Saber vs. conhecer
In Portuguese, both saber and conhecer can be translated as "to know" in English. However, they are not interchangeable and are used in different contexts. The key distinction lies in what is being known: a fact or skill versus a person, place, or thing.
Saber
A1Saber is used to express knowledge of facts, information, and data. It is also used to talk about having a skill or knowing how to do something.
Eu sei a resposta para a pergunta.
(I know the answer to the question.)
Ela sabe que Paris é a capital da França.
(She knows that Paris is the capital of France.)
Você sabe nadar?
(Do you know how to swim?)
Nós não sabemos onde eles estão.
(We don't know where they are.)
Ele sabe cozinhar muito bem.
(He knows how to cook very well.)
Eu sei o seu número de telefone de cor.
(I know your phone number by heart.)
Conhecer
A1Conhecer is used to express familiarity or acquaintance with a person, a place, or a thing. It implies having personal experience with the subject.
Eu conheço o seu irmão.
(I know your brother.)
Você conhece Portugal?
(Do you know Portugal? (Have you been there?))
Nós queremos conhecer aquele restaurante novo.
(We want to check out that new restaurant.)
Prazer em conhecer você.
(Nice to meet you.)
Ela conhece bem a literatura brasileira.
(She is well acquainted with Brazilian literature.)
Eu ainda não conheço esse filme.
(I don't know that movie yet. (I haven't seen it).)
Summary
In short, use saber for facts, information, and skills (to know *how*). Use conhecer for people, places, and things you are familiar with (to be acquainted *with*).