Inklingo

How to Say "services" in Spanish

English → Spanish

servicios

ser-BEE-see-os/seɾˈβisjos/

nounA1general
Use 'servicios' when referring to professional, commercial, or utility-based help, such as internet, electricity, or professional consultations.
A man in a suit is seated at a desk across from a client, pointing to a contract and offering advice, symbolizing professional economic services.

Examples

Contraté los servicios de un abogado para mi caso.

I hired the services of a lawyer for my case.

Necesito cancelar los servicios de internet este mes.

I need to cancel the internet services this month.

Nuestra empresa ofrece servicios de consultoría legal.

Our company offers legal consulting services.

Always Plural

Even though English often uses 'service' (singular) to mean a system, in Spanish, when talking about professional or public systems, it is almost always used in the plural form: 'los servicios.'

Using the Singular

Mistake: “El servicio está caro.”

Correction: Los servicios están caros. (The utilities/services are expensive.)

favores

fah-VOH-rehs/faˈβoɾes/

nounA1informal
Use 'favores' for personal acts of kindness or help between individuals, often implying a favor that is expected to be returned.
A brightly colored storybook illustration showing two children outside. One child is kneeling down to help the other child tie their brightly colored shoelace, symbolizing an act of kindness.

Examples

¿Me harías un favor y me pasarías la sal?

Would you do me a favor and pass me the salt?

Necesito que me hagas tres favores antes de irte.

I need you to do three favors for me before you leave.

Nunca olvidaré los favores que me hicieron cuando llegué a la ciudad.

I will never forget the favors they did for me when I arrived in the city.

No pido favores, solo busco un trato justo.

I'm not asking for favors, I'm just looking for a fair deal.

Plural Form

This word is the plural of the masculine noun 'favor' (favor). To make it plural, you simply add '-es' to the end.

The Action Verb

The most common verb used with 'favores' is 'hacer' (to do/make), as in 'hacer un favor' or 'hacer muchos favores'.

Confusing 'Favor' and 'Por Favor'

Mistake: “Using 'favores' when you mean 'please' (por favor).”

Correction: Remember 'por favor' is the polite request ('please'). 'Favores' are the actual helpful deeds: 'Dame el libro, por favor' (Give me the book, please).

Confusing Professional vs. Personal Help

Learners often use 'favores' for professional or commercial assistance, or 'servicios' for personal favors. Remember that 'servicios' relates to paid or professional help, while 'favores' are personal acts of kindness between people.

Related Translations

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