Gli scivoli nella biblioteca dell’Università di Monaco

“Servire” VS “Servire + a”

“Non servono a correre a lezione”
(They are not meant for rushing to class)

The Italian verb “servire” can have different meanings based on its usage. Let’s explore a few of these.

• Servire: In its most basic sense, “servire” translates as “to serve.” It can be used to indicate the act of serving someone, often in a context such as serving food or drink. For example:
  • Il cameriere serve il cibo ai clienti. (The waiter serves the food to the customers.)

• Servire + indirect object pronoun: “Servire” can also mean “to be useful” or “to be needed”, similar to the English verb “to need”. In this sense, it is often used with an indirect object pronoun.

1. • Mi serve un nuovo computer. (I need a new computer.)
   • Ci serve più tempo per finire il progetto. (We need more time to finish the project.)

• Servire + a: When “servire” is followed by the preposition “a”, it is used to indicate the purpose or function of something, similar to “to be used for” in English.

1. • Questo libro serve a preparare l’esame. (This book is needed to prepare for the exam.)
   • Questi strumenti servono a riparare la macchina. (These tools are needed to repair the car.)
   • Le tue scuse tardive non servono a niente! (Your belated apologies are useless!)