servir

v.

1 to serve.

¿te sirvo más patatas? would you like some more potatoes?

¿me sirve un poco más, por favor? could I have a bit more, please?

¿en qué puedo servirle? what can I do for you?

la polémica está servida the gloves are off

La ley sirve su propósito The law serves its purpose..

No servimos a los menores de edad We do not serve kids under age.

Este lugar sirve buen pescado This restaurant serves good fish.

María sirvió y llamó a comer Mary served and called us to eat.

Esto sirve This serves.

2 to serve (prestar servicio).

servir en el Ejército to serve in the Army

3 to be in service (como criado).

4 to suit someone's purposes, to suit, to serve someone's purposes.

El estante sirve The shelf suits one's purposes.

5 to serve the ball.

El tenista sirvió The tennis player served the ball.

6 to be useful for.

Este sistema me sirve This system is useful for me.

7 to process, to fill.

El chico sirve la órden de compra The boy processes the purchase order.

* * *

SERVIR

CONJUGACIÓN

(e weakens to i in certain persons of certain tenses)

Present Indicative

sirvo, sirves, sirve, servimos, servís, sirven.

Past Indicative

serví, serviste, sirvió, servimos, servisteis, sirvieron.

Present Subjunctive

sirva, sirvas, sirva, sirvamos, sirváis, sirvan.

Imperfect Subjunctive

sirviera, sirvieras, sirviera, sirviéramos, sirvierais, sirvieran;

sirviese, sirvieses, sirviese, sirviésemos, sirvieseis, sirviesen.

Future Subjunctive

sirviere, sirvieres, sirviere, sirviéremos, sirviereis, sirvieren.

Imperative

sirve (tú), sirva (él/Vd.), sirvamos (nos.), servid (vos.), sirvan (ellos/Vds.).

* * *

verb

1) to serve

2) be of use

3) work

•

- servirse

- servirse de

* * *

1. VT

1) [+ persona, intereses, causa] to serve

seguiré sirviendo al pueblo — I will continue to serve the people

están sirviendo a su interés personal — they are furthering o serving their own interests

servir a Dios — to serve God

servir a la patria — to serve one's country

¿en qué puedo servirle? — how can I help you?

- para servirle

- no se puede servir a Dios y al diablo

2) [para comer]

a) [en la mesa] [+ comida] to serve; [+ bebida] to serve, pour

¿a qué hora sirven el desayuno? — what time is breakfast served?

se negaron a servirnos — they refused to serve us

¿me ayudas a servir la mesa? — can you help me serve (the food)?

la cena está servida — dinner's on the table, dinner is served frm

¿te sirvo un poco más? — would you like some more?, can I give you some more?

había cinco criados para servir la mesa — there were five servants waiting at o serving at table

b) (=proporcionar) to give, serve frm

ese día sirven una comida especial a la tropa — the troops are given o frm served a special meal that day

sirvieron unos canapés tras la inauguración — after the opening ceremony there were canapés, canapés were served after the opening ceremony frm

3) (Com) [+ pedido] to process

4) (Tenis) to serve

5) (Mec) [+ máquina, cañón] to man

6) (Naipes) [+ cartas] to deal

2. VI

1) (=ser útil) to be useful

todavía puede servir — it might still be useful

este mismo me servirá — this one will do

siempre que lo he necesitado me ha servido — whenever I've needed it, it's done the job

• eso no sirve — that's no good o use

este sistema ya no sirve — this system is no good o use any more

ya no me sirve — it's no good o use to me now

la distinción entre derechas e izquierdas ya no sirve — the distinction between right and left is no longer valid

• servir para algo, puede servir para limpiar el metal — it can be used for o it is suitable for cleaning metal

¿para qué sirve? — what is it for?

