The verb sapere has different meanings in passato prossimo and in imperfetto. What is the difference between ho saputo and sapevo?
Ho saputo and sapevo
Sapere means to know. However, ho saputo in passato prossimo means I have heard, I got the information. So it looks like:
| Sapevo | Imperfetto | I knew |
| Ho saputo | Passato Prossimo | I’ve heard |
Tutto chiaro? Here are a few examples:
| Sapevi che domani parto? | Did you know I’m leaving tomorrow? |
| Non lo sapevo! | I did not know! |
| Ho saputo che Mario si sposa. | I heard that Mario is getting married. |
| Ho saputo che hai cambiato lavoro. | I heard that you changed jobs |
You probably remember (see here) that sapere means can when followed by a verb. For example: So cantare I can sing.
For the past, we use the imperfetto rather than the passato prossimo:
| So nuotare | Presens | I can swim |
| Sapevo nuotare | Imperfetto | I could swim |
Esercizio
1. Passato prossimo or imperfetto?
Impara di più!
Difference between HO CONOSCIUTO and CONOSCEVO
Conoscere has different meanings in passato prossimo and imperfetto.
Difference between Imperfetto and Passato Prossimo
Both Imperfetto and Passato Prossimo are used to talk about the past.
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