予約しています
yoyaku shite imasu
The Japanese phrase for "we have a reservation" is 予約しています (yoyaku shite imasu).
You use this phrase to inform staff at a place like a restaurant or hotel that a booking has been made. When checking in, it is common to follow this phrase with your name, for example: 予約しています, [Name] です。
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is built from the noun 予約, which means 'reservation' or 'appointment'.
Which one should you use?
While 予約しています is the standard polite form, you may encounter 予約をしています, which is a formal and polite way to express the same thing. For casual settings, the informal version 予約してるよ is commonly used.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
予約しています is the standard polite way to state you have a reservation to staff. The version 予約をしています is a formal and polite way to express the same idea. In casual speech, you can use the informal version 予約してるよ or the shortened form 予約してる.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form 予約しています uses the continuous form of the verb to express the current state of having a reservation.
How do you pronounce it?
yoyaku shite imasu
Did you know?
- The first kanji in 予約 means 'promise' or 'vow', framing a reservation as a social contract rather than just a business transaction.
- In Japanese hospitality, after you say 予約しています, the staff will often respond with かしこまりました (kashikomarimashita), which is a much more formal way of saying 'understood' than standard polite Japanese.
- The word 予約 can also be used for 'pre-ordering' a product, such as a new video game or a book, before it is released.
Examples in context
- 六時半に予約しています。We have a reservation for six-thirty.This sentence is useful for showing how to include a specific time with 予約しています.Tatoeba #77233 by mookeee, translation #1369387 by CK
- フォーマルな食事会の予約であれば、レストランの受付で「予約をしています」とお伝えください。If you have a reservation for a formal dinner, let the restaurant receptionist know by saying "予約をしています" (yoyaku o shiteimasu).
- 友達同士での予定など、カジュアルなシチュエーションでは「予約してるよ」と伝えましょう。When sharing plans with friends or in casual settings, you can say "予約してるよ" (yoyaku shiteru yo).
- 友達との食事の予定など、リラックスした場面では「予約済みだよ」と伝えましょう。When discussing plans with friends, use "予約済みだよ" (yoyaku sumi da yo) in more relaxed situations.
- 七時に予約しています。shichiji ni yoyaku shiteimasu.We have a reservation at seven.
- 田中という名前で予約しています。tanaka to iu namae de yoyaku shiteimasu.We have a reservation under the name Tanaka.
Example conversation
Yui and Yamato arrive at a restaurant.
- 結衣 Yuiこんばんは。予約しています。Konbanwa. Yoyaku shiteimasu.Good evening. We have a reservation.
- 大翔 Hirotoはい。お名前をお願いします。Hai. Onamae o onegaishimasu.Yes. Your name, please.
- 結衣 Yui結衣です。Yui desu.It is Yui.
- 大翔 Hiroto結衣様ですね。どうぞこちらへ。Yui-sama desu ne. Douzo kochira e.Ms. Yui, right? This way, please.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
