예약
yeyak[ˈje̞(ː)ja̠k̚]
The English phrase 'reservation' is 예약 (yeyak) in Korean.
예약 refers to an arrangement made in advance to secure something. It is used for securing services such as flights, hotels or restaurants. However, it is not used for 'booking' a person or a specific seat in the context of a physical appointment, such as a doctor's visit.
Meaning: arrangement by which something is secured in advance (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
To change the noun 예약 (reservation) into the verb 'to make a reservation', add the verb suffix –하다 to create 예약하다. Additionally, a natural way to express that you 'have a reservation' is to use the structure 예약이 되어 있다, which literally translates to 'a reservation is made/exists'.
How do you pronounce it?
yeyak
Did you know?
- The term 예약 is used in the phrase 예약 판매, which refers to 'pre-orders' for products like K-pop albums or electronics before they are officially released.
- In Korean culture, 노쇼 (no-show) has become a common loanword to describe the act of making a 예약 and then failing to appear without notice.
- Korean has a specific word 가예약 for a 'tentative reservation', which allows a person to hold a spot without a full commitment or payment.
Examples in context
- 예약하셨나요?Do you have a reservation?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a reservation using 예약.Tatoeba #7798231 by HappyMidnight, translation #54308 by CK
- 예약을 변경하고 싶습니다.I'd like to change my reservation.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to change a reservation using 예약.Tatoeba #11105992 by intertime, translation #324749 by CK
- 안녕하세요,예약을 했는데요, 제이름은 카오리 요시카와 입니다. 확인카드는 여기있습니다.Hello, I have a reservation, my name is Kaori Yoshikawa. Here is the confirmation card.This sentence is useful for identifying yourself and providing a confirmation card when you have a reservation using 예약.Tatoeba #1123385 by cyne, translation #19978 by CN
- 호텔 예약하고 싶어요I want to make a hotel reservation
- 특별한 날, 레스토랑을 예약하고 싶어요.I would like to make a reservation at the restaurant for a special day.
- 내일 오후 3시에 약속 잡을 수 있을까요?Can we schedule an appointment for tomorrow at 3 PM?
- 오늘 저녁에 예약했어.I made a reservation for tonight.
- 토요일에 놀이공원 자리 잡아둘게요.I will secure a spot at the amusement park for Saturday.
- 예약 확인 부탁드려요Please confirm the reservation
Example conversation
Minjun and Subin are talking about dinner plans.
- 민준 Min-jun오늘 저녁 식당 예약 했어?oneul jeonyeok sikdang yeyak haesseo?Did you make a reservation for the restaurant tonight?
- 수빈 Su-bin응, 오후 7시로 예약 했어.eung, ohu ilgopsiro yeyak haesseo.Yes, I made a reservation for 7 PM.
- 민준 Min-jun잘했어. 거기 인기 많은 곳이잖아.jalhaesseo. geogi inki maneun gosijana.Good job. That place is very popular.
- 수빈 Su-bin맞아, 그래서 미리 예약 했어.maja, geuraeseo miri yeyak haesseo.Right, that's why I made a reservation in advance.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reservation” translations and entries 예약, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
