Question 1

What exactly does pues mean at the start of this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Here, pues is a conversational filler word that simply means "well." It gives the speaker a moment to gather their thoughts before answering. Unlike the strict consequence connectors you are learning in this lesson (like por eso), using pues at the very beginning of a phrase just sets a casual, spoken tone.

Question 2

Why does sé have an accent mark over the "e"?

Accepted Answer

The written accent mark is there to tell two identical-sounding words apart. Sé with an accent means "I know" (from the verb saber). Without the accent, se is a completely different word: the pronoun used for reflexive verbs (like the se in ¿Cómo se dice?).

Question 3

Could I say no conozco instead of no sé?

Accepted Answer

Not in this context! Remember that Spanish has two different verbs for "to know." You use saber (which becomes sé for "I") for knowing facts, having information, or knowing how to do something. You use conocer (which becomes conozco) when you are familiar with a person or a place. When you just want to say "I don't know the answer," it is always no sé.

Pues, no sé.

Breakdown of Pues, no sé.

Questions & Answers about Pues, no sé.

Learn Pues, no sé and more in Spanish