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How to Say "serving" in Spanish

English → Spanish

echando

/eh-CHAHN-doh//eˈtʃan.do/

verbA2general
Use 'echando' when describing the action of pouring a liquid or dispensing something, like serving food or drinks.
A storybook illustration showing a blue liquid being poured from a pitcher into a glass.

Examples

Estoy echando sopa a los invitados.

I am serving soup to the guests.

Ella está echando agua a las plantas.

She is pouring water on the plants.

¿Estás echando mucha sal a la sopa?

Are you adding a lot of salt to the soup?

Liquids and Ingredients

This meaning of 'echando' is used frequently for adding any kind of substance, whether it's pouring coffee or mixing spices into a recipe.

sirviente

/seer-BYEHN-teh//siɾˈβjente/

adjectiveC1formal
Use 'sirviente' to describe a person or group that is in a subordinate or service role, often in a social or political context.
A person in a white apron leaning forward to hand a plate of food to someone.

Examples

El rey dependía de su personal sirviente.

The king depended on his serving staff.

La clase sirviente tenía poco poder político en esa época.

The serving class had little political power at that time.

Adjective Position

When used to describe a noun, 'sirviente' usually comes after the noun, like in 'el grupo sirviente'.

Action vs. Role

Learners often confuse 'echando' (an action) with 'sirviente' (a role or status). Remember that 'echando' is about the physical act of serving, like pouring a drink, while 'sirviente' describes someone in a position of service.

Related Translations

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