Sapere vs conoscere in "I know a language"?

Question

What is the difference between "So l'italiano" and "Conosco l'italiano"? I've seen both used in sentences.

Answer 1

You should say “so parlare l’italiano” - this is how you say “I know italian”. You cannot directly translate from English to italian, though.

Answer 2

English has only one word (to know), whereas Italian has two words that both translate as "to know", i.e. "sapere" and "conoscere". "sapere" is used when you have knowledge of something or the learned ability to do something, e.g. "I know how to swim." (So nuotare.), and "conoscere" is used when you know a person or a place, e.g. "I know Carla" / "I know Rome" (Conosco Carla / Conosco Roma).