What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of the English term: servidor means 'servant' or 'one who serves' and público means 'public'.
Which one should you use?
While servidor público is the default, you may also see funcionario público used to describe someone holding a public office or position and funcionario del Estado which means 'official of the state'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Both servidor público and funcionario público are formal terms for a public servant.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin America, servidor público is a prevalent term. In Spain, the formal equivalent used is empleado público.
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a woman, the phrase changes gender to servidora pública. To make the phrase plural, both the noun and the adjective must take the plural ending -s, resulting in servidores públicos.
Did you know?
- A servidor can also refer to a computer server, showing how the concept of 'one who serves' shifted from people to technology.
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, a servidor might use the phrase su servidor as a humble way to say 'your servant' or 'myself' when introducing themselves.
- In certain political contexts, calling someone a servidor can be used ironically to mock a politician who is perceived as actually serving their own interests instead of the public.
Examples in context
- El gobierno está en busca de funcionarios públicos honestos y capacitados.The government is looking for honest and competent public servants.
- Es importante contar con servidores públicos comprometidos con el bienestar de la población.It is important to have public servants committed to the well-being of the population.
- Los funcionarios del Estado tienen la responsabilidad de velar por los intereses ciudadanos.State officials have the responsibility of safeguarding the citizens' interests.
- Él es un servidor público honesto.He is an honest public servant.
- Ser un servidor público requiere compromiso.Being a public servant requires commitment.
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing their career paths at a cafe.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿quieres ser un servidor público?Daniel, do you want to be a public servant?
- DanielSí, me gustaría ayudar a la gente.Yes, I would like to help people.
- MaríaEs una labor muy importante para la sociedad.It is a very important job for society.
- DanielTienes mucha razón, María.You are very right, María.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
