Translation guide
The English word 'server' can refer to a computer that provides services, a person who serves food, or a tray for serving. In Japanese, different words are used depending on the context. The most common meaning for learners is the computing sense, which is usually expressed with the loanword サーバー.
A computer or program that provides services to other computers or users.
The standard loanword for a computer server. Used in almost all IT contexts.
This server runs 24 hours a day.
The server went down.
A variant spelling without the long vowel mark. Common in technical writing, but サーバー is more standard.
A waiter or waitress in a restaurant.
Loanword for a male server. Commonly used in casual contexts.
I gave my order to the server.
Loanword for a female server.
A more formal or traditional term for a server, often used in high-end restaurants or hotels. Can sound old-fashioned.
A flat tray used to carry food or drinks.
The player who serves the ball.
Same loanword as computing, but context makes it clear. Used in tennis, volleyball, etc.
The server hit a powerful serve.
The loanword サーバー only refers to a computer or a sports player. Using it for a waiter/waitress will cause confusion. Use ウェイター/ウェイトレス or 給仕 instead.
Please restart the server.
That server is very kind.
The server poured the wine.
Serve tea on a server.