Saberlo

Saberlo is a common Spanish verbal construction formed by the verb saber (to know) combined with the direct object pronoun lo, attached to the infinitive. It functions as a non-finite form meaning “to know it” and is used within sentences to refer to a fact, information, or proposition that is known or to be known. It is not a separate lexical item; rather, it is saber with a clitic pronoun.

The pronoun agrees with the gender and number of the thing known. Lo is used for masculine or neuter referents, while la is used for feminine referents. For example: “Necesito saberlo cuanto antes” (I need to know it as soon as possible). “Quiero saberla” (I want to know it [the feminine thing]). “Hay que saberlo” (One must know it). “No quiero saberlo” (I don’t want to know it). When the information is a noun phrase, the pronoun reflects that noun’s gender, as in “la verdad” → “saberla.”

Usage with other verbs is common: possessive or auxiliary verbs can take saberlo as their object, as in “Tengo que saberlo” (I have to know it) or “Debes saberlo” (You should know it). Saberlo can also appear in subordinate clauses linked to verbs of knowing or obligation, with the infinitive or other non-finite forms.

In practice, saberlo illustrates how Spanish uses clitic pronouns with infinitives to condense meaning and clarify what information is being discussed. See also Spanish pronouns, clitic placement, infinitives.