Obrigado! Thank you for choosing to learn how to say “reservations” in Portuguese. Whether you’re traveling to Portugal, Brazil, or any other Portuguese-speaking country, having the right vocabulary can make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, you will find formal and informal ways to express “reservations” in Portuguese, along with some regional variations. So, let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say Reservations in Portuguese
If you prefer a formal tone or find yourself in a professional setting, these are the phrases to use when talking about making or confirming reservations:
1. Reservas (Reh-ZEHR-vahs)
This is the most common and straightforward translation of “reservations” in a formal context. You can use it in various situations, such as booking a hotel, reserving a table at a restaurant, or requesting a reservation for a tour or event.
2. Fazer Reservas (FAH-zeer reh-ZEHR-vahs)
This expression means “to make reservations” and is often used when you need to specify the action of making a reservation. For example, you can say “Preciso fazer reservas para o hotel” (I need to make reservations for the hotel).
3. Efetuar Reservas (eh-feh-TOO-ahr reh-ZEHR-vahs)
Slightly more formal than “fazer reservas,” this phrase carries a sense of completion and is commonly used in professional or business settings.
Informal Ways to Say Reservations in Portuguese
If you’re in a casual setting, speaking with friends or locals, these more informal expressions may be more appropriate:
1. Marcar/Agendar (MAHR-kahr/AH-jehn-DAHR)
These words are often used in spoken Portuguese to convey the idea of “making reservations.” For example, you can say “Vou marcar uma reserva no restaurante” (I’m going to make a reservation at the restaurant).
2. Garantir (gahr-ahn-TEER)
This verb means “to secure” and can be used informally to express the concept of making a reservation. It’s commonly used in Brazil, particularly for reserving a table at a restaurant or securing a spot in an event.
Regional Variations
While Portuguese is spoken in various countries, there are slight differences in vocabulary and expressions. Here are some regional variations you might come across:
1. Brazilian Portuguese
In Brazil, you can use the informal expressions mentioned earlier, such as “marcar” or “agendar,” both in formal and informal situations. However, it’s essential to note that regional variations exist, and some states may have their own unique words or phrases.
2. Portuguese from Portugal
In Portugal, the formal expression “reservas” is widely used, as well as “fazer reservas” and “efetuar reservas.” However, some regional variations exist, especially in colloquial speech.
Tips and Examples
Here are some tips and examples to help you further understand how to use the word “reservations” in Portuguese:
Tips:
- Always consider the context and the level of formality before choosing the appropriate phrase.
- When making reservations over the phone, it’s common to start the conversation with a polite greeting like “Olá, boa tarde” (Hello, good afternoon) or “Bom dia” (Good morning) before stating your request.
- If you’re unsure about the specific word or phrase to use in a particular region, it’s best to stick to more general expressions like “fazer reservas” or “marcar” as they are widely understood.
Examples:
“Olá, gostaria de fazer uma reserva para dois no restaurante, por favor.” (Hello, I would like to make a reservation for two at the restaurant, please.)
“Precisamos efetuar reservas de hotel antes da viagem.” (We need to make hotel reservations before the trip.)
“Vou marcar um horário para a visita ao museu.” (I’m going to schedule a time for the museum visit.)
Final Thoughts
Now you have a comprehensive understanding of how to say “reservations” in Portuguese, both formally and informally. Remember to consider the context and level of formality when choosing the appropriate phrase. Whether you’re traveling to Brazil or Portugal, these expressions will help you communicate effectively and enjoy a smoother experience during your trip. Boa sorte! Good luck!
