Inklingo

sirviente

seer-BYEHN-tehsiɾˈβjente

servant

Also: domestic worker, attendant
NounmB1
Latin America
A person in a formal uniform holding a silver tray with a glass of water.

📝 In Action

El sirviente de la mansión era muy leal a la familia.

B1

The mansion's servant was very loyal to the family.

En la obra de teatro, el sirviente siempre sabe los secretos de todos.

B2

In the play, the servant always knows everyone's secrets.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • amo (master/owner)
  • patrón (boss/employer)
  • señor (lord/master)

Common Collocations

  • sirviente fielfaithful servant
  • contratar a un sirvienteto hire a servant

serving

Also: subservient
AdjectiveC1formal
A person in a white apron leaning forward to hand a plate of food to someone.

📝 In Action

La clase sirviente tenía poco poder político en esa época.

C1

The serving class had little political power at that time.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • servil (servile/submissive)

Common Collocations

  • clase sirvienteserving class

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "sirviente" in Spanish:

attendantdomestic workerservantservingsubservient

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: sirviente

Question 1 of 2

Which of these is the most common feminine version of 'sirviente'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family
servir(to serve)Verb
servicio(service)Noun
servidumbre(servitude/staff of servants)Noun
servicial(helpful)Adjective
🎵 Rhymes
📚 Etymology

From the Latin word 'serviens,' which is the present participle of 'servire' (to serve). It literally means 'someone who is currently serving.'

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: servantFrench: servantItalian: servente

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'sirviente' and 'criado'?

They are very similar. 'Sirviente' is a bit more formal, while 'criado' comes from 'criar' (to raise), implying someone who was raised in the house they serve. Both sound a bit dated today.

Is 'sirviente' used for waiters?

No. For a waiter in a restaurant, you should use 'camarero', 'mesero', or 'mozo' depending on the country.