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"Jugar" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to play", and "servir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be useful". Learn more about the difference between "jugar" and "servir" below.
jugar(
hoo
-
gahr
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
6. (to gamble)
a. to bet
Fue un error jugar todo mi dinero en un solo caballo.It was a mistake to bet all my money on one horse.
7. (to perform)
a. to play
Nuestra situación económica jugó un papel muy importante en la decisión de vender la casa.Our financial situation played a very important role in the decision to sell the house.
8. (to participate in a game) (Latin America)
Regionalism used in Latin America: all the countries in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. Does not include Spain.
jugarse
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
9. (to gamble)
b. to wager
Me puse furiosa cuando me enteré que mi novio se había jugado nuestro depósito en una apuesta.I was furious when I found out my boyfriend had wagered our deposit on a bet.
c. to risk
No voy a jugarme todos los ahorros en una idea disparatada así.I'm not going to risk all my savings on a hare-brained idea like that.
d. to stake
¿Cuánto estás dispuesto a jugarte en el resultado de las elecciones?How much are you prepared to stake on the outcome of the election?
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.
