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servicio means service — a common term in Essential Spanish. Learn how it's used in a real-world example.

📅 Published: January 6, 2026

📘 Essential Spanish

servicio

noun • /[ser-VEE-syo]/

service

Example:

El servicio fue muy amable.

The service was very friendly.

🧠 What does servicio mean?

Servicio is a versatile masculine noun that primarily means 'service'. It refers to the action of helping or doing work for someone, a system supplying a public need such as transport or utilities, or the customer care provided by a business. It can also refer to a restroom or bathroom, often in its plural form, 'servicios'.

📚 Extra examples

  • El servicio al cliente de esa compañía es muy eficiente.
    That company's customer service is very efficient.
  • Tuvimos que llamar a un técnico para restaurar el servicio de internet.
    We had to call a technician to restore the internet service.
  • Perdone, ¿dónde están los servicios?
    Excuse me, where are the restrooms?
  • El hotel ofrece un servicio de transporte al aeropuerto.
    The hotel offers an airport shuttle service.

💡 Did You Know?

The word 'servicio' originates from the Latin 'servitium', which meant 'servitude' or 'slavery'. Over centuries, its meaning evolved from denoting a state of being a servant to the more general and neutral act of providing work or aid for others.

🔁 Synonyms & opposites of "servicio"

Synonyms: atención, asistencia, ayuda, favor, suministro
Opposites: deservicio, perjuicio, negligencia, abandono

🔍 See more essential spanish words

❓ FAQ

How do you say 'service' in Spanish?
The most common way to say 'service' in Spanish is 'servicio'.
How do you pronounce 'servicio' in Spanish?
The pronunciation is /ser-βi-sjo/ or /ser-βi-θjo/. The stress falls on the second-to-last syllable, 'vi'. The 'c' is pronounced like an 's' in Latin America and like 'th' in 'thin' in most of Spain.
How do you use 'servicio' in a sentence?
It can be used to describe the quality of customer care, for example: 'El servicio en el restaurante fue impecable' (The service in the restaurant was impeccable).
What is the English translation of 'servicio'?
The primary English translation of 'servicio' is 'service'. It can also translate to 'restroom' or 'utility'.
Does 'servicio' change for gender or number?
Yes. 'Servicio' is a masculine noun. Its plural form is 'servicios'. For example, 'un buen servicio' (a good service) becomes 'buenos servicios' (good services).
Is 'servicio' common in everyday Spanish?
Yes, 'servicio' is a very common word used daily in a wide range of contexts, including business, hospitality, public utilities, and home life.
Does 'servicio' have slang or double meanings?
A very common secondary meaning, especially in the plural 'servicios', is 'restroom' or 'public toilet'. It can also refer to a set of dishes ('un servicio de té') or military service ('el servicio militar').
Is 'servicio' used differently in Spain vs Latin America?
The core meanings are consistent. The primary difference is pronunciation of the 'c'. Additionally, while 'servicios' for 'restroom' is understood everywhere, its use is more frequent in Spain. In many parts of Latin America, 'el baño' is the more common term.

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