Translation guide
How to express making a reservation in Japanese, covering common verbs, phrases, and patterns for booking restaurants, hotels, tickets, and appointments.
予約したいのですが。
I'd like to make a reservation.
To book or reserve something in advance, such as a table, room, or seat.
The most common and versatile way to say 'make a reservation'. Can be used for restaurants, hotels, tickets, appointments, etc.
レストランを予約する。
I'll make a reservation at a restaurant.
I made a hotel reservation.
Literally 'to take a reservation', often used when securing a booking, especially for popular places or events.
人気のレストランの予約を取るのは難しい。
It's difficult to get a reservation at a popular restaurant.
Literally 'to put in a reservation', a slightly more casual way to say you've made a booking.
明日のディナーの予約を入れた。
I made a reservation for dinner tomorrow.
Phrases used when actually calling or speaking to make a reservation.
Polite phrase meaning 'I'd like to make a reservation'. Use when initiating the request.
すみません、予約したいのですが。
Excuse me, I'd like to make a reservation.
Directly saying 'A reservation, please'. Slightly less formal but still polite.
今夜7時に2名で予約をお願いします。
I'd like to make a reservation for two at 7pm tonight.
To reserve a specific item like a ticket or a seat, often using different verbs.
Means 'to take' or 'to get'. Commonly used for tickets, seats, or reservations. Often combined with the item.
コンサートのチケットを取った。
I got concert tickets (made a reservation).
新幹線の席を取る。
I'll reserve a seat on the Shinkansen.
Literally 'to hold' or 'to secure'. Used informally for holding a spot or making a tentative reservation.
Specifically for scheduling appointments, not just reservations for services.
Also used for appointments. The context makes it clear.
歯医者の予約を取った。
I made a dentist appointment.
Loanword from English, used mainly in business contexts. Often shortened to アポ.
来週のアポイントメントを入れたいのですが。
I'd like to make an appointment for next week.
予約する is the safest and most common verb for making reservations. 取る is often used for tickets and seats, and can sound more casual. For formal situations, stick with 予約する or 予約を取る.
The English phrase 'make a reservation' cannot be directly translated word-for-word. Avoid saying 予約を作る (yoyaku wo tsukuru), which is incorrect.
いい席を押さえておいた。
I secured good seats.