A2 verb #2,500 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

予約する

yoyaku suru
At the A1 level, '予約する' (yoyaku suru) is introduced as a simple action word for basic survival in Japan. You learn it primarily to perform essential tasks like booking a hotel room or a table at a restaurant. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex honorifics. You focus on the basic 'Noun + o + yoyaku shimasu' pattern. For example, 'Hoteru o yoyaku shimasu' (I will book a hotel). It is one of the first 'suru-verbs' you encounter. You should also learn the noun 'yoyaku' (reservation) and how to say 'Yoyaku ga arimasu' (I have a reservation). This level is about being understood in simple service situations. You might use it with basic time expressions like 'Ashita' (tomorrow) or 'Kyo' (today). The goal is to be able to walk up to a counter and state your intention clearly. You also learn to recognize the word on websites when looking for a 'Reserve' button. It's a key word for any tourist or new resident. Even if your grammar isn't perfect, saying 'Yoyaku...' with a questioning tone will get the message across to staff.
At the A2 level, you begin to expand the context of '予約する'. You move beyond just hotels and restaurants to include things like 'biyouin' (hair salons), 'haisha' (dentists), and 'shinkansen' (bullet trains). You start using the '〜たい' (want to) form: 'Yoyaku shitai desu' (I want to make a reservation). You also learn to add more detail to your sentences, such as the number of people ('san-nin de') or the specific time ('hachi-ji ni'). This is the level where you learn the distinction between 'yoyaku' (commercial booking) and 'yakusoku' (personal promise), helping you avoid the common mistake of 'reserving' a friend. You also become familiar with the polite 'te-form' for making requests: 'Yoyaku shite kudasai' (Please make a reservation). You might start noticing the word in more complex sentences in textbooks, such as 'Yoyaku ga hitsuyo desu' (A reservation is necessary). Your understanding of the word becomes more functional, allowing you to handle basic phone calls or online forms with more confidence.
At the B1 level, you transition from simple usage to more nuanced communication. You start using '予約する' with various grammatical structures like '〜ておく' (to do in advance), as in 'Resutoran o yoyaku shite okimashita' (I reserved the restaurant in advance). This reflects a more natural way of speaking. You also learn the potential form 'yoyaku dekiru' (can reserve) and the passive form 'yoyaku sareru' (to be reserved). You begin to understand the social etiquette surrounding reservations in Japan, such as the importance of calling to cancel. You learn the word 'kyanseru' (cancel) alongside 'yoyaku'. In business contexts, you might use 'yoyaku' for meeting rooms or company resources. You also start to use the word in the middle of sentences as a modifier, like 'yoyaku-zumi' (already reserved) or 'yoyaku-sha' (the person who made the reservation). Your vocabulary expands to include related terms like 'shiteiseki' (reserved seat) vs 'jiyuuseki' (non-reserved seat). At this stage, you can explain why you need a reservation and handle slight complications, such as changing the time of a booking.
At the B2 level, you are expected to use '予約する' fluently in both casual and formal settings. You master the honorific versions used by staff, such as 'Go-yoyaku o uketamawarimashita' (We have received your reservation). You can navigate complex booking systems and understand terms and conditions (kiyaku) related to reservations. You use 'yoyaku' in more abstract or professional ways, such as 'yoyaku hanbai' (pre-order sales) or 'yoyaku kin' (deposit/booking fee). You can discuss the pros and cons of reservation systems in society or debate the ethics of 'no-shows' in the restaurant industry. Your grammar allows you to use 'yoyaku' in complex conditional sentences: 'Moshi yoyaku ga torenakattara, doushimasu ka?' (What will we do if we can't get a reservation?). You also understand the nuance of 'osaeru' (to hold/secure) and when to use it instead of 'yoyaku' to sound more like a native speaker. You are comfortable using the word in writing, such as in formal emails to book a venue for a seminar or a business dinner.
At the C1 level, your understanding of '予約する' includes its legal and technical implications. You understand the difference between a 'yoyaku' and a 'keiyaku' (contract) in a legal sense. You can read and understand complex cancellation policies and legal disclaimers on booking websites. You use the word in sophisticated business discussions, perhaps regarding 'yoyaku kanri sutemu' (reservation management systems) or yield management in the airline industry. You are sensitive to the register of the word, knowing exactly when to use 'yoyaku' versus more formal alternatives like 'haibi' (arrangement) or 'tehai' (making arrangements). You can use the word idiomatically or in specialized fields, such as 'yoyaku-ken' (the right to reserve/pre-emptive right) in finance or law. Your ability to use 'yoyaku' is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the use of humble and honorific forms in high-stakes negotiations. You can also interpret the cultural nuances of 'yoyaku' in literature or media, understanding what a character's attitude toward reservations says about their personality.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of '予約する' and its entire lexical field. You can discuss the historical evolution of the word and its kanji components. You are capable of drafting professional-grade contracts or policies involving reservations. You understand the deepest cultural underpinnings of 'yoyaku' in Japanese society, including its relation to the concept of 'giri' (social obligation) and 'meiwaku' (causing trouble for others). You can engage in high-level academic or professional discourse about the economics of reservation-based business models. You are familiar with rare or archaic terms related to booking and can use them appropriately in creative writing or formal speeches. Your usage is characterized by perfect precision, selecting 'yoyaku' or its most refined synonyms to convey exact shades of meaning. You can also critique the linguistic shifts in how 'yoyaku' is used in modern digital culture versus traditional settings. Essentially, the word is a tool you use with complete effortless precision in any possible context, from a casual chat to a legal deposition.

