sirve
/SEER-veh/
it works
The machine "sirve" (it works) perfectly, as shown by the functional lever and gear.
sirve(verb)
it works
?to be functional
,it is useful
?to have utility/purpose
he/she is useful
?describing a person's utility
📝 In Action
¿Para qué sirve esta llave?
A1What is this key for (what purpose does it serve)?
Mi computadora no sirve. Está rota.
A2My computer doesn't work (is useless). It's broken.
Esta medicina sirve para aliviar el dolor.
A2This medicine is useful for relieving pain.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem Change E → I
In the present tense, the 'e' in 'servir' changes to an 'i' in the third-person singular ('sirve'), but NOT in the 'we' ('nosotros') form (servimos).
Using 'Sirve para'
Use 'sirve para' (it serves for) when describing the purpose or function of an object or action.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Estar' instead of 'Servir'
Mistake: "Saying 'El carro no está útil' (The car is not useful)."
Correction: Use 'sirve': 'El carro no sirve' (The car is useless/broken).
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Check for Broken Things
To say something is broken or completely useless, the fastest way is often simply 'No sirve'.
The waiter "sirve" (serves) the hot meal to the customer.
sirve(verb)
he/she serves
?food or drink
,you serve (formal)
?addressing a customer service worker
it serves (portion)
?referring to the quantity a dish provides
📝 In Action
La camarera sirve las bebidas rápidamente.
A1The waitress serves the drinks quickly.
Esta paella sirve para cuatro personas.
B1This paella serves four people (is enough for four people).
💡 Grammar Points
Formal Request
In service contexts, '¿Qué se le sirve?' (What is served to you?) is a very polite and formal way to ask what a customer wants.
⭐ Usage Tips
Setting the Table
The phrase 'sirve la mesa' can mean both serving the food AND setting the table, depending on the context.
The pillar "sirve" (serves) its purpose by holding up the structure.
sirve(verb)
he/she serves
?duty, allegiance, or purpose
he/she is employed by
?working for a specific entity
📝 In Action
El presidente sirve a su nación con total dedicación.
B1The president serves his nation with total dedication.
Ella sirve de enlace entre los dos departamentos.
B2She serves as a link between the two departments.
💡 Grammar Points
'Sirve a' vs. 'Sirve de'
Use 'sirve a' when the object is the entity receiving the service (Sirve a su país). Use 'sirve de' when describing the role or function something has (Sirve de puente/It serves as a bridge).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sirve
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best translates 'Este paraguas no sirve'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'sirve' a regular verb?
No, 'sirve' comes from the verb 'servir,' which is irregular because of the 'e to i' stem change in the present tense (e.g., s**i**rvo, s**i**rves, s**i**rve). However, its endings follow the typical -ir pattern.
Can I use 'sirve' to mean 'to help'?
Yes, indirectly. Saying 'sirve para...' (it serves for...) means it helps achieve a purpose. But if you want to say 'he helps me,' you would usually use 'ayuda' (Ayuda a María) instead of 'sirve'.