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"Servir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be useful", and "prohibir" is a transitive verb which is often translated as "to prohibit". Learn more about the difference between "servir" and "prohibir" below.
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.
prohibir(
proy
-
beer
)A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
a. to prohibit
El gobierno prohibió fumar en restaurantes y lugares públicos.The government prohibited smoking in restaurants and public places.
b. to forbid
El médico le prohibió beber alcohol y fumar en su última revisión médica.The doctor forbade him from drinking alcohol and smoking in his last check-up.
c. to ban
Prohibieron la lectura de ese libro en la escuela durante muchos años.That book was banned from being read in the school for many years.