予約する in 30 Sekunden

  • 予約する (yoyaku suru) means to reserve or book a service, seat, or item in advance, essential for daily life and travel in Japan.
  • It is a Group 3 suru-verb, used with the particle 'o' for the object being booked and 'ni' for the time.
  • Commonly used for hotels, restaurants, trains, and doctors, it differs from 'yakusoku' which is for personal promises with friends.
  • In Japan, making a reservation is seen as a serious commitment; late cancellations or no-shows are considered very rude.

The Japanese verb 予約する (yoyaku suru) is a fundamental 'suru-verb' that every learner must master early in their journey. At its core, it translates to 'to reserve' or 'to book.' However, the linguistic weight of this word extends beyond a simple transaction; it represents a social contract in Japanese culture, where punctuality and mutual respect are paramount. The word is composed of two kanji: 予 (yo), meaning 'in advance' or 'beforehand,' and 約 (yaku), meaning 'promise' or 'agreement.' Together, they literally mean 'a promise made in advance.'

Etymological Root
The kanji 約 also appears in 'yakusoku' (promise), emphasizing the binding nature of the booking.
Grammatical Category
It is a Transitive Suru-Verb (Group 3), typically taking the object marker 'o'.
Semantic Range
Covers hotels, restaurants, transportation, medical appointments, and pre-ordering products.

In a society that values order and predictability, 予約する is the mechanism that keeps the gears of service turning smoothly. Whether you are securing a seat on the Shinkansen or a table at a popular ramen shop in Shibuya, this verb is your primary tool. It differs from a casual 'promise' (yakusoku) because it almost always involves a professional or commercial service provider.

「レストランを予約しましたか?」 (Did you reserve the restaurant?)

— A common question in social planning.

Understanding the nuances of this word involves recognizing that it isn't just about the act of booking, but about the commitment that follows. In Japan, failing to show up for a reservation (no-show) is considered a significant breach of etiquette, often referred to as 'dotecan' (short for 'dotakyan' or last-minute cancellation). Therefore, when you use 予約する, you are entering a formal agreement that the service provider will hold a resource for you, and you will arrive to claim it.

新幹線の指定席を予約する必要があります。(It is necessary to reserve a designated seat on the Shinkansen.)

