sirvo
“sirvo” means “I serve” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
I serve, I wait
Also: I help
📝 In Action
Yo sirvo la cena a las siete en punto.
A1I serve dinner exactly at seven o'clock.
Siempre sirvo el vino en copas grandes.
A2I always serve the wine in large glasses.
I am useful, I am suitable
Also: I function
📝 In Action
Yo sirvo de traductor en todas las reuniones.
B1I serve as a translator in all the meetings.
No sirvo para las matemáticas, soy mejor en historia.
B2I'm not good at math (I'm not useful for math), I'm better at history.
Indicative
Preterite
Present
Imperfect
Subjunctive
Present Subjunctive
Imperfect Subjunctive
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: sirvo
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'sirvo' to mean 'I am suitable'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
The Spanish verb 'servir' comes directly from the Latin verb *servīre*, which meant 'to be a slave, to be subject to, or to serve.' The core meaning of performing a duty or providing help has remained consistent for centuries.
First recorded: 12th century
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'sirvo' spelled with an 'i' but the infinitive is 'servir' with an 'e'?
This is a common pattern in Spanish verb irregularity! The vowel 'e' in the middle of the verb stem changes to 'i' in most of the present tense forms (like 'sirvo,' 'sirves,' 'sirve,' 'sirven') but stays as 'e' for the 'we' and 'you all' (vosotros) forms.
How do I say 'I serve' in the past tense (preterite)?
You would use 'serví.' The stem change only happens in the third-person forms of the preterite ('sirvió,' 'sirvieron'), but the 'yo' form is regular in the preterite.