予約する
よやくする·yoyaku suru
Meaning
to reserve; to book; to make a reservation
Nuance & Usage
予約する means to make a reservation or booking in advance. It is used for restaurants (レストランを予約する), hotels (ホテルを予約する), trains (新幹線を予約する), and medical appointments (病院を予約する). The noun form 予約 can be used alone: 予約があります (I have a reservation), 予約を取る (to make/get a reservation), 予約を取り消す (to cancel a reservation). 予約なし (yoyaku nashi) means walk-in/without a reservation.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse 予約する with 注文する (chuumon suru — to order food/items). 予約する = reserve ahead of time; 注文する = order at the moment. Also, in Japan, many restaurants and popular venues require a reservation (要予約 — you-yoyaku) and won't seat walk-ins. The phrase 予約はできますか？ (Can I make a reservation?) is essential travel Japanese.
Example Sentences (3)
人気のレストランなので、事前に予約しておいた方がいいですよ。
にんきのれすとらんなので、じぜんによやくしておいたほうがいいですよ。
Since it's a popular restaurant, it's better to make a reservation in advance.
来週の土曜日にホテルを予約しました。
らいしゅうのどようびにほてるをよやくしました。
I booked a hotel for next Saturday.
予約の変更は可能ですか？
よやくのへんこうはかのうですか？
Is it possible to change the reservation?
Quick Quiz
Quick Quiz
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