grammar
« Savoir » vs « connaître »: Two ways to say "to know".
Bonjour ! In English, we use the verb "to know" for everything: knowing a person, knowing a fact, or knowing how to swim. In French, you must choose between two distinct verbs-savoir and connaître-depending entirely on the grammatical structure that follows.
Using « Savoir » (Skills and Facts)
You use savoir when you know how to do something, or when you know a piece of factual information. It is always followed by a verb or a question word.
« Je sais conduire. » (I know how to drive.)
« Il ne sait pas nager. » (He doesn't know how to swim.)
When "savoir" is followed by a question word (who, when, how, where, etc.), it introduces a factual clause.
« Je sais qui viendra à la fête. » (I know who will come to the party.)
« Elle ne sait pas où il habite. » (She doesn't know where he lives.)
Using « Connaître » (Familiarity with Nouns)
You use connaître when you are acquainted or familiar with a person, a place, or a specific thing. Because it requires a direct object, connaître is always followed directly by a noun.
« Je connais un petit restaurant agréable. » (I know a nice little restaurant.)
« Il connaît François. » (He knows François.)
If you are struggling to choose the right verb, ask yourself what comes immediately after it in the sentence. Is it a person or a place? If yes, use connaître. If it is an action (verb) or a question word (où, quand, pourquoi, que), you must use savoir.