Synonym Note
While 'osaeru' (to hold) is used colloquially, 'yoyaku suru' remains the standard polite form.

Furthermore, the word is used in digital contexts. 'Yoyaku chuumon' refers to pre-ordering a video game or a book before its release date. This versatility makes it one of the top 500 most useful verbs for daily life in Japan. From the dentist to the hair salon, 'yoyaku' is the gatekeeper of your schedule.

歯医者の予約をしました。(I made an appointment with the dentist.)

Using 予約する correctly requires understanding its position as a transitive verb. The basic sentence structure is: [Object] を 予約する. Because it is a suru-verb, it follows all standard conjugation patterns for Group 3 verbs. For example, the polite present form is 予約します, and the past form is 予約しました.

1. Direct Object Usage

When you want to specify what you are booking, use the particle 'o'.

  • ホテルを予約する: To book a hotel.
  • チケットを予約する: To reserve a ticket.
  • 会議室を予約する: To reserve a meeting room.

2. Specifying Time and People

To add details like time or the number of people, use the particles 'ni' and 'de'.

「7時に4人で予約したいのですが。」 (I would like to make a reservation for four people at 7:00.)

In this example, '7-ji ni' indicates the time, and 'yo-nin de' indicates the group size. The ending 〜たいのですが is a very common, polite way to initiate a request over the phone or at a counter.

3. The Noun Form

The noun form 予約 (yoyaku) is often used with other verbs like 入れる (ireru - to put in) or 取る (toru - to take/get). For instance, 予約を入れる sounds slightly more casual or business-like, whereas 予約を取る is very common when talking about getting a hard-to-reach slot at a famous restaurant.

Common Pattern
[Place] の 予約を [Verb]
Example
美容院の予約を取りました。(I got an appointment at the hair salon.)

4. Passive and Potential Forms

In busy seasons, you might hear 予約されています (yoyaku sarete imasu), meaning 'it is reserved.' If you want to say you 'can' reserve something, use 予約できます (yoyaku dekimasu).

You will encounter 予約する in almost every service-oriented environment in Japan. It is the backbone of the hospitality industry. Here are the most common scenarios where you will hear or use this word:

1. At Restaurants and Izakayas

When entering a restaurant, the staff will almost always ask: 「ご予約はされていますか?」 (Go-yoyaku wa sarete imasu ka? - Do you have a reservation?). Note the honorific 'go' added to the front and the polite passive form. If you haven't booked, you might hear 「本日は予約でいっぱいです」 (Honjitsu wa yoyaku de ippai desu - We are fully booked today).

2. Travel and Transportation

At a Midori-no-Madoguchi (JR Ticket Office), you will use this word to book Shinkansen seats. On websites like Rakuten Travel or Jalan, the 'Book Now' button will usually say 予約する or 今すぐ予約.

3. Medical and Personal Care

Japanese clinics (naika, shika) operate heavily on the reservation system. You don't just 'go' to the doctor; you 予約を入れる. Similarly, hair salons (biyouin) are almost exclusively reservation-based in urban areas like Tokyo or Osaka.

Staff: 「次回のご予約はどうされますか?」 (How would you like to handle your next reservation?)

Customer: 「来週の月曜日に予約します。」 (I'll reserve for next Monday.)

4. Business Contexts

In an office, you reserve meeting rooms (kaigishitsu) or company cars (shayo-sha). The phrase 「会議室を予約しておきました」 (I have reserved the meeting room in advance) uses the 〜ておく form, which perfectly complements 'yoyaku' as it implies doing something in preparation for the future.

While 予約する seems straightforward, there are several pitfalls that English speakers and other learners often fall into.

1. Confusing 'Yoyaku' with 'Yakusoku'

This is the most frequent error. Both involve 'promises,' but their usage is distinct:

  • 予約 (Yoyaku): Used for services, facilities, or products (Business/Commercial).
    Example: Booking a hotel.
  • 約束 (Yakusoku): Used for social plans with friends, family, or personal commitments.
    Example: Promising to meet a friend for coffee.

