Lo Se y No lo se

Un poco ayuda, por favor. I know that "No lo se" translates to "I don't know", but I've also heard (and used) "no se". What's the funtion of lo here, and is "no se" actually incorrect? And I've always wondered how you would say "I know", as in a response to question. I guess this is where "lo se" comes in. I suppose that will make sense to me once I understand the 'lo'. I thought perhaps 'lo se' meant 'I know it", but I guess I'm confused and need help. And yes I realize 'se' should have an accent, but I haven't mastered the keyboard yet! :D Gracias a todos!

Hola Rodney, The best way to think about it, is to think as "No sé" like.. I don't know and "No lo sé" as... I don't know it... in most circumstances you can use either or, its really up to you what you feel more comfortable using. To say "I know" you are on the right track, "lo se" (I know it) or "ya lo se" (I already know it) are both very widely used. Once again you can take your pick. One word of advise tough!, do not confuse yourself by trying to translate the words, it is enough to simply know what it means, it really wastes time when you try to translate things to English, it is much simpler to just "Know" what it means and how it can be used. When the time comes to speak or listen, you will find that this method will help you a lot. Sometimes when I have one person talking to me in English in one ear and Spanish on the other I don't actually distinguish the languages, I simply "understand" both of them. (Although I get a little confuse in which language I should reply to each sometimes...lol) Keep up the good work and let us know any more questions you might have. All the best to you. Mauricio.

Gracias Mauricio!