Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| reserva | /reˈseɾba/ | feminine |
| reservación | /reseɾbaˈθjon/ /reseɾbaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
Both reserva and reservación refer to an arrangement by which something is secured in advance. If you wish to use the verb form, "to reserve," use reservar.
Which one should you use?
While both terms mean "reservation", reserva is more common in Spain, whereas reservación is frequently used in many parts of Latin America.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, it is common to use reserva more frequently than reservación. In some Latin American countries, you may also hear the word apartado used as an alternative for "reservation". Additionally, in certain Latin American regions, the verb apartar can be used informally to refer to the act of making a reservation.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both words are feminine nouns. To form the plural, simply add -s to the end: reservas or reservaciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/reˈseɾba/
Did you know?
- The word reserva shares a deep historical root with the Latin word servus, which meant 'slave' or 'servant'.
- The term reserva is used in wine tasting to indicate a wine that has been aged longer than the standard requirement, marking it as a higher quality vintage.
- If a sports commentator mentions a reserva during a football match, they are referring to a substitute player on the bench rather than a booking.
Examples in context
- Tom tiene una reserva.Tom has a reservation.This sentence shows how to state that someone has a reserva.Tatoeba #1715851 by marcelostockle, translation #1177490 by CK
- ¿Has hecho una reserva?Have you made a reservation?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has made a reserva.Tatoeba #4644326 by Shishir, translation #6439302 by CK
- Quiero cambiar mi reserva.I want to change my reservation.This sentence is useful for expressing the desire to change a reserva.Tatoeba #2015320 by marcelostockle, translation #2014686 by CK
- ¿Puedo hacer una reservación para dos personas en su restaurante esta noche?Can I make a reservation for two people at your restaurant tonight?
- Quisiera hacer una reservación de una habitación doble en su hotel para el próximo fin de semana.I would like to make a reservation for a double room at your hotel for the upcoming weekend.
- Por favor, anoten mi reserva para el tour de la ciudad el viernes a las 3 de la tarde.Please note my reservation for the city tour on Friday at 3 o'clock in the afternoon.
- Estoy llamando para hacer una reserva para dos en su restaurante para la cena de Navidad.I am calling to make a reservation for two at your restaurant for Christmas dinner.
- ¿Puedes hacer una reserva para nosotros en el cine para la película de esta noche?Can you make a reservation for us at the movie theater for tonight's movie?
- Necesito hacer una reserva en tu pista de bolos para celebrar mi cumpleaños con amigos.I need to make a reservation at your bowling alley to celebrate my birthday with friends.
- 41 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro arrive at a restaurant.
- ElenaHola, tengo una reserva a nombre de Elena.Hello, I have a reservation under the name of Elena.
- AlejandroDéjame ver, sí, aquí está su reserva.Let me see, yes, here is your reservation.
- ElenaGracias, ¿está lista la mesa ya?Thank you, is the table ready now?
- AlejandroSí, por favor, acompáñenme.Yes, please, follow me.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “reservation” translations and entries reserva, reservación, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries reserva, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