Mistake: 「友達とランチを予約しました」 (Incorrect if you mean you made plans with a friend. Correct only if you booked the table at the restaurant for the group.)

2. Misusing 'Yoyaku' for Appointments with People

In English, we 'make an appointment' with a professor or a lawyer. In Japanese, if it's a formal consultation, 予約 is okay. However, if it's a professional meeting, アポイント (apointo) or 面談 (mendan) might be more appropriate depending on the level of formality.

3. Forgetting the 'Suru'

Since 'yoyaku' is a noun, you cannot use it as a verb without 'suru'. You cannot say 「私はホテルを予約」. You must say 「私はホテルを予約します」.

4. Particle Confusion

Learners sometimes use 'ni' for the object. 「レストランに予約する」 is actually acceptable (meaning 'to make a reservation AT the restaurant'), but 「レストランを予約する」 is more standard when the restaurant is the thing being booked.

To truly master 予約する, you should know the words that live in its neighborhood. These synonyms and related terms have subtle differences in nuance.

1. 確保する (Kakuhou suru)
Meaning: To secure / To ensure.
Nuance: This is often used in business or logistics. It sounds more forceful than 'yoyaku'. You 'secure' a budget or 'secure' a seat in a competitive environment.
Example: 予算を確保する (To secure the budget).
2. 指定する (Shitei suru)
Meaning: To designate / To specify.
Nuance: Used often with seats. A 'shiteiseki' is a reserved seat. While 'yoyaku' is the act of booking, 'shitei' is the act of picking a specific spot.
Example: 席を指定する (To specify/reserve a specific seat).
3. 押さえる (Osaeru)
Meaning: To hold / To pin down.
Nuance: Colloquial. Used when you want to 'grab' a spot before someone else does.
Example: とりあえず店を押さえておこう (Let's hold the restaurant for now).
4. 注文する (Chuumon suru)
Meaning: To order.
Nuance: Used for food at a table or products you are buying. 'Yoyaku' is for the time/space, 'chuumon' is for the item.
Example: ピザを注文する (To order a pizza).

In summary, use 予約する for the general act of booking, 確保する when it's a struggle to get, and 押さえる in casual conversation with friends when planning.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

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Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

1

ホテルを予約します。

I will reserve a hotel.

Simple Noun + o + Verb structure.

2

レストランを予約しましたか?

Did you reserve the restaurant?

Past tense question form.

3

チケットを予約してください。

Please reserve the tickets.

Request form using ~te kudasai.

4

あした、予約があります。

I have a reservation tomorrow.

Using the noun 'yoyaku' with 'arimasu'.

5

ここで予約できますか?

Can I make a reservation here?

Potential form 'dekimasu'.

6

名前で予約しました。

I reserved under my name.

Using 'de' to indicate the means/name.

7

予約は必要ですか?

Is a reservation necessary?

Noun + wa + Adjective (hitsuyo).

8

電話で予約します。

I will reserve by phone.

Using 'de' for the method.

1

7時に4人で予約したいです。

I want to reserve for four people at 7:00.

Using ~tai for desire.

2

新幹線の席を予約しました。

I reserved a seat on the Shinkansen.

Specific object 'shinkansen no seki'.

3

美容院を予約するのを忘れました。

I forgot to reserve the hair salon.

Nominalizing the verb with 'no'.

4

オンラインで予約するのが便利です。

Reserving online is convenient.

Nominalizing the verb as a subject.

5

予約なしで入れますか?

Can we enter without a reservation?

Using 'nashi' (without).

6

歯医者の予約をキャンセルしました。

I cancelled the dentist appointment.

Combining 'yoyaku' with 'cancel'.

7

この本を予約しておきます。

I will reserve this book (in advance).

Using ~te oku for preparation.

8

予約がいっぱいなので、別の日にします。

Since it's fully booked, I'll make it another day.

Using 'ippai' (full) and 'node' (because).

