Know better Meaning in English
expression
ˈnoʊ/ /ˈbɛtɝ
NOH BET-er
nˈəʊ/ /bˈɛtɐ
NOH BET-uh
Definition
To be wise or experienced enough not to do something foolish; also, to know what is correct or sensible.
Usage & Nuances
Often used to gently criticize someone's poor decision or to express that someone should have been aware of the consequences. Common phrases: 'You should know better', 'She knows better than to...'. Used in advice, disapproval, and sometimes humor.
Spanish: saber mejor - tener más criterioPortuguese (BR): saber melhor - ter mais discernimentoPortuguese (PT): saber melhor - ter mais juízoChinese (Simplified): 应该更懂事 - 明知不该Chinese (Traditional): 應該更懂事 - 明知不該Hindi: ज़्यादा समझ होना - बेहतर जाननाArabic: يجب أن يعرف أفضل - لديه حكمة أكثرBengali: ভাল বুঝা - অভিজ্ঞ হওয়াRussian: знать лучше - быть умнееJapanese: 分別がある - よく分かっているVietnamese: biết rõ hơn - đủ khôn ngoanKorean: 더 잘 알다 - 분별이 있다Turkish: daha iyi bilmek - akıllıca davranmakUrdu: بہتر جاننا - شعور رکھناIndonesian: tahu lebih baik - cukup bijak
Example Sentences
You should know better than to touch the stove when it's hot.
basic
I thought you knew better than to lie to your friends.
basic
He is old enough to know better.
basic
Come on, you know better than that!
natural
She acts like she didn’t know better, but I know she did.
natural
By now, we all know better than to show up late to his parties.
natural