Translation guide
The English word 'reserved' can describe a person's quiet or restrained personality, a seat or table that is booked in advance, or something kept for a specific purpose. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for each meaning.
Describing someone who is not outgoing, speaks little, or keeps to themselves.
Means modest, restrained, or reserved. Commonly used for personality, behavior, or style. It has a positive nuance of being humble and not pushy.
彼女は控えめな性格です。
She has a reserved personality.
控えめな態度が好印象を与える。
A reserved attitude makes a good impression.
Means quiet, gentle, or well-behaved. Often used for children or pets, but also for adults who are not talkative or assertive. Slightly more about being quiet than being modest.
彼はおとなしくて、あまり話さない。
He is reserved and doesn't talk much.
おとなしい人だと思われがちだ。
He tends to be seen as a reserved person.
Literally 'mouthless', meaning taciturn or reticent. Describes someone who speaks very little. Can sound a bit blunt or negative if not careful.
彼は無口で、何を考えているかわからない。
He is reserved and I don't know what he's thinking.
Means shy or bashful. Emphasizes timidity and reluctance to interact, rather than just being quiet. Closer to 'shy' than 'reserved'.
内気な性格で、人前で話すのが苦手だ。
He has a reserved/shy personality and is not good at speaking in public.
Means tending to hold back out of consideration for others. Implies being reserved due to politeness or not wanting to impose.
彼は遠慮がちに自分の意見を言った。
He reservedly gave his opinion.
Talking about a reservation for a seat, table, room, etc.
Means 'already reserved'. Used for seats, tables, tickets, etc. Often seen on signs or said by staff.
この席は予約済みです。
This seat is reserved.
予約済みのテーブルには名札が置いてある。
There is a name card on the reserved table.
Literally 'reserved seat'. Often used for event seating or in restaurants.
Means 'reserved seat' (literally 'designated seat'), commonly used for trains, theaters, etc. Opposite of 自由席 (unreserved seat).
Something set aside for future use or for a particular person.
Means 'has been set aside/kept'. Used when something is reserved for someone. Very natural in casual conversation.
この席、取ってあるの？
Is this seat reserved?
あなたのために取ってあるケーキです。
This cake is reserved for you.
Means 'secured/reserved'. Slightly more formal than 取ってある. Often used for resources, spots, or time slots.
駐車場は確保してあります。
A parking space is reserved.
Means 'exclusive use' or 'reserved for'. Often seen on signs like 関係者専用 (reserved for authorized personnel).
控えめ implies modesty and self-restraint, often positive. おとなしい suggests a quiet, gentle nature, sometimes implying passivity. 無口 specifically means speaking very little, and can sound negative if used to describe someone's personality.
彼女は控えめだが、芯は強い。
She is reserved but has a strong core.
おとなしい子犬ですね。
What a quiet/reserved puppy.
無口な上司は何を考えているかわからない。
I don't know what my taciturn boss is thinking.
The loanword リザーブ (rizaabu) is only used for booking/reserving things, not for describing a person's character. Using it for personality would be unnatural.
彼はリザーブな人です。
He is a reserved person. (unnatural)
I don't know what my taciturn boss is thinking.
The loanword リザーブ (rizaabu) is only used for booking/reserving things, not for describing a person's character. Using it for personality would be unnatural.
彼はリザーブな人です。
He is a reserved person. (unnatural)
予約席は前方にあります。
Reserved seats are in the front.
指定席を予約しました。
I reserved a reserved seat.
この部屋はスタッフ専用です。
This room is reserved for staff.