1

会議室を予約しておいてください。

Please reserve the meeting room in advance.

Combining ~te oku and ~te kudasai.

2

予約した時間より少し遅れます。

I will be a little late for the reserved time.

Using 'yoyaku shita' as an adjective for 'jikan'.

3

人気のある店は早めに予約したほうがいいです。

It's better to reserve popular shops early.

~ta hou ga ii (advice).

4

予約が取れるかどうか確認します。

I will check whether I can get a reservation.

~ka dou ka (whether or not).

5

ホテルを予約する際に、禁煙ルームを選びました。

When reserving the hotel, I chose a non-smoking room.

Using 'sai ni' (when/on the occasion of).

6

予約を忘れないようにメモしておきます。

I'll make a note so I don't forget the reservation.

~nai you ni (so that... not).

7

このサイトから簡単に予約ができます。

You can easily make a reservation from this site.

Potential form with an adverb.

8

予約を別の日に変更してもらえますか?

Could you change the reservation to another day for me?

~te moraeru (requesting a favor).

1

週末は混むので、予約は必須です。

It gets crowded on weekends, so a reservation is mandatory.

Using 'hissu' (mandatory/essential).

2

予約システムがダウンして、混乱が起きました。

The reservation system went down, causing confusion.

Compound noun 'yoyaku shisutemu'.

3

予約をキャンセルする場合、手数料がかかります。

If you cancel the reservation, a fee will be charged.

Using 'baai' (in the case of).

4

事前に予約しておけば、待ち時間はありません。

If you reserve in advance, there is no waiting time.

Conditional ~eba.

5

ご予約のお名前を伺ってもよろしいでしょうか?

May I ask for the name of the reservation?

Keigo (honorific/humble language).

6

予約特典として、限定グッズがもらえます。

As a reservation bonus, you can get limited edition goods.

Using 'tokuten' (bonus/privilege).

7

団体での予約は、一ヶ月前から受け付けています。

Reservations for groups are accepted from one month in advance.

Using 'uketukeru' (to accept).

8

予約の確認メールが届いていないようです。

It seems the reservation confirmation email hasn't arrived.

Using 'youdesu' (it seems).

1

予約の重複を避けるため、システムを刷新した。

To avoid double bookings, we overhauled the system.

Formal vocabulary 'juufuku' and 'sasshin'.

2

予約権の譲渡は禁止されています。

Transferring reservation rights is prohibited.

Using 'yoyaku-ken' (reservation rights).

3

当日のキャンセルは、予約代金の100%を申し受けます。

For same-day cancellations, 100% of the reservation fee will be charged.

Very formal 'moushiukeru'.

4

予約が殺到し、サーバーが一時的に停止した。

Reservations flooded in, and the server temporarily stopped.

Using 'sattou' (flood/rush).

5

予約制を導入することで、混雑緩和を図る。

By introducing a reservation system, we aim to alleviate congestion.

Using 'hakaru' (to aim for/plan).

6

このサービスは、完全予約制となっております。

This service is strictly by reservation only.

Formal '~to natte orimasu'.

7

予約の有無にかかわらず、身分証をご提示ください。

Regardless of whether you have a reservation, please show your ID.

~ni kakawarazu (regardless of).

8

仮予約の状態では、まだ確定ではありません。

In the provisional reservation state, it is not yet confirmed.

Using 'kari-yoyaku' (provisional booking).

1

予約という行為が、現代社会の消費行動に与える影響は大きい。

The act of reserving has a significant impact on consumer behavior in modern society.

Abstract academic structure.

2

法的な観点から言えば、予約は本契約の成立を目的とする合意である。

From a legal perspective, a reservation is an agreement aimed at establishing a main contract.

Legal definition phrasing.

3

予約の不履行に対する損害賠償の範囲を明確にする必要がある。

It is necessary to clarify the scope of damages for non-performance of a reservation.

High-level legal terminology 'furi kou'.

