Translation guide
The English word 'reserving' covers a range of situations from booking a seat or room to setting something aside for later use. In Japanese, the most common equivalent is 予約する (yoyaku suru) for appointments, tickets, and accommodations, but other words like 取っておく (totte oku) or 確保する (kakuho suru) are used for holding or securing items. This guide breaks down the main uses and provides natural Japanese expressions for each.
To arrange in advance for a service, seat, room, or time slot.
The standard verb for making a reservation for restaurants, hotels, tickets, appointments, etc. It implies a formal arrangement.
レストランを予約しました。
I reserved a table at the restaurant.
I'd like to reserve a hotel room.
Loanword from English 'booking'. Used in casual or business contexts, often for travel or events.
飛行機をブッキングした。
I booked a flight.
Literally 'to hold down', used informally for securing a spot or reservation, especially when availability is limited.
人気の店だから、早めに席を押さえといた。
It's a popular place, so I reserved a seat early.
To keep an item or spot for a specific person or purpose, often temporarily.
Means 'to set aside for later' or 'to keep for someone'. Very common in daily life.
この席、取っておいてもらえますか？
Could you reserve this seat for me?
ケーキを一切れ取っておいて。
Save me a slice of cake.
More formal, meaning 'to secure' or 'to ensure possession'. Used for reserving resources, spots, or rights.
会議室を確保してください。
Please reserve a meeting room.
From English 'keep'. Used in very casual contexts, like holding a seat at a bar or saving an item while shopping.
この席キープしといて。
Keep this seat for me.
To refrain from making a decision or comment until later.
Means 'to put on hold' or 'to defer'. Used for decisions, judgments, or plans.
判断は保留します。
I'll reserve judgment.
Means 'to refrain from' or 'to hold back'. Often used for comments or actions out of politeness.
コメントは差し控えさせていただきます。
I will reserve my comments.
To formally state that one may exercise a right in the future.
Legal or formal phrase meaning 'to reserve the right'. Used in contracts or official statements.
当社は変更の権利を留保します。
We reserve the right to make changes.
予約する is for formal reservations with a system (restaurants, hotels, tickets). 取っておく is for informally holding an item or spot for someone, often without a formal booking process. Using 予約する for saving a seat at a casual gathering would sound too stiff.
友達に席を取っておいてもらった。
I had a friend save me a seat.
予約する is only for services or time slots. To reserve a physical item (like a book at a library or a product at a store), use 取っておく or 確保する.