Translation guide
The English word "appointment" covers several distinct situations in Japanese. The most common equivalent is 予約 (yoyaku) for scheduled bookings like doctor visits or restaurant reservations. For formal business meetings, アポイントメント (apointmento) or アポ (apo) is used. When referring to a scheduled time to meet someone casually, 約束 (yakusoku) is more natural. This guide breaks down these uses to help you choose the right word.
I have a doctor's appointment.
I have an appointment with a friend.
A pre-arranged time for a service or reservation.
The standard word for any kind of reservation or booking. Used for medical appointments, restaurant reservations, hotel bookings, and more. Can be used as a noun or combined with する to make a verb.
I made a dentist appointment.
A scheduled meeting in a professional context, often with clients or external parties.
An arrangement to meet someone socially, not a formal booking.
The act of being officially chosen for a job or position.
Refers to the formal assignment of a person to a position. Often used in official or organizational contexts.
I'd like to make an appointment for next Tuesday.
I have a hair salon appointment at 10 tomorrow.
Do I need a restaurant reservation?
A loanword from English, used specifically for business appointments. Often shortened to アポ in casual business speech.
I have an appointment with a client next week.
Please make an appointment before visiting.
Casual abbreviation of アポイントメント, very common in spoken business Japanese.
What time is tomorrow's appointment again?
Means "promise" or "arrangement." Used for personal appointments and plans to meet. Not used for business or service reservations.
Do not use 約束 for business or service appointments; it sounds too personal.
I made a lunch appointment with a friend.
I forgot my appointment with my girlfriend.
His appointment as president was announced.
Means "inauguration" or "assumption of office." Focuses on the act of taking up the position.
The new president's appointment takes effect next month.
appointment with a friend
appointment with a client
アポイントメント is strictly for business. Using it for a doctor's visit or a date sounds unnatural. Stick to 予約 or 約束 as appropriate.
ご予約はありますか？
Do you have an appointment?
Polite form used by staff.
She was thrilled by her appointment to the board.