Learn Spanish (Latin America): ¿Sabes manejar en la ciudad?

¿Sabes manejar en la ciudad?

Do you know how to drive in the city?

Breakdown of ¿Sabes manejar en la ciudad?

to know (facts) / to hear from (someone)

manejar

to drive

Questions & Answers about ¿Sabes manejar en la ciudad?

Why do we use sabes here instead of conoces?

We use the verb saber for facts, information, or knowing how to do something (skills). Because driving is a skill, we use sabes. The verb conocer is used when you are familiar with a person, place, or thing.

Why isn't there a word for "how" before manejar?

In English, we say "know how to do something." In Spanish, you simply put the unconjugated action verb right after saber. You don't need to add cómo (how). So, sabes manejar literally means "you know to drive."

Is manejar the only word for "to drive"?

In Latin America, manejar is the most common word for driving. You might also hear or read conducir, which is the preferred word in Spain. Both are correct and widely understood!

Why is manejar not conjugated like sabes?

When you have two verbs working together to describe one action, only the first verb changes to match the person doing it. Since saber is already conjugated to sabes (for "you"), the second verb manejar stays in its unconjugated infinitive form.