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"De" is a form of "de", a preposition which is often translated as "from". "Servir a" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "to serve". Learn more about the difference between "servir a" and "de" below.
servir a(
sehr
-
beer
ah
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
a. to serve
El mesero derramó un poco de sopa mientras servía a un cliente.The waiter spilled some soup while serving a customer.
a. to serve
Este monumento es un homenaje a los civiles y militares que sirvieron a su país durante la guerra.This monument is a tribute to the civilians and the military who served their country in the war.
a. to help
Estos libros sirvieron a muchos para aprender español.These books helped many people learn Spanish.
b. to serve ... to
La amarga experiencia nos sirvió a todos de lección.The bitter experience served as a lesson to us all.
c. to serve ... for
Johnson sirvió a los jugadores jóvenes de ejemplo.Johnson served as an example for young players.
d. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Los consejos de mi profesor no solo me sirvieron a mí, sino también a muchos otros estudiantes de la escuela.My teacher’s advice was helpful not only for me, but also for many other students at the school.
La respuesta del actor le sirvió al periodista para hacerle una pregunta sobre su vida privada.The actor's answer gave the journalist the chance to ask him about his private life.
de(
deh
)A preposition is a word that indicates the relationship between a noun and another word (e.g., He ran through the door.).
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Te recojo en el coche de mi padre.I'll come get you in my father's car.
¿Esa no es la casa de Susana?Isn't that Susana's house?
a. no direct translation
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
Voy a comprar otro traje de baño para el verano.I'm going to buy another bathing suit for the summer.
Se usa la palanca de cambios para cambiar las marchas.You use the gear shift to change the gears.
a. with
Me sorprendí llorando de pena al pensar en él.I caught myself crying with sorrow when I thought of him.
A feminine noun is almost always used with feminine articles and adjectives (e.g., la mujer bonita, la luna llena).
