What does it mean word for word?
The phrase vorrei fare una prenotazione literally translates to "I would like to make a reservation". The word vorrei is the conditional form of the verb volere (to want), and the verb fare (to make/do) is the standard verb used to collocate with prenotazione (reservation).
Which one should you use?
While vorrei fare una prenotazione and vorrei prenotare both express the desire to book, the latter uses the single verb prenotare (to book/reserve) to be more concise. For a more indirect and formal inquiry, you can use Sarebbe possibile fare una prenotazione? which means "Would it be possible to make a reservation?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard polite way to express a desire or make a request is to use vorrei (I would like) instead of the more direct voglio (I want). For example, vorrei fare una prenotazione and Desidero prenotare are formal and polite options. In contrast, Voglio prenotare is an informal way to say "I want to book".
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase vorrei fare una prenotazione, the verb fare is the required collocation for the noun prenotazione.
Did you know?
- In Italy, a prenotazione at a restaurant is often an informal agreement. It is common for some establishments to hold a table for only 15 minutes past the scheduled time before giving it away.
- The word prenotazione shares its roots with the English word 'note', as both stem from the concept of 'noting' or 'marking' something down in advance.
- In very traditional Italian settings, asking Sarebbe possibile… is not just formal but is seen as a way to show 'educazione'. Using the conditional mood signals respect for the other person's authority over the space.
Examples in context
- Vorrei fare una prenotazione per una stanza doppia dal 3 al 7 giugno.I would like to make a reservation for a double room from June 3rd to June 7th.
- Voglio prenotare una stanza doppia per il prossimo weekend.I want to book a double room for the upcoming weekend.
- Posso fare una prenotazione per stasera alle otto?Can I make a reservation for tonight at eight o'clock?
- Desidero prenotare un tavolo per domani sera.I want to book a table for tomorrow evening.
- Vorrei fare una prenotazione per un'auto dall'aeroporto di Roma.I would like to make a reservation for a car from Rome airport.
- Voglio prenotare un'escursione per il weekend.I want to book a tour for the weekend.
- Vorrei fare una prenotazione per due persone per stasera.I would like to make a reservation for two people for tonight.
- Vorrei fare una prenotazione per domani sera.I want to make a reservation for tomorrow evening.
- Buongiorno, vorrei fare una prenotazione per due persone.Good morning, I want to make a reservation for two people.
- Vorrei fare una prenotazione per un tavolo all'aperto.I want to make a reservation for an outdoor table.
Example conversation
Francesco calls a restaurant to book a table.
- FrancescoPronto, vorrei fare una prenotazione per domani.Hello, I want to make a reservation for tomorrow.
- ChiaraCertamente, Francesco. Per quante persone?Certainly, Francesco. For how many people?
- FrancescoSiamo in quattro persone, alle otto.There are four of us, at eight o'clock.
- ChiaraPerfetto, il tavolo è prenotato.Perfect, the table is reserved.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fare, prenotazione, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
