réserver
/ʁe.zɛʁ.ve/
To make a reservation in French, use réserver.
The English phrase 'make a reservation' is most naturally expressed in French using the single verb réserver. When you are at a restaurant, it is common to say réserver une table to mean 'to reserve a table'. When booking at a hotel, it is common to use réserver une chambre to mean 'to reserve a room'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb réserver means 'to reserve' or 'to book'. If you want to use the word as an adjective to describe something that has already been booked, use the past participle réservé, such as in the phrase une place réservée (a reserved seat).
How do you pronounce it?
The word has three syllables: /ʁe.zɛʁ.ve/.
Did you know?
- In French, réservé is also used as an adjective to describe a person who is shy or cautious with their emotions, rather than someone who has been booked.
- While réserver is used for bookings, the phrase avoir rendez-vous is used for appointments. Trying to réserver a time with a doctor might sound like you are booking the entire clinic.
- In a formal debate or discussion, if you émettre des réserves, you are not making a booking, but expressing your doubts or hesitations about an idea.
Examples in context
- Je vais réserver.I'll make a reservation.This sentence uses réserver to show a simple intention to make a reservation.Tatoeba #6930163 by Aiji, translation #2546063 by CK
- Vous devez réserver.You have to make a reservation.This sentence uses réserver to express an obligation to make a reservation.Tatoeba #11453462 by Aiji, translation #68874 by CK
- Je souhaite réserver une chambre d'hôtel pour trois nuits.I would like to reserve a hotel room for three nights.
- J'aimerais faire une réservation pour quatre personnes à votre restaurant ce soir.I would like to make a reservation for four people at your restaurant tonight.
- Je veux réserver deux billets pour le cinéma samedi prochain.I want to reserve two cinema tickets for next Saturday.
- Je veux réserver une table pour ce soir.I want to make a reservation for a table for tonight.
Example conversation
Chloé and Nathan are planning a dinner at a restaurant.
- ChloéEst-ce qu'on doit réserver pour le restaurant ?Do we need to make a reservation for the restaurant?
- NathanOui, c'est mieux de réserver à l'avance.Yes, it is better to make a reservation in advance.
- ChloéJe vais appeler pour réserver maintenant.I am going to call to make a reservation now.
- NathanD'accord, merci Chloé.Okay, thanks Chloé.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry réserver, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
