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Chinese · Choosing the Right Verb

知道, 认识 or 会

English know splits into three Chinese verbs, and what you know decides which one:

  • 知道 (zhīdào): know a fact or a piece of information. 我知道他的地址 (I know his address), 你知道现在几点吗? (Do you know what time it is?)
  • 认识 (rènshi): know a person, be acquainted, get to know someone. 很高兴认识你 (Nice to meet you). With a duration: 我们认识十年了 (We have known each other for ten years).
  • 会 (huì): know how to do something you have learned. 我会游泳 (I can swim), 她会说中文 (She speaks Chinese).

Quick test: if know is followed by information (a fact, an answer, where, when, what, the way to a place), use 知道. If the object is a person you have met, use 认识. If a learned skill follows (swim, drive, cook), use 会.
能 (néng) is another can: being able to in a situation (我今天不能来, I can't come today). It is not practised here.

Examples

  • 我知道他的名字,但是不认识他。
  • 我们认识很多年了。
  • 我哥哥会弹钢琴。
  • 你知道这家商店几点关门吗?

Try it yourself

你他住在哪里吗?Show answer
你知道他住在哪里吗?
我们十年了,是老朋友。Show answer
我们认识十年了,是老朋友。
我开车,但是没有车。Show answer
我会开车,但是没有车。
我不今天是星期几。Show answer
我不知道今天是星期几。
她说三种语言。Show answer
她会说三种语言。
很高兴你。Show answer
很高兴认识你。
你游泳吗?Show answer
你会游泳吗?
你现在几点吗?Show answer
你知道现在几点吗?
你和你太太是怎么的?是朋友介绍的吗?Show answer
你和你太太是怎么认识的?是朋友介绍的吗?
我不他的电话号码。Show answer
我不知道他的电话号码。