знать vs узнать

znát' vs uznát' — to know vs to find out / recognize

What it really means

"Знать" means to know a fact, person, place, or skill as an existing state of knowledge. "Узнать" is perfective and means to find out new information or recognize someone/something. The prefix у- marks the moment information reaches you or recognition happens.

For a continuing process of finding out, use "узнавать": "Я узнаю новости каждое утро" (I find out the news every morning).

Examples in natural speech

Я знаю этот город.
I know this city.
Я не знаю, где он живёт.
I don't know where he lives.
Я узнал правду вчера.
I found out the truth yesterday.
Ты узнал его на фотографии?
Did you recognize him in the photograph?
Я хочу узнать больше.
I want to find out more.

Common mistakes

Do not use знать for the moment you learn something new: "Я знаю об этом вчера" is impossible because the time is completed. Say "Я узнал об этом вчера" (I found out about it yesterday). Use знать for the state that follows: "Теперь я знаю."

Memory tip

"Знать" is knowledge you have; "узнать" is knowledge you gain or a person you recognize.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between знать and узнать in Russian?

"Знать" means to know as an ongoing state. "Узнать" means to find out new information or recognize someone. "Я знаю" = I know; "Я узнал" = I found out or recognized.

How do you say find out in Russian?

Use the perfective verb "узнать": "Я хочу узнать ответ" means "I want to find out the answer." For a repeated process, use узнавать.

How do you say recognize someone in Russian?

Use "узнать": "Я сразу узнал его" means "I recognized him immediately." This is different from "Я знаю его" (I know him).

Note: This site uses JavaScript for interactive drills, audio playback, and progress tracking. Please enable JavaScript for the full experience.