¿para qué sirve este aparato? — what's this gadget for?

la nueva normativa solo ha servido para crear polémica — the new regulation has only served to stir up controversy frm, the only thing the new rule has done is to stir up controversy

el acuerdo no ha servido para alcanzar la paz — the agreement has not succeeded in achieving peace

esta huelga no está sirviendo para nada — this strike is not achieving anything

no sirves para nada — you're completely useless

yo no serviría para médico — I'd be no good as a doctor

2)

• servir de algo, la legislación italiana puede servirnos de guía — we can use Italian law as a guide, Italian law can serve a guide

servir de ejemplo a algn — to be an example to sb

esa experiencia le ha servido de lección — that experience taught him a lesson

por si sirve de algo — in case that's any use

• no sirve de nada quejarse — it's no good o use complaining, there's no point in complaining

no sirve de nada que vaya él — it's no good o use him going *, there's no point in him going

• ¿de qué sirve mentir? — what's the good o use of lying?, what's the point in lying?

precedente 2.

3) [en el servicio doméstico] to work as a servant

estuvo sirviendo en Madrid — she was a servant in Madrid

• ponerse a servir — to become a servant

4) [camarero] to serve

vete a servir en la barra — go and serve at the bar

5) (Mil) to serve frm

yo serví en la Marina — I was in the Navy, I served in the Navy frm

está sirviendo — he's doing his military service

6) (Tenis) to serve

7) (Naipes) (tb: servir del palo) to follow suit

3.

See:

servirse

* * *

1.

verbo intransitivo

1) (ser útil)

esta caja no sirve — this box won't do o is no good

tíralo, ya no me sirve — throw it away, it's (of) no use to me anymore

servir para algo: ¿para qué sirve este aparato? what's this device for?; no lo tires, puede servir para algo don't throw it away, it might come in useful for something; este cuchillo no sirve para cortar pan this knife is no good for cutting bread; no sirves para nada you're useless; no creo que sirva para este trabajo I don't think he's right o suitable for this job; yo no sirvo para mentir I'm a hopeless liar, I'm not good at lying; servir de algo: de nada sirve llorar it's no use o good crying; ¿de qué sirve hablarle si no te escucha? what's the point in o the use of talking to him if he doesn't listen to you?; esto te puede servir de mesa — you can use this as a table

2)

a) (en la mesa) to serve

se sirve a los invitados primero — guests are served first

b) (trabajar de criado) to be in (domestic) service

empezó a servir a los catorce años — she went into service at the age of fourteen

c) (Mil) to serve (frml)

3) (Dep) (en tenis) to serve

2.

servir vt

1) <comida> to serve; <bebida> to serve, pour

servir la comida — to serve (out) o (colloq) dish out the food

la cena está servida — dinner is served

servir a temperatura ambiente — serve at room temperature

2)

a) (estar al servicio de)

servir a algo/alguien — to serve something/somebody

se cree que todos la tienen que servir — she expects to be waited on hand and foot

¿en qué puedo servirle? — (frml) how can I help you?

para servirle — at your service

no se puede servir a Dios y al diablo — no man can serve two masters

b) (Com) <pedido> to process; <cliente> to serve; <mercancías> to send

3.

servirse v pron

1) (refl) <comida> to help oneself to; <bebida> to pour oneself, help oneself to

sírvete otro trozo — help yourself to another piece

2) (frml) (hacer uso)

servirse de algo — to make use of something, use something

3) (frml) (hacer el favor de)

servirse + inf: sírvase rellenar la solicitud please fill in the application form; les rogamos se sirvan enviarnos esta información — we would ask you to send us this information (frml)

* * *

= be of use, do, serve, do + the trick, host, dish out, serve up.

Ex. Libraries sometimes also find it useful to prepare leaflets which deal with a particular category of information source which might be of use to various users.

Ex. It needs a name, and, to coin one at random, 'memex' will do.

Ex. This broader consideration of descriptive cataloguing problems serves to set a context for the consideration of cataloguing problems associated with nonbook materials.

Ex. We are currently in the process of looking at two products that seem to do the trick.

Ex. Most computer bureaux which host the factual data bases have their own world-wide networks.

Ex. One has only to turn on the television to see that educated people still have little influence on the trash dished out to the uneducated masses.

Ex. A watering hole in Spain is serving up free beer and tapas to recession-weary customers who insult its bartenders as a way to let off steam.

----

* ¿para qué sirve... ? = what's the use of... ?.

* no servir de mucho = be little more than an interesting exercise.

* no servir de nada = be of no avail, be to no avail.

