How to Say "attendant" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “attendant” is “asistente” — use 'asistente' for a general service role, like someone who assists customers or passengers, such as a flight attendant or a shop assistant..
asistente
/ah-sees-TEN-teh//a.sisˈten.te/
Examples
La asistente de vuelo nos dio las instrucciones de seguridad.
The flight attendant gave us the safety instructions.
Mi asistente me ayuda a organizar todas las reuniones.
My assistant helps me organize all the meetings.
La asistente de vuelo nos dio instrucciones de seguridad.
The flight attendant gave us safety instructions.
Contratamos a un nuevo asistente legal la semana pasada.
We hired a new legal assistant last week.
Gender Flexibility
This word works for both men and women. You use 'el' for a male assistant (el asistente) and 'la' for a female assistant (la asistente).
Confusing 'Asistir' meanings
Mistake: “Using 'asistir' to mean 'to assist' in all contexts. While 'asistente' means 'assistant,' the verb 'asistir' usually means 'to attend' or 'to go to' (e.g., asistir a una clase).”
Correction: Use 'ayudar' for 'to help' or 'to assist' when the meaning is purely 'giving aid'.
servidor
/ser-vee-DOR//ser.βiˈðoɾ/
Examples
El servidor nos recomendó el plato del día.
The server recommended the dish of the day to us.
El servidor de la cafetería es muy amable.
The server at the cafeteria is very kind.
¿Podría llamar a un servidor para pedir la cuenta?
Could I call an attendant to ask for the bill?
Gender Note
Remember that 'servidor' is the masculine form. If you are referring to a woman, the word changes to 'servidora'.
criado
/kree-AH-doh//kriˈa.do/
Examples
El criado llevaba los abrigos de los invitados.
The manservant carried the guests' coats.
El criado de la casa trajo el té a la sala.
The manservant of the house brought the tea to the living room.
Llamó a su criado para que le preparara el caballo.
He called his servant to prepare his horse for him.
Feminine Form
The female equivalent of criado is criada (maid or female servant). Both words come from the idea of someone who was 'raised' or 'nurtured' by the household they serve.
sirviente
/seer-BYEHN-teh//siɾˈβjente/
Examples
El sirviente preparó la cena para la familia real.
The servant prepared dinner for the royal family.
El sirviente de la mansión era muy leal a la familia.
The mansion's servant was very loyal to the family.
En la obra de teatro, el sirviente siempre sabe los secretos de todos.
In the play, the servant always knows everyone's secrets.
Gender of the word
This specific word 'sirviente' refers to a male servant. For a female servant, Spanish speakers almost always use the word 'sirvienta'.
Don't confuse with 'servidor'
Mistake: “Using 'servidor' to mean a house servant.”
Correction: Use 'sirviente' for a human employee in a house; 'servidor' is usually for a computer server or a public servant (government worker).
Modern vs. Historical Roles
Related Translations
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