Translation guide
How to express making a reservation in Japanese, covering common verbs, phrases, and patterns for booking restaurants, hotels, tickets, and appointments.
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.
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.
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.
I made a reservation for dinner tomorrow.
Phrases used when actually calling or speaking to make a reservation.
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.
I got concert tickets (made a reservation).
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.
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.
I'd like to make a reservation for two at 7pm tonight.
いい席を押さえておいた。
I secured good seats.
Loanword from English, used mainly in business contexts. Often shortened to アポ.
I'd like to make an appointment for next week.