Both "saber" and "conocer" mean "to know" - but they are used in different ways. "Saber" is used to express knowledge that is intellectual or a skill. You "know" facts and skills. "Conocer" is used to express less thorough or precise knowledge. It is more like "being acquainted with" Examples: Sé esquíar. I know (how) to ski. María sabe hablar español. Mary knows (how) to speak Spanish. Conozco al señor García. I know Mr. Garcia. John conoce la ciudad de Chicago. John knows the city of Chicago In general, use conocer with people and places.
