Serve as Meaning in English
expression
ˈsɝv/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz
SURV-az
sˈɜːv/ /ˈæs
SURV-az
Definition
To function in the role of something or be used for a particular purpose.
Usage & Nuances
Commonly used in both formal and informal English. It often describes objects or people temporarily or permanently taking on a particular role. Watch for confusion with 'serve' (to help or provide a service) without 'as'.
Spanish: servir como - funcionar comoPortuguese (BR): servir como - funcionar comoPortuguese (PT): servir como - funcionar comoChinese (Simplified): 充当 - 用作Chinese (Traditional): 充當 - 用作Hindi: के रूप में काम करना - के रूप में सेवा करनाArabic: يَعمل كـ - يُستخدم كـBengali: হিসেবে কাজ করা - হিসেবে ব্যবহৃত হওয়াRussian: служить в качестве - выполнять рольJapanese: 〜として使われる - 〜の役割を果たすVietnamese: đóng vai trò như - được dùng nhưKorean: ~로 역할을 하다 - ~로 사용되다Turkish: olarak hizmet etmek - olarak kullanılmakUrdu: کے طور پر کام کرنا - کے طور پر استعمال ہوناIndonesian: berperan sebagai - digunakan sebagai
Example Sentences
This room serves as my office.
basic
Bread can serve as a quick breakfast.
basic
The old church now serves as a museum.
basic
She often serves as a translator during meetings.
natural
Ice can serve as a substitute for cold packs.
natural
My phone sometimes serves as a flashlight when there's no power.
natural