* no servir de nada que + Subjuntivo = no use + Ving.

* no servir para nada = be good for nothing, pissing into the wind, be of no avail, be to no avail, all + be for + naught.

* por si sirve de algo = for what it's worth [FWIW].

* servir a = be of service to.

* servir al mismo tiempo como = double up as.

* servir al mismo tiempo de = double as.

* servir a los usuarios = serve + patrons.

* servir a un público de = serve + a population of.

* servir como = serve as.

* servir de apoyo a = inform.

* servir de ayuda = be of assistance.

* servir de catalizador = serve as + a catalyst.

* servir de contrapeso = counterpoise.

* servir de experiencia = chart + the waters.

* servir de factor de predicción de = be predictive of.

* servir de guía = carry + the torch.

* servir de introducción = set + the backdrop, set + the framework, set + the context.

* servir de introducción a = provide + a background to.

* servir de modelo = serve as + a model.

* servir de poco = be of little use.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* servir de puente = act as + a bridge.

* servir de puente entre = serve as + a bridge between.

* servir de punto de partida = point + the way to.

* servir de telón de fondo = set + the backdrop.

* servir los intereses = serve + interests.

* servir muy bien = take + Nombre + a long way.

* servir para = be instrumental in/to.

* servir para nada = count + for nothing.

* servir repetidamente = ply + Nombre + with + Bebida.

* servirse = help + Reflexivo.

* servirse de la experiencia = draw on/upon + background.

* servirse de la experiencia de = draw on/upon + experience of.

* servirse de la formación de Uno = draw on/upon + background.

* servir una Bebida = pour + Bebida.

* servir un documento = deliver + document.

* servir un fin = serve + end.

* servir un pedido = fulfil + order, fill + order.

* utensilio para servir = serving utensil.

* * *

1.

verbo intransitivo

1) (ser útil)

esta caja no sirve — this box won't do o is no good

tíralo, ya no me sirve — throw it away, it's (of) no use to me anymore

servir para algo: ¿para qué sirve este aparato? what's this device for?; no lo tires, puede servir para algo don't throw it away, it might come in useful for something; este cuchillo no sirve para cortar pan this knife is no good for cutting bread; no sirves para nada you're useless; no creo que sirva para este trabajo I don't think he's right o suitable for this job; yo no sirvo para mentir I'm a hopeless liar, I'm not good at lying; servir de algo: de nada sirve llorar it's no use o good crying; ¿de qué sirve hablarle si no te escucha? what's the point in o the use of talking to him if he doesn't listen to you?; esto te puede servir de mesa — you can use this as a table

2)

a) (en la mesa) to serve

se sirve a los invitados primero — guests are served first

b) (trabajar de criado) to be in (domestic) service

empezó a servir a los catorce años — she went into service at the age of fourteen

c) (Mil) to serve (frml)

3) (Dep) (en tenis) to serve

2.

servir vt

1) <comida> to serve; <bebida> to serve, pour

servir la comida — to serve (out) o (colloq) dish out the food

la cena está servida — dinner is served

servir a temperatura ambiente — serve at room temperature

2)

a) (estar al servicio de)

servir a algo/alguien — to serve something/somebody

se cree que todos la tienen que servir — she expects to be waited on hand and foot

¿en qué puedo servirle? — (frml) how can I help you?

para servirle — at your service

no se puede servir a Dios y al diablo — no man can serve two masters

b) (Com) <pedido> to process; <cliente> to serve; <mercancías> to send

3.

servirse v pron

1) (refl) <comida> to help oneself to; <bebida> to pour oneself, help oneself to

sírvete otro trozo — help yourself to another piece

2) (frml) (hacer uso)

servirse de algo — to make use of something, use something

3) (frml) (hacer el favor de)

servirse + inf: sírvase rellenar la solicitud please fill in the application form; les rogamos se sirvan enviarnos esta información — we would ask you to send us this information (frml)

* * *

= be of use, do, serve, do + the trick, host, dish out, serve up.

Ex: Libraries sometimes also find it useful to prepare leaflets which deal with a particular category of information source which might be of use to various users.

Ex: It needs a name, and, to coin one at random, 'memex' will do.

