connaître

Senses

1. 1.

   to know (someone; be acquainted with)

   to be familiar with or have met a person

2. 2.

   to know (something; have knowledge of)

   to be aware of or have information about a fact, subject, or skill

3. 3.

   to experience; to go through

   to undergo or live through a particular state or situation

4. 4.

   to recognize; to identify

   to perceive and identify someone or something as familiar

Examples

• "Je connais Marie depuis dix ans."

  I have known Marie for ten years.

• "Tu connais la réponse à cette question ?"

  Do you know the answer to this question?

• "Il a connu une grande tristesse après son départ."

  He experienced great sadness after her departure.

Usage

Connaître is one of the most frequent French verbs. Use it for people (je connais Paul) and general knowledge/experience. For skills or languages, use savoir instead (je sais parler français). The past participle connu is often used in "connu(e)" (well-known).