Inklingo

How to Say "attendant" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “attendant” is “asistente” — use 'asistente' for a general service role, such as in an office, at an event, or on a flight.

asistente🔊A2

Use 'asistente' for a general service role, such as in an office, at an event, or on a flight.

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servidor🔊A2

Use 'servidor' for a general service worker, particularly in a food or hospitality setting like a cafeteria or restaurant.

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cuidador🔊B1

Use 'cuidador' when the attendant's primary role is providing personal care and assistance to someone, especially the elderly or infirm.

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ordenanza🔊B1

Use 'ordenanza' for an attendant who performs tasks like delivering messages or assisting with administrative duties within an office or institution.

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sirviente🔊B1

Use 'sirviente' for a domestic servant, often implying a historical context or a more formal, subservient role in a large household.

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criado🔊B1

Use 'criado' for a male domestic servant, often with historical connotations, similar to 'sirviente' but specifically male.

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English → Spanish

asistente

ah-sees-TEN-teha.sisˈten.te

nounA2general
Use 'asistente' for a general service role, such as in an office, at an event, or on a flight.
A colorful storybook illustration showing a professional assistant, smiling, handing a blue folder to another person seated at a large wooden desk.

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-DORser.βiˈðoɾ

nounA2general
Use 'servidor' for a general service worker, particularly in a food or hospitality setting like a cafeteria or restaurant.
A smiling waiter wearing a uniform and apron, balancing a tray carrying a covered dish in a restaurant setting.

Examples

El servidor trajo la cuenta rápidamente.

The server brought the bill quickly.

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'.

cuidador

kwee-dah-DORkwiðaˈðoɾ

nounB1general
Use 'cuidador' when the attendant's primary role is providing personal care and assistance to someone, especially the elderly or infirm.
A kind person sitting next to an elderly person, offering a glass of water and smiling.

Examples

Necesitamos un cuidador para mi abuela durante el día.

We need a caregiver for my grandmother during the day.

Mi hermano trabaja como cuidador de personas mayores.

My brother works as a caregiver for elderly people.

El cuidador principal necesita descansar para no agotarse.

The primary caregiver needs to rest so as not to get burnt out.

Buscamos un cuidador con experiencia en enfermería.

We are looking for a caregiver with nursing experience.

The 'Personal A'

When 'cuidador' is the person receiving an action, you must put 'a' before it. For example: 'Llamé a mi cuidador' (I called my caregiver).

Changing the Gender

While this entry is for the masculine 'cuidador,' simply add an 'a' at the end to make it feminine ('cuidadora') when referring to a woman.

Caregiver vs. Parent

Mistake: “Using 'cuidador' to mean 'parent' in a general sense.”

Correction: Use 'padre' or 'madre' for parents. 'Cuidador' is usually for professional or specific care roles.

ordenanza

or-deh-NAN-thahordeˈnanθa

nounB1formal
Use 'ordenanza' for an attendant who performs tasks like delivering messages or assisting with administrative duties within an office or institution.
A friendly office assistant carrying a stack of papers and a tray with a glass of water.

Examples

Pregunté al ordenanza por la sala de reuniones.

I asked the attendant for the meeting room.

El ordenanza me indicó dónde estaba el despacho del director.

The attendant showed me where the director's office was.

Ella trabaja como ordenanza en el palacio de justicia.

She works as an office assistant in the courthouse.

Los ordenanzas se encargan de repartir el correo interno.

The messengers are in charge of distributing the internal mail.

Gender Changes the Article

The word 'ordenanza' doesn't change its ending for men and women. Use 'el ordenanza' for a man and 'la ordenanza' for a woman.

Not 'Orderer'

Mistake: “Soy el ordenanza de este grupo.”

Correction: Soy el organizador de este grupo.

sirviente

seer-BYEHN-tehsiɾˈβjente

nounB1historical/formal
Use 'sirviente' for a domestic servant, often implying a historical context or a more formal, subservient role in a large household.
A person in a formal uniform holding a silver tray with a glass of water.

Examples

El sirviente esperaba en la puerta del palacio.

The servant waited at the palace door.

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).

criado

kree-AH-dohkriˈa.do

nounB1historical
Use 'criado' for a male domestic servant, often with historical connotations, similar to 'sirviente' but specifically male.
A colorful illustration of a man dressed in a neat, simple servant's uniform, respectfully carrying a silver tray with a single teacup on it in a large, simple room.

Examples

El criado vestía un uniforme impecable.

The manservant wore an impeccable uniform.

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.

General Service vs. Personal Care

Learners often confuse 'asistente' and 'cuidador'. Remember that 'asistente' is for general help (like a flight attendant or office helper), while 'cuidador' specifically means someone providing personal care, like a caregiver for the elderly.

Related Translations

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