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"Conseguir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to get", and "servir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be useful". Learn more about the difference between "conseguir" and "servir" below.
conseguir(
kohn
-
seh
-
geer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
1. (to acquire)
a. to get
Consiguió su licencia de conducir en junio.He got his driver's license in June.
Si quieres una entrada, ya sabes dónde conseguirla.If you want a ticket, you know where to get it.
b. to obtain
Consiguió la residencia y se puede quedar en el país.He obtained residency and can stay in the country.
c. to win
Tras muchos años sin lograrlo, finalmente consiguieron el primer lugar.After many years without succeeding, they finally won first place.
a. to achieve
Ese hombre consiguió todas sus metas profesionales.That man achieved all his career goals.
b. to manage
No conseguí convencerlo para que se viniera a la playa con nosotros.I didn't manage to convince him to come to the beach with us.
servir(
sehr
-
beer
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
b. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
¿Te sirve este?Is this one any good to you?
Hay que comprar una sartén nueva porque esta ya no sirve.We need to buy a new frying pan because this one is no good any more.
a. to be in service
Había trabajado sirviendo a la familia durante muchos años.He had been in the family's service for years.
5. (military)
a. to serve
Mi tío sirvió en las fuerzas armadas durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial.My uncle served in the armed forces during World War II.
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to serve
Esta compañía sirve a clientes de todo el mundo.This company serves customers around the world.
7. (culinary)
servirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
a. to help oneself to
Sírvanse lo que quieran del bufet.Help yourselves to anything from the buffet.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
b. to make use of
Nuestros huéspedes pueden servirse de todas las instalaciones.Our guests can make use of all the facilities.
