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.
She has a reserved personality.
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.
He is reserved and doesn't talk much.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
This seat is reserved.
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.
Is this seat reserved?
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.
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.
She is reserved but has a strong core.
What a quiet/reserved puppy.
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.
He is a reserved person. (unnatural)
There is a name card on the reserved table.
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.