Ex: This broader consideration of descriptive cataloguing problems serves to set a context for the consideration of cataloguing problems associated with nonbook materials.

Ex: We are currently in the process of looking at two products that seem to do the trick.

Ex: Most computer bureaux which host the factual data bases have their own world-wide networks.

Ex: One has only to turn on the television to see that educated people still have little influence on the trash dished out to the uneducated masses.

Ex: A watering hole in Spain is serving up free beer and tapas to recession-weary customers who insult its bartenders as a way to let off steam.

* ¿para qué sirve... ? = what's the use of... ?.

* no servir de mucho = be little more than an interesting exercise.

* no servir de nada = be of no avail, be to no avail.

* no servir de nada que + Subjuntivo = no use + Ving.

* no servir para nada = be good for nothing, pissing into the wind, be of no avail, be to no avail, all + be for + naught.

* por si sirve de algo = for what it's worth [FWIW].

* servir a = be of service to.

* servir al mismo tiempo como = double up as.

* servir al mismo tiempo de = double as.

* servir a los usuarios = serve + patrons.

* servir a un público de = serve + a population of.

* servir como = serve as.

* servir de apoyo a = inform.

* servir de ayuda = be of assistance.

* servir de catalizador = serve as + a catalyst.

* servir de contrapeso = counterpoise.

* servir de experiencia = chart + the waters.

* servir de factor de predicción de = be predictive of.

* servir de guía = carry + the torch.

* servir de introducción = set + the backdrop, set + the framework, set + the context.

* servir de introducción a = provide + a background to.

* servir de modelo = serve as + a model.

* servir de poco = be of little use.

* servir de poco o nada = be of little or no avail.

* servir de puente = act as + a bridge.

* servir de puente entre = serve as + a bridge between.

* servir de punto de partida = point + the way to.

* servir de telón de fondo = set + the backdrop.

* servir los intereses = serve + interests.

* servir muy bien = take + Nombre + a long way.

* servir para = be instrumental in/to.

* servir para nada = count + for nothing.

* servir repetidamente = ply + Nombre + with + Bebida.

* servirse = help + Reflexivo.

* servirse de la experiencia = draw on/upon + background.

* servirse de la experiencia de = draw on/upon + experience of.

* servirse de la formación de Uno = draw on/upon + background.

* servir una Bebida = pour + Bebida.

* servir un documento = deliver + document.

* servir un fin = serve + end.

* servir un pedido = fulfil + order, fill + order.

* utensilio para servir = serving utensil.

* * *

servir [I14 ]

vi

A

(ser útil): esta caja no sirve, trae una más grande this box won't do o is no good, can you bring a bigger one?

tíralo, ya no me sirve throw it away, it's (of) no use to me o it's no good to me any more

servir PARA algo:

¿para qué sirve este aparato? what's this device for?, what does this device do?

¿esto sirve para algo? is this any use?

no lo tires, puede servir para algo don't throw it away, it might come in useful for something

este cuchillo no sirve para cortar pan this knife is no good for cutting bread

no creo que sirva para este trabajo I don't think he's right o suitable for this job

yo no sirvo para mentir I'm a hopeless liar, I'm no good at lying

servir DE algo:

de nada sirve llorar/que me lo digas ahora it's no use o good crying/telling me now

¿de qué sirve hablarle si no te escucha? what's the point in o the use of talking to him if he doesn't listen to you?

esto te puede servir de manto para el disfraz you can use this as a cloak for your fancy dress costume

B

1 (en la mesa) to serve

en este restaurante no saben servir the service is very poor in this restaurant

se sirve a los invitados primero guests are served first

no esperes a que te sirva help yourself, don't wait

2 (trabajar de criado) to be in (domestic) service

empezó a servir a los catorce años she went into service at the age of fourteen

3 (Mil) to serve (frml)

sirvió en Infantería he was in o he served in the Infantry

C (Dep) (en tenis) to serve

■ servir

vt

A ‹comida› to serve; ‹bebida› to serve, pour

los alumnos mayores ayudan a servir la comida the older pupils help serve o serve out o (colloq) dish out the food

a mí no me sirvas salsa no sauce for me, thanks o I won't have any sauce, thank you

sírvele otro jerez a Pilar will you pour Pilar another sherry?

