Welcome to our comprehensive guide on how to say “reserve” in Spanish! Whether you’re a traveler looking to book accommodations or simply interested in expanding your vocabulary, we’re here to help. In this guide, we’ll cover the formal and informal ways to say “reserve” in Spanish, with tips, examples, and even a glimpse into regional variations. So let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “Reserve” in Spanish
If you’re in a formal setting or need to communicate professionally, here are some appropriate ways to say “reserve” in Spanish:
1. Reservar
The most common and straightforward translation for “reserve” is “reservar.” It’s widely used in many Spanish-speaking countries and understood by all. Here’s an example:
Quisiera reservar una habitación para dos noches, por favor. (I would like to reserve a room for two nights, please.)
2. Apartar
Although it’s less common, another formal way to say “reserve” is “apartar.” It conveys the idea of setting something aside specifically for your use. Here’s an example:
Es necesario apartar la mesa para la reunión de mañana. (It’s necessary to reserve the table for tomorrow’s meeting.)
3. Hacer una reserva
For a more descriptive approach, you can use the phrase “hacer una reserva,” which means “to make a reservation.” This form is particularly useful when referring to specific activities or events. Here’s an example:
Voy a hacer una reserva en el restaurante para nuestra cena de aniversario. (I’m going to make a reservation at the restaurant for our anniversary dinner.)
Informal Ways to Say “Reserve” in Spanish
When speaking casually with friends or family, you can use these informal ways to say “reserve” in Spanish:
1. Apartar
Just like in formal settings, “apartar” can also be used informally to say “reserve” among friends. Here’s an example:
Apártame un sitio en el cine, ¡llego en quince minutos! (Reserve me a spot at the cinema, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes!)
2. Guardar
In a more casual context, “guardar” can also be used to mean “reserve.” It implies saving or keeping something for someone. Here’s an example:
Guárdame un pedazo de pastel, por favor. (Save me a piece of cake, please.)
Regional Variations
While the above translations are universally understood, it’s worth mentioning some regional variations:
1. Apartado (Mexico)
In Mexico, you may come across the term “apartado” for “reserve.” It has a similar meaning to “apartar” and “reservar” and is commonly used in various contexts. Here’s an example:
Dejé un apartado para el evento de mañana en la oficina de correos. (I left a reserve for tomorrow’s event at the post office.)
2. Reserva (Spain)
In Spain, you’ll often find that the word “reserva” is used both formally and informally, much like its English equivalent. Here’s an example:
Vamos a hacer una reserva en el hotel para nuestras vacaciones. (We’re going to make a reservation at the hotel for our vacation.)
Closing Thoughts
Congratulations! You’ve now learned the different ways to say “reserve” in Spanish, both formally and informally. Remember to use “reservar” in most situations, or “apartar” and “hacer una reserva” when appropriate. If you’re in Mexico or Spain, consider using “apartado” or “reserva” respectively to match the local dialect. With these expressions in your Spanish vocabulary, you’ll be all set to handle reservations confidently, whether you’re booking accommodations, reserving a table at a restaurant, or securing a spot for an event. ¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)
