siervo
“siervo” means “serf” in Spanish (historical/feudal).
serf
Also: servant, slave
📝 In Action
En la Edad Media, el siervo trabajaba las tierras del señor feudal.
B1In the Middle Ages, the serf worked the feudal lord's lands.
Muchos se consideran siervos de Dios.
B2Many consider themselves servants of God.
No soy siervo de nadie; soy un hombre libre.
C1I am no one's servant; I am a free man.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: siervo
Question 1 of 3
If you are reading about a medieval king and his workers, a 'siervo' is likely a:
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'servus,' which meant a slave or a servant. It is the same root that gave us the English words 'serve' and 'serf.'
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'siervo' the same as 'esclavo'?
Not exactly. While both involve a lack of freedom, a 'siervo' (serf) in history had slightly more rights than an 'esclavo' (slave), though both were tied to someone else's service.
Do people use this word for 'waiter'?
No. For a waiter, use 'camarero' or 'mesero.' Using 'siervo' would sound very strange and overly dramatic today.
How do I remember the difference between 'siervo' and 'ciervo'?
Think of the 'S' in 'Siervo' as standing for 'Servant,' and the 'C' in 'Ciervo' as standing for the 'Cuernos' (horns) of a deer.