¿te sirvo un poco más de arroz? can I give you a little more rice?, can I help you to a little more rice?

la cena está servida dinner is served

servir frío/a temperatura ambiente serve cold/at room temperature

B

1 (estar al servicio de) servir A algo/algn to serve sth/sb

servir a la patria/la comunidad/Dios to serve one's country/the community/God

ella se sienta y espera que la sirvan she sits down and expects to be waited on

para servir a usted (frml); at your service (frml)

¿en qué puedo servirla? (frml); how can I help you?

no se puede servir a dos señores or a Dios y al diablo no man can serve two masters

2 (Com) ‹pedido› to process; ‹cliente› to serve; ‹mercancías› to send

serviremos el pedido a la mayor brevedad we will process your order as soon as possible

C (Agr) to service

■ servirse

v pron

A (refl) ‹comida› to help oneself to; ‹bebida› to pour oneself, help oneself to

sírvete otro trozo help yourself to another piece

B (frml) (hacer uso) servirse DE algo to make use of sth, use sth

C (frml) (hacer el favor de) servirse + INF:

si el señor se sirve firmar aquí … if you would be kind enough to o would care to sign here, Sir … (frml)

sírvase rellenar la solicitud que se adjunta please fill in the enclosed application form

sírvase pasar por caja donde le harán efectivo el pago if you would like to go over to the cashier, they will give you the money

les rogamos se sirvan enviarnos esta información a la brevedad we would ask you to send us this information at your earliest convenience (frml)

* * *

 

servir (conjugate servir) verbo intransitivo
1 (ser útil):

◊ esta caja no sirve this box won't do o is no good;

ya no me sirve it's (of) no use to me anymore;
¿para qué sirve este aparato? what's this device for?;
no lo tires, puede servir para algo don't throw it away, it might come in useful for something;
este cuchillo no sirve para cortar pan this knife is no good for cutting bread;
no sirves para nada you're useless;
no creo que sirva para este trabajo I don't think he's right o suitable for this job;
servir de algo: de nada sirve llorar it's no use o good crying;
¿de qué sirve? what's the point o the use?;
esto te puede servir de mesa you can use this as a table
2

a) (en la mesa) to serve

b) (trabajar de criado) to be in (domestic) service

c) (Mil) to serve (frml)

3 (Dep) (en tenis) to serve
verbo transitivo
1 ‹comida› to serve;
‹bebida› to serve, pour
2 (estar al servicio de) ‹persona/a la patria› to serve;

◊ ¿en qué puedo servirla? (frml) how can I help you?

servirse verbo pronominal (refl) ‹comida› to help oneself to;
‹bebida› to pour oneself, help oneself to
servir
I verbo intransitivo
1 to serve
servir a la patria, to serve one's country
2 (ser útil) to be useful, be suitable: su fracaso no me sirve de consuelo, his failure is no consolation to me
el cine te servirá de distracción, the film will keep you amused
ahora ya no sirve para nada, it's no use at all
¿para qué sirve?, what is it (used) for?
3 (ropa, objetos) los pantalones ya no le sirven, the trousers don't fit him now
4 (tener capacidad) este muchacho sirve para estudiar, this boy is good at studying
5 (actuar como sustituto) esta cacerola me servirá de casco, this pot will serve as a helmet
II verbo transitivo
1 to serve
¿en qué puedo servirle?, what can I do for you? o may I help you?
2 (comida) to serve
(bebida) to pour
'servir' also found in these entries:
Spanish:
bar
- cafetera
- cuchara
- fuente
- pala
- carrito
- echar
- hacer
- helado
- huevera
- jarra
- jarro
- lechera
- panera
- poner
- servicio
- tetera
- valer
English:
act
- attend
- disagree
- dish
- dish out
- dish up
- do
- fix
- help
- off-chance
- pour
- pour out
- purpose
- rim
- serve
- serve out
- serve up
- server
- tablespoon
- venue
- wait
- wait on
- deterrent
- duty
- fat
- serving
- spatula
- table

