"Je sais" vs. "Je connais": What's the Difference?

French Grammar Made Easy: "Je sais" vs. "Je connais" – What's the Difference?

Introduction

If you're learning French, you've probably come across two ways to say "I know":

👉 je sais and je connais.

They both mean “I know,” but they’re used differently, and mixing them up is a common mistake for learners. Don't worry, by the end of this post, you'll not only understand the difference but remember it effortlessly with a fun mnemonic!

1. “Je sais” – I know (a fact, how to do something)

Je sais comes from the verb savoir, which is used when talking about:

• Facts
• Information
• How to do something

Think of it as “knowing that something is true” or “knowing how to do something.”

✅ Examples:

Je sais que Paris est la capitale de la France.
(I know that Paris is the capital of France.)

Je sais parler français.
(I know how to speak French.)

Je sais où elle habite.
(I know where she lives.)

2. “Je connais” – I know (people, places, things)

Je connais comes from the verb connaître, and is used when you're familiar with or have experienced:

• People
• Places
• Things (like books, movies, music)

Think of it as “being acquainted with” someone or something.

✅ Examples:

Je connais Marie.
(I know Marie.)

Je connais bien Paris.
(I know Paris well / I’m familiar with Paris.)

Je connais ce film.
(I know that film.)

Handy Mnemonic

“Savoir” is for ‘Skills’ and ‘Stuff you can explain’.
“Connaître” is for ‘Connections’ – like people and places.

Or even easier:

🧠 “Je sais” = I know stuff.
👋 “Je connais” = I know someone.

🎯 Quick Quiz: Can you choose the right one?

1. ______ jouer du piano.
(I know how to play the piano.)

2. ______ cette chanson.
(I know this song.)

3. ______ qu’il va pleuvoir demain.
(I know it will rain tomorrow.)

4. ______ ton frère.
(I know your brother.)

Answers:

1. Je sais
2. Je connais
3. Je sais
4. Je connais

In Summary

Usage	Je sais (savoir)	Je connais (connaître)
Facts/Info	✅	❌
Skills/Abilities	✅ (“Je sais nager”)	❌
People	❌	✅ (“Je connais Paul”)
Places	❌	✅ (“Je connais Paris”)
Books/Films	❌	✅ (“Je connais ce livre”)

🌟 Now you know how to use "je sais" and "je connais" like a native speaker!
Practice with your own examples and try them in conversation.

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