sirven
/SEER-ven/
they work (function)
This shows objects that successfully function, illustrating the meaning of 'sirven' (they work).
sirven(verb)
they work (function)
?referring to objects or devices
,they are useful
?referring to things or ideas
they are suitable
?referring to appropriateness
,they serve (a purpose)
?general function
📝 In Action
Estos zapatos viejos ya no me sirven.
A2These old shoes don't work for me anymore (they are no longer useful).
¿Para qué sirven estas llaves?
B1What are these keys for (What purpose do they serve)?
Las baterías no sirven. Necesitas cambiarlas.
A2The batteries don't work. You need to change them.
💡 Grammar Points
Stem-Change Verb (e>i)
This verb is irregular. The 'e' in the middle of 'servir' changes to an 'i' in most forms, including 'sirven', but not in the 'we' (nosotros) form ('servimos').
Using 'Sirven' with 'Para'
When talking about purpose, use 'servir para' + an activity or noun: 'Sirven para cortar papel' (They are useful for cutting paper).
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Stem Change
Mistake: "The key is missing the 'i': 'serven' (incorrect)."
Correction: Always remember the vowel change: 'sirven' (correct). This happens in all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
⭐ Usage Tips
Quick Check for Broken Items
A very common way to ask if something is broken is using the negative: '¿No sirven?' (Do they not work?).
The action of the waiter bringing food to the table depicts 'sirven' (they serve).
sirven(verb)
they serve
?food, drinks, or customers
they attend to
?customers or guests
📝 In Action
Los camareros sirven la cena a las ocho.
A1The waiters serve dinner at eight o'clock.
En este restaurante sirven platos vegetarianos.
A1In this restaurant, they serve vegetarian dishes.
Dicen que sirven al cliente con mucha amabilidad.
B1They say they serve the client with great kindness.
💡 Grammar Points
Transitive Action
In this meaning, 'sirven' usually needs a direct object (the thing being served), like 'sirven la comida' (they serve the food).
⭐ Usage Tips
Passive Voice Context
Often used in Spanish without specifying who is serving: 'Sirven un menú del día' (A daily menu is served).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: sirven
Question 1 of 2
Which English phrase best describes the meaning of 'Las tijeras no sirven'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'servir' change to 'sirven' but not 'servimos'?
This is a common pattern in Spanish irregular verbs. The vowel change (e to i) only happens when the stress falls on the stem of the verb (like in 'sirven'). In the 'we' (nosotros) form, the stress falls on the ending, so the original 'e' returns: 'ser-VI-mos'.
Can 'sirven' be used for clothes?
Yes, absolutely! If a piece of clothing is too small or too big, you would say 'No me sirven' (They don't fit me / They aren't useful to me).