* * *

servir

♦ vt

1. [comida, bebida] to serve;

todavía no nos han servido we haven't been served yet;

la cena se servirá o [m5]será servida a las ocho dinner will be served at eight;

sírvanos dos cervezas two beers, please;

¿te sirvo más patatas? would you like some more potatoes?;

¿me sirve un poco más, por favor? could I have a bit more, please?;

servir mesas Br to wait at table, US to wait tables;

la polémica está servida the gloves are off

2. [prestar servicio a] to serve;

¿en qué puedo servirle? [en tienda, mostrador] what can I do for you?;

servir a la patria/a Dios to serve one's country/God;

Formal

para servirle, para servir a usted [como respuesta] at your service

3. [suministrar] [mercancías] to supply;

le serviremos el pedido en el acto we'll bring you your order immediately;

nuestra empresa sirve a toda la zona our company serves o supplies the whole area

4.

voy servido [en naipes] stick, I'm sticking;

Fig [tengo de sobra] I've got plenty

♦ vi

1. [prestar servicio] to serve;

sirvió de ministro en el gobierno socialista he served as o was a minister in the socialist government;

servir en el ejército to serve in the Army

2. [valer, ser útil]

esta batidora ya no sirve/aún sirve this mixer is no good any more/can still be used;

esta mesa no me sirve, necesito una mayor this table's no good o use to me, I need a bigger one;

servir de algo [cumplir la función de] to serve as sth;

el desván le sirve de oficina he uses the attic as an office, the attic serves as his office;

la radio me servía de distracción the radio kept me entertained o served to entertain me;

servir de guía to act as a guide;

servir para [utensilio, máquina, objeto] to be for;

¿para qué sirve esto? what's this for?;

este líquido sirve para limpiar la plata this liquid is for cleaning silver;

¿te sirven estos papeles para algo? are these papers any use to you?;

este pegamento no sirve para la madera this glue is no good for wood;

yo no serviría para sacerdote I wouldn't be any good as a priest;

no sirve para estudiar he's no good at studying;

no servir de o [m5]para nada to be useless;

nuestro esfuerzo no sirvió de o [m5]para nada our effort was in vain;

de nada sirve que se lo digas it's no use telling him;

¿de qué sirve quejarse si no nos hacen caso? what's the point in o what's the good of complaining if they never take any notice of us?

3. [como criado] to be in service;

tuvo que ponerse a servir she had to go into service;

servir en palacio/en una casa to be a servant at a palace/in a household

4. [en tenis, squash] to serve

♦ See also the pronominal verb servirse

* * *

servir

I v/t serve;

¿le sirven ya? are you being served?;

¿en qué puedo servirle? what can I do for you?;

¡para servirle! at your service!

II v/i

1 be of use;

servir de serve as;

esta habitación sirve de trastero we use this room as a junk room;

servir para be (used) for;

¿para qué sirve esto? what is this (used) for?;

no servir de nada be no use at all

2 MIL, DEP serve

3 fig

:

ir servido fam have another think coming

* * *

servir {54} vt

1) : to serve, to be of use to

2) : to serve, to wait

3) surtir: to fill (an order)

servir vi

1) : to work

mi radio no sirve: my radio isn't working

2) : to be of use, to be helpful

esa computadora no sirve para nada: that computer's perfectly useless

♦ See also the reflexive verb servirse

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servir vb

1. (atender, poner comida) to serve

la dependienta que me sirvió the assistant who served me

¿ya le sirven? are you being served?

2. (poner bebida) to pour

¿sirvo yo? shall I pour?

3. (trabajar) to serve / to work

se puso a servir en una familia rica she began working for a rich family

sirve en el ejército he's in the army

4. (en tenis) to serve

5. (hacer las veces) to serve

el cuchillo me sirvió de destornillador the knife served as a screwdriver

6. (ser útil) to be useful

el inglés te servirá de mucho para viajar English will be very useful for travelling

7. (valer) to do

creo que esta caja servirá I think this box will do

8. (emplearse) to be for

esta máquina sirve para picar carne this machine is for mincing meat

¿para qué sirve esto? what's this for?

9. (ser apto) to be good

es evidente que sirves para los negocios it's obvious that you're good at business

no sirvo para ser actor I'm no good at acting