Lesson 136: Understanding verbs -- non sapere v. non potere

It is important to understand the differences between the verbs, sapere and potere in the negative:

1. Non sapere indicates a lack of ability in doing a particular task. A good translation for this would be don't know how. One does not know how because of a lack of training/ability. Sapere is followed directly by the infinitive:
   
   Non so guidare. I miei genitori non mi hanno mai insegnato.
   I don't know how to drive. My parents never taught me.
   
   
2. Non potere means that you are unable to do something, not because of a lack of skill or ability, but because of some other factor that impedes or prevents you. Potere is also followed directly by the infinitive:
   
   Non possiamo andare in macchina a Milano. I miei genitori hanno la macchina.
   We cannot drive to Milan. My parents have the car.