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.
ホテルを予約しました。
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.
席を取っておいてもらえますか？
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.
オンラインでブッキングしました。
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.
明日のために少しお金を取っておこう。
Let's reserve some money for tomorrow.
この席は取ってありますか？
Is this seat reserved?
Emphasizes leaving a portion remaining. Often used for food or quantities.
明日の朝ごはんのために少し残しておいて。
Leave some for tomorrow's breakfast.
Means 'to secure' or 'ensure availability'. More formal, used for resources, budget, or spots.
予算を確保する必要があります。
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.
彼は自分の意見を控えた。
He reserved his opinion.
お酒は控えています。
I'm refraining from alcohol.
To hold back out of politeness or consideration for others. Often used when declining offers or not imposing.
遠慮しないでください。
Please don't hold back (feel free).
To refrain from saying something; to keep something to oneself.
そのことは言わないでおきます。
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.
予備のバッテリーを持っています。
I have a reserve battery.
予備のタイヤはトランクにあります。
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.
レストランを予約する
to reserve a restaurant (make a booking)
席を取っておく
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.
午後7時に2名で予約したいのですが。
I'd like to reserve a table for two at 7pm.
すべての事実を聞くまで判断を控えてください。
Please reserve your judgment until you hear all the facts.
緊急時のために食料の蓄えがあります。
We have a reserve of food in case of emergency.
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.