know.

Mi dici che è tardi? Lo so.

Sai dov'è?

— Do you know where it is?

Sai dov'è il bagno, per favore?

Non so neanche.

— I don't even know.

Non so neanche da dove cominciare.

Sapete?

— Do you all know? / You know? (plural informal)

Sapete la strada per il centro?

So che...

— I know that...

So che sei stanco, ma dobbiamo finire.

Expressões idiomáticas

"Non sapere che pesci pigliare"

— To not know what to do; to be at a loss; to be completely confused about how to proceed.

Quando il computer si è bloccato durante la presentazione, non sapevo che pesci pigliare.

Informal
"Saperne una più del diavolo"

— To be very cunning or sly; to be full of tricks; to know more than one lets on.

Quel venditore sa sempre una più del diavolo per convincerti.

Informal
"Non sapere dove battere la testa"

— To be overwhelmed with problems or tasks; to not know where to turn for help or solutions.

Tra il lavoro e i problemi familiari, non so più dove battere la testa.

Informal
"Saperci fare"

— To be good at dealing with people or situations; to be skillful in handling things or people.

Lei sa sempreci fare con i bambini, sono tutti attratti da lei.

Informal
"Saperla lunga"

— To be shrewd, clever, or experienced; to know how to handle things effectively.

Non provarci, lui la sa lunga e capirà subito il tuo piano.

Informal
"Saperla a memoria"

— To know something by heart; to have memorized something perfectly.

Ha studiato così tanto che ora sa la lezione a memoria.

Neutral
"Non sapere da che parte iniziare"

— To not know where t

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