Tenses of Saber

Question

I think I remember from my high school days that saber has a different meaning than "to know" in one of its tenses, I think one of the past tenses has a different meaning when translated to English but I'm not sure. It might have been for a negative construction of saber, to mean I don't remember rather than I don't know. I haven't come across any grammar rules that mention this since high school, but I would appreciate it if someone could help me out with this. Thanks

David McNaughton · Answer

Good morning Missy -Yes, the preterite of "saber" usually means "found out" or "heard about" as opposed to "knew":e.g.Cuando supe la noticia de ... > When I heard the news of ...------------------You are probably aware that "saber" can also mean "taste".And you are careful, I'm sure, to use the verb "conocer" when the sense is "be acquainted with".

Missy E · Answer

That must be it, thanks David

Inma Sánchez · Answer

Hola Missy,
David's right. Generally, saber used in the Indefinido has that specific meaning of "finding out" more than the more general "knowing". There are other verbs that have the same effect in the Indefinido. We have two lessons for this nuance. Have a look at:
Poder
Querer
I hope they're useful.
Saludos
Inma

Missy E · Answer

Thanks Inma !