Memorize “Servir” conjugations in the Preterite (Past) Tense effortlessly. Our unique loop-based audio helps you absorb verb forms naturally—just like native speakers. Tap to play and start memorizing 10x faster now!

Pro Tip: Play the audio on a loop while reviewing the conjugation chart to naturally absorb the correct forms. Try it now!

Conjugation Chart of “Servir” (to serve) in the Preterite (Past) Tense

Why Use Loop-Based Learning

• 🧠 Activates natural language processing in the brain
• 🔄 Makes conjugations feel automatic
• 📝 Reduces mental effort compared to rote memorization
• 💡 Builds fluency through repetition

Unlike traditional methods that rely on memorizing rules and grammar drills, our approach mimics how native speakers naturally acquire language—by hearing patterns repeatedly in context. This activates your brain’s phonological loop, making verb forms feel familiar and automatic.

To learn more about the science behind this technique, read our detailed article: The Neuroscience of Language Learning: How Listening on a Loop Strengthens Your Fluency

Understanding the Preterite (Past) Tense of “Servir”

The preterite of servir is used to express a specific instance of serving in the past, for example El camarero sirvió la cena a las ocho (The waiter served dinner at eight). This tense emphasizes the completed action of serving at a particular moment.

This verb follows the e to i stem-changing pattern in the preterite, but only in the third person singular and plural forms. The stem change occurs when the stress falls on these forms, creating a distinct conjugation pattern.

How to Use Servir in the Preterite (Past) Tense

The preterite of servir describes a completed action of serving or being useful in the past.

To serve: Refers to providing service or food/drink, for example Serví la cena a las ocho (I served dinner at eight) or Sirvió en el ejército por cinco años (He/she served in the army for five years).

To be useful: Used for being of use, for example El consejo me sirvió mucho (The advice was very useful to me).

Real Life Examples of Servir in the Preterite (Past) Tense

El mesero sirvió la cena puntualmente. (The waiter served dinner on time.)

Serví café para todos los invitados. (I served coffee for all the guests.)

Serviste la sopa muy caliente. (You served the soup very hot.)

Servimos el postre después de la cena. (We served dessert after dinner.)

Los voluntarios sirvieron comida en el refugio. (The volunteers served food at the shelter.)

El chef sirvió el plato principal. (The chef served the main course.)

Serví en el ejército por cinco años. (I served in the army for five years.)

Serviste el vino en las copas equivocadas. (You served the wine in the wrong glasses.)

La camarera sirvió los aperitivos. (The waitress served the appetizers.)

Servimos la comida en platos elegantes. (We served the food on elegant plates.)

Los anfitriones sirvieron bebidas refrescantes. (The hosts served refreshing drinks.)

Serví la mesa para seis personas. (I set the table for six people.)

Serviste de gran ayuda en el proyecto. (You served as great help in the project.)

El bartender sirvió los cócteles. (The bartender served the cocktails.)

Servimos a la comunidad durante la crisis. (We served the community during the crisis.)

Conjugation Chart with English Translations

Conjugations of Servir (to serve) in the Preterite (Past) Tense (Latin American Spanish) with English Translations:

This post covers Latin American Spanish. For Castilian Spanish, click here

Synonyms

The Preterite tense is also known as the Simple Past, Past Simple, Definite Past, Absolute Past, or Past Tense Indicative in English, and as Pretérito Perfecto Simple, Pretérito Indefinido, Pretérito Simple, Pasado Simple, or Pretérito de Indicativo in Spanish.