Translation guide
The English word "reserve" has multiple distinct meanings. This guide covers the most common uses: booking something in advance, keeping something for future use, showing restraint, and having a backup supply. Each meaning requires different Japanese expressions.
To arrange for a seat, room, table, ticket, etc. to be kept for you at a future time.
The standard verb for making a reservation or booking. Used for hotels, restaurants, tickets, appointments, etc.
I reserved a hotel.
I'd like to reserve a table at a restaurant.
Literally 'to set aside and keep'. Used when asking someone to hold a seat or spot for you, often in casual situations.
Could you reserve a seat for me?
Loanword from English 'booking'. Used in some contexts like event or travel bookings, but 予約する is more common.
I booked it online.
To set aside something (time, money, resources) so that it is available when needed later.
The most common way to say you are saving or reserving something for later. Works for food, money, time, etc.
Let's reserve some money for tomorrow.
Emphasizes leaving a portion remaining. Often used for food or quantities.
Means 'to secure' or 'ensure availability'. More formal, used for resources, budget, or spots.
We need to reserve a budget.
To refrain from expressing feelings, opinions, or actions; to be reserved in manner.
To hold back, refrain, or be moderate. Used for actions, comments, or consumption.
He reserved his opinion.
To hold back out of politeness or consideration for others. Often used when declining offers or not imposing.
Please don't hold back (feel free).
To refrain from saying something; to keep something to oneself.
I'll reserve comment on that.
To be discreet, prudent, or self-restrained. More formal and often used in written language or official statements.
Something kept available for use when needed; a reserve supply.
A spare or reserve of something, like a spare tire, backup battery, or reserve funds.
I have a reserve battery.
The spare tire is in the trunk.
Stores, reserves, or savings, often for money, food, or energy.
Loanword used in sports (reserve player) or finance (reserve funds).
予約する is for formal reservations (hotels, restaurants, tickets). 取っておく is for informally holding or saving something (a seat, food, time). Use 予約する when a system or record is involved.
to reserve a restaurant (make a booking)
to save a seat (e.g., by putting your bag on it)
予約する is only for bookings and appointments. If you want to say 'I'll reserve some cake for you', use 取っておく, not 予約する.
I'd like to reserve a table for two at 7pm.
Please reserve your judgment until you hear all the facts.
We have a reserve of food in case of emergency.
Is this seat reserved?
Leave some for tomorrow's breakfast.
I'm refraining from alcohol.
発言を慎むように求められた。
He was asked to reserve his remarks.
食料の蓄えが十分にある。
We have ample reserves of food.
彼はリザーブ選手です。
He is a reserve player.