Inklingo
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A woman in a classic maid uniform holding a feather duster and a cleaning bucket.

sirvienta

seer-BYEN-tah

nounfA2
maid?a woman employed to do housework,female servant?historical or formal context
Also:housekeeper?someone who manages a home

📝 In Action

La sirvienta preparó el desayuno temprano.

A1

The maid prepared breakfast early.

En esa película antigua, la sirvienta lleva un uniforme blanco.

A2

In that old movie, the maid wears a white uniform.

Mi abuela tenía una sirvienta que vivía en la casa.

B1

My grandmother had a maid who lived in the house.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • empleada doméstica (domestic worker)
  • mucama (maid (common in Argentina/Uruguay))
  • criada (housemaid (often sounds older or more traditional))

Antonyms

  • patrona (female boss/employer)
  • ama (lady of the house)

Common Collocations

  • traje de sirvienta – maid's outfit
  • trabajar de sirvienta – to work as a maid

💡 Grammar Points

Gender and Endings

This word ends in -a because it refers specifically to a woman. If you were talking about a man, you would use 'sirviente'.

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'sirvienta' in modern settings

Mistake: "Calling a modern domestic worker 'sirvienta' in a formal city setting."

Correction: Use 'empleada del hogar' or 'asistente' instead. In many places, 'sirvienta' can sound a bit old-fashioned or even slightly disrespectful today.

⭐ Usage Tips

When to use it

You will mostly see this word in historical novels, telenovelas, or when talking about the past. In modern conversation, most people prefer more professional-sounding terms.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: sirvienta

Question 1 of 1

Which of these is a more modern and polite way to refer to a household worker in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'sirvienta' considered offensive?

It's not strictly a swear word, but it can feel dated or belittling in modern contexts. It implies a social hierarchy that many people find uncomfortable today. To be safe and polite, use 'empleada' or 'asistente'.

What is the difference between 'sirvienta' and 'criada'?

Both refer to a maid, but 'criada' comes from the word 'criar' (to raise), historically referring to someone who was raised in the household they served. Both are now considered somewhat old-fashioned.