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How to Say "servant" in Spanish

English → Spanish

sirviente

seer-BYEHN-tehsiɾˈβjente

nounB1general
Use this word for a general employee working within a household, performing domestic tasks.
A person in a formal uniform holding a silver tray with a glass of water.

Examples

El sirviente preparó la cena para los invitados.

The servant prepared dinner for the guests.

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

nounB1general
This term specifically refers to a male domestic worker, often implying a long-term or live-in position within a family's household.
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 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.

siervo

SYER-boˈsjeɾβo

nounB1literary, historical, religious
Choose this word in historical, literary, or religious contexts to describe a serf or someone in a condition of servitude, often tied to land or a lord.
A humble historical worker in simple brown clothes tilling a small patch of earth with a wooden tool near a distant castle.

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!

General vs. Specific Contexts

Learners often confuse 'sirviente' and 'criado' because both refer to domestic workers. Remember that 'sirviente' is more general, while 'criado' specifically implies a male domestic servant, and 'siervo' is reserved for historical or non-domestic servitude.

Related Translations

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