[Sé + infinitivo] o [Sé como + infinitivo] ?

Sierra R.A0Kwiziq community member

[Sé + infinitivo] o [Sé como + infinitivo] ?

I am looking for a clarification on how to say that you know/don't know how to do something. For example, "I know how to dance" is "Sé bailar" or "Sé como bailar"? I feel like it's the first one, and that saying "como" is redundant or just a direct translation from english, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there ever an instance in which you would say "como + infinitive" to say "how to ...."? Or am I totally wrong?

Asked 3 years ago
Marsha C.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor Correct answer

Use saber [conjugated] + the infinitive for something you know how to do or don't know how to do. For example sé bailar el tango or no sé bailar el tango.

Saber [conjugated] + cómo + infinitive refers to knowing the way something is done rather than the ability to do it.  So sé cómo bailar el tango would mean I know how the tango is performed rather than I can dance the tango. 

[Sé + infinitivo] o [Sé como + infinitivo] ?

I am looking for a clarification on how to say that you know/don't know how to do something. For example, "I know how to dance" is "Sé bailar" or "Sé como bailar"? I feel like it's the first one, and that saying "como" is redundant or just a direct translation from english, but I'm not entirely sure. Is there ever an instance in which you would say "como + infinitive" to say "how to ...."? Or am I totally wrong?

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