How to say "server" in Japanese

Choosing the right word

サーバーCommon
nounThe everyday word for a computer server, the machine or program that provides data or services to other computers over a network. This is the word you want in almost any technical or IT context.
サーバーがダウンしてて、メールチェックできない。↗
I can't check my mail. The server is down.
さばCommon
nounInternet slang for the server of an online game, where players connect to play together. Casual, gamer-flavored usage; it is not used for computer servers in general, so サーバー is usually the safer choice outside gaming talk.
給仕きゅうじJLPT N1approx.Common
nounA person who serves customers at table, that is, a waiter or waitress. In this sense 'server' is the English restaurant sense; 給仕 is not used for computers, and for the profession other everyday words are more common.

Use 「サーバー」 for the computer sense, 「さば」 for a game server in casual online contexts, and 給仕 only for a server who waits on tables in a restaurant.

Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only

Japanese equivalents

JLPT vocabulary levels are community estimates, not official (no official lists have been published since the 2010 revision).

Say it right, write it right