ha una prenotazione
The English phrase "you have a reservation" is expressed in Italian as ha una prenotazione.
In professional settings such as a hotel or a restaurant, this phrase is typically used as a question to confirm that a guest has a booking.
What does it mean word for word?
The word ha is the third-person singular form of the verb avere (to have), which in Italian is used to express both "he/she has" and the formal "you have".
Which one should you use?
Use ha una prenotazione for a single person in a formal context, hai una prenotazione for a single person in an informal context and avete una prenotazione when addressing a group of people.
How does it change in a sentence?
When addressing more than one person, you must use the plural form avete una prenotazione.
Did you know?
- Using the informal hai instead of the formal ha when asked about a reservation at a luxury establishment can be interpreted as a sign of low social standing.
- The word prenotazione is a cognate of the English word 'notation' because both derive from the Latin word 'nota', meaning 'mark' or 'sign'.
- If you are at a restaurant and the host asks Ha una prenotazione?, you might answer with just your name. In Italy, it is often more natural to say 'On behalf of Rossi' rather than repeating the full sentence 'I have a reservation under Rossi'.
Examples in context
- Ha una prenotazione?Do you have a reservation?This sentence is useful for asking if someone has a reservation using the form ha una prenotazione.Tatoeba #6921263 by Guybrush88, translation #54308 by CK
- Vedo che lei ha una prenotazione per stasera.I see that you have a reservation for tonight.
Example conversation
A receptionist greets a guest at a hotel.
- GiuliaBuongiorno, benvenuto in hotel.Good morning, welcome to the hotel.
- FrancescoBuongiorno, vorrei fare il check-in.Good morning, I would like to check in.
- GiuliaCertamente, ha una prenotazione con noi?Certainly, do you have a reservation with us?
- FrancescoSì, a nome di Francesco.Yes, under the name of Francesco.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ha, prenotazione, una, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
