How to Say "serf" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “serf” is “siervo” — B1 level.
English → SpanishB1
nounB1formal
historical/feudal
Examples
En la Edad Media, el siervo trabajaba las tierras del señor feudal.
In the Middle Ages, the serf worked the feudal lord's lands.
Muchos se consideran siervos de Dios.
Many consider themselves servants of God.
No soy siervo de nadie; soy un hombre libre.
I am no one's servant; I am a free man.
Gender and Endings
Since this refers to a person, it ends in 'o' for a male and 'a' (sierva) for a female.
Historical Context
In modern Spanish, we don't use this word for a typical 'employee.' Use 'empleado' or 'sirviente' for household staff.
The 'Deer' Trap
Mistake: “Using 'siervo' when talking about the animal.”
Correction: Use 'ciervo' (with a 'C') for a deer. They sound identical in Latin America!
Learn Spanish with Inklingo
Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.