fuera de servicio
/fweɾa de seɾbiθjo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'stop service' is translated into Spanish as fuera de servicio.
The phrase fuera de servicio is used to indicate that a machine, vehicle or facility is currently not operational or available for use.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase fuera de servicio literally translates to 'out of service'.
Which one should you use?
Cese del Servicio is a formal way to express 'stop service'.
How do you pronounce it?
/fweɾa de seɾbiθjo/
Did you know?
- The word servicio comes from the Latin 'servitium', which originally referred to the condition of being a slave. This linguistic history links the modern idea of a 'service' to the ancient concept of servitude.
- If you see fuera de servicio on a public transport vehicle, it means the bus or train is not taking passengers. However, if a person says está fuera de servicio regarding a person, it could idiomatically imply they are 'out of commission' or incapacitated.
- In Spanish, the word fuera in this phrase can be a homonym for several different grammatical forms. Depending on the context, it could also be the imperfect subjunctive of the verbs 'ser' or 'estar', or even the pluperfect of 'ir'.
Examples in context
- Por favor, proceda con el cese del servicio que tengo contratado con ustedes a partir del [fecha específica]. Agradezco su atención y colaboración. Quedo a la espera de su confirmación.Please proceed with the cessation of the service that I have contracted with you starting from [specific date]. I appreciate your attention and collaboration. I await your confirmation.
- El ascensor está fuera de servicio.The elevator is out of service.
- Esa máquina está fuera de servicio ahora.That machine is out of service now.
- Lo siento, el baño está fuera de servicio.I am sorry, the bathroom is out of service.
Example conversation
Javier and Elena are in an office building.
- Javier¿Puedes usar el ascensor, Elena?Can you use the elevator, Elena?
- ElenaNo, el ascensor está fuera de servicio.No, the elevator is out of service.
- Javier¡Qué mal! Tendremos que usar las escaleras.That's too bad! We will have to use the stairs.
- ElenaSí, es mejor así.Yes, it is better that way.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry fuera de servicio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries de, fuera, servicio, CC BY-SA 4.0.
