¿Puedo hacer una reserva?
The English phrase "can I make a reservation" is translated into Spanish as ¿Puedo hacer una reserva?
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of ¿Puedo (Can I), hacer (to make/do), una (a) and reserva (reservation).
Which one should you use?
While reserva is the most common term, you may also hear reservación used in many Latin American countries.
Did you know?
- In Spain, it is common to use the phrase quería hacer una reserva using the imperfect tense 'wanted' instead of puedo for 'can I'. This is used to sound more polite and less direct.
- While reserva is standard, many Latin American speakers prefer reservación. This is an example of a 'calque', where a word is formed to mirror the English 'reservation'.
- The English word 'gesture' is a distant relative of the Spanish hago form of hacer, as both derive from the Latin root agō meaning 'to drive' or 'to do'.
Examples in context
- Me gustaría hacer una reserva, por favor.I would like to make a reservation, please
- Quiero hacer una reserva.I want to make a reservation.
- ¿Puedo hacer una reserva para dos personas a las ocho?Can I make a reservation for two people at eight?
Example conversation
Alejandro calls a restaurant to book a table.
- AlejandroHola, ¿puedo hacer una reserva?Hello, can I make a reservation?
- LucíaSí, claro. ¿Para cuándo sería?Yes, of course. For when would it be?
- AlejandroPara mañana a las ocho.For tomorrow at eight.
- LucíaPerfecto, Alejandro. Ya está anotado.Perfect, Alejandro. It is now noted.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hacer, reserva, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
