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"Servir" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "to be useful", and "vestirse" is a reflexive verb which is often translated as "to get dressed". Learn more about the difference between "servir" and "vestirse" below.
servir(
sehr
-
beer
)
An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
intransitive verb
a. to be useful
Creo que este me puede servir.I think this one could be useful.
b.
This refers to an idiomatic word or phrase for which there is no word-for-word translation.
no direct 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 used for
Esta máquina sirve para coser.This machine is used for sewing.
a. to serve as
Sirve de ejemplo para los demás.He serves as an example for others.
a. to be in service
Había trabajado sirviendo a la familia durante muchos años.He had been in the family's service for years.
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.).
transitive verb
a. to serve
Esta compañía sirve a clientes de todo el mundo.This company serves customers around the world.
a. to serve
Van a servir lomo de puerco en la boda.They're going to serve pork loin at the wedding.
servirse
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to help oneself to
Sírvanse lo que quieran del bufet.Help yourselves to anything from the buffet.
b. to serve oneself
Sírvete más si te gusta.Serve yourself some more if you like it.
A pronominal verb always uses a reflexive pronoun. (e.g., Te ves cansado.).
pronominal verb
a. to use
Me serví de una pala para cavar un agujero.I used a shovel to dig a hole.
b. to make use of
Nuestros huéspedes pueden servirse de todas las instalaciones.Our guests can make use of all the facilities.
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vestirse(
behs
-
teer
-
seh
)
A reflexive verb is a verb that indicates that the subject performs an action on itself (e.g., Miguel se lava.).
reflexive verb
a. to get dressed
A mi esposo solo le toma media hora vestirse.It only takes my husband half an hour to get dressed.
b. to dress oneself
Eliezer siempre se viste con ropa de alta calidad.Eliezer always dresses himself in high-quality clothes.
a. to dress
Carmela se viste muy mal.Carmela dresses really badly.
b. to wear
Encarna siempre se viste de negro.Encarna always wears black.
c. to dress in
Pedrito se vistió de blanco para la comunión.Pedrito was dressed in white for his communion.
a. to dress up as
Sara se vistió de hada para su fiesta de cumpleaños.Sara dressed up as a fairy for her birthday party.
a. to buy one's clothes
Juanita y su mamá se visten en las mejores tiendas de marca.Juanita and her mom buy their clothes from the best designer stores.
vestir
A transitive verb is a verb that requires a direct object (e.g., I bought a book.).
transitive verb
a. to wear
La actriz vistió un vestido rojo.The actress wore a red dress.
a. to dress
Me gusta vestir a mi muñeca según la temporada.I like to dress my doll according to the season.
a. to cover
Un mantel blanco vestía la mesa.A white tablecloth covered the table.
a. to dress
El diseñador vistió a muchas celebridades.The designer dressed a lot of celebrities.
Copyright © 2025 Dictionary Media Group, Inc.