(intransitive, transitive) to serve (to be a servant or worker; to render service)
Es una empresa que sirve a los discapacitados.It's a business that serves the disabled.
(intransitive, transitive) to serve (to be a servant for; to work for)
(intransitive) to be of use, to be good for
Hace diez años, la traducción automática no servía.Ten years ago, automated translation was no good.
Este cuchillo sirve para cortar el pan.This knife is good for cutting bread.
(intransitive) to serve (to usefully take the place of something else)
sirve como recordatorio ― serves as a reminder
(intransitive) to serve (to be in military service)
(intransitive, transitive) to serve (to set down (food or drink) on the table to be eaten)
El camarero nos sirvió la comida de otra mesa.The waiter served us another table's food.
(intransitive, sports) to serve (to lead off with the first delivery over the net in tennis, volleyball, ping pong, badminton, etc.)
(reflexive, with de) to help oneself to (to take something freely)
