Savoir vs. Connaître: How to Say 'To Know' in French

The "To Know" Confusion

In English, whether you know a person, a mathematical formula, a great restaurant, or how to swim, you use the exact same verb: to know. In French, this concept is strictly divided into two distinct verbs: savoir and connaître. Using the wrong one is an instant giveaway that French is not your first language. Let's break down the rules!

When to Use "Savoir" (Facts & Skills)

Savoir is used for mental knowledge, facts, and learned skills. It is almost always followed by a question word (que, qui, où, quand, comment, pourquoi) or an infinitive verb.

• Facts and Information: Je sais que tu es fatigué. (I know that you are tired.) / Sais-tu où est la gare ? (Do you know where the station is?)
• Knowing "How" to do something: Whenever "know" is followed by an action, use savoir. (In French, you drop the word "how").
  Je sais nager. (I know [how] to swim.) / Il sait parler français. (He knows [how] to speak French.)
• Things known by heart: Elle sait sa leçon. (She knows her lesson.)

When to Use "Connaître" (Familiarity)

Connaître means to be familiar with, to be acquainted with, or to have personally experienced something. The absolute golden rule of connaître is that it must be followed directly by a noun (a person, place, or thing). It can NEVER be followed by a verb or a question word.

• People: Je connais le maire. (I know the mayor.) / Tu connais Paul ? (Do you know Paul?)
• Places: Nous connaissons bien Paris. (We know Paris well / We are familiar with Paris.)
• Things/Art/Culture: Je connais ce livre. (I know this book / I have read this book.)

The Ultimate Quick Test

If you are ever hesitating during a conversation, use this quick English translation trick in your head:

Can you replace "to know" with "to be familiar with" and still have the sentence make sense?

• I know the new restaurant downtown. -> I am familiar with the new restaurant. (Makes sense -> Connaître)
• I know why he is late. -> I am familiar with why he is late. (Sounds weird -> Savoir)

The Memory Trap

Be very careful with the phrase "Je ne sais pas" (I don't know). English speakers often use this when someone asks them about a person or a movie.
If someone asks, "Tu aimes ce film ?", do not say "Je ne sais pas ce film." You must say: "Je ne connais pas ce film."

Want a structured path through grammar like this? Explore our French learning parcours for a complete course roadmap.