4

予約文化の浸透は、日本人の計画性を象徴しているとも言える。

The penetration of reservation culture can be said to symbolize the planning nature of Japanese people.

Sociological analysis phrasing.

5

需給バランスを最適化するための動的価格設定と予約管理の連動。

The linkage between dynamic pricing and reservation management to optimize the supply-demand balance.

Technical business jargon.

6

予約を反故にすることは、信義誠実の原則に反する行為である。

To go back on a reservation is an act that violates the principle of good faith.

Using 'hogo ni suru' (to scrap/go back on).

7

潜在的な予約需要を掘り起こすためのマーケティング戦略を立案する。

Formulate a marketing strategy to tap into potential reservation demand.

Strategic business language.

8

予約システムの脆弱性を突いた不正アクセスが相次いでいる。

There has been a series of unauthorized accesses exploiting vulnerabilities in reservation systems.

Cybersecurity context.

Häufige Kollokationen

ホテルを予約する
席を予約する
チケットを予約する
オンラインで予約する
電話で予約する
事前に予約する
名前で予約する
団体で予約する
一ヶ月前に予約する
予約を確認する

Häufige Phrasen

予約をお願いします

予約はありますか?

予約でいっぱいです

予約をキャンセルしたいです

予約を変更したいです

予約席

予約制

予約特典

予約注文

予約完了

Wird oft verwechselt mit

予約する vs 約束 (Yakusoku)

Personal promise vs. Commercial booking.

予約する vs 予定 (Yotei)

A plan/schedule vs. The act of booking.

予約する vs 注文 (Chuumon)

Ordering an item vs. Reserving a time/space.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

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Leicht verwechselbar

予約する vs

予約する vs

予約する vs

予約する vs

予約する vs

Satzmuster

So verwendest du es

nuance

Professional/Commercial booking only.

formality

Standard polite 'suru' verb.

Häufige Fehler
  • Using 'yoyaku' for personal plans with friends.
  • Forgetting the 'suru' and just saying 'yoyaku'.
  • Using 'ni' instead of 'o' for the object (e.g., 'hotel ni yoyaku').
  • Not using honorifics (go-yoyaku) when speaking to a customer.
  • Confusing 'yoyaku' (booking) with 'yotei' (plan/schedule).

Tipps

Call to Cancel

Always call if you can't make it. No-shows are very disrespectful in Japan.

Particle Choice

Use 'o' for the object and 'ni' for the time. Don't mix them up.

Course Meals

Many restaurants require a reservation if you want a specific course meal.

Use Apps

Apps like Tabelog often offer discounts for online reservations.

Yakusoku vs Yoyaku

Remember: Friends = Yakusoku, Business = Yoyaku.

Polite Ending

Use '~tai no desu ga' to sound more natural when asking for a booking.

Confirmation

Always check for a confirmation email after booking online.

Shinkansen

During holidays (Obon, New Year), reserve Shinkansen seats weeks in advance.

Clinics

Most Japanese clinics are reservation-only. Don't just walk in.

Meeting Rooms

In Japanese offices, booking the room is as important as the meeting itself.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Kultureller Kontext

Arrive 5 minutes early.

Always call if you can't make it.

Tabelog and Hot Pepper are the kings of restaurant booking.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"今夜のレストラン、予約した?"

"予約なしでも入れますか?"

"新幹線の予約、どうやってやるの?"

"歯医者の予約、いつだっけ?"

"この店、予約しないと無理だよ。"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、何を予約しましたか?

予約をキャンセルしたことがありますか?その理由は?

予約が必要な店と、そうでない店、どちらが好きですか?

日本で予約をする時に困ったことはありますか?

将来、どんな旅行を予約したいですか?

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

No, use 'yakusoku'. 'Yoyaku' sounds like you are booking her like a hotel room.

Yes, for pre-ordering items not yet released, called 'yoyaku chuumon'.

There isn't a direct opposite verb, but 'cancel' is used for the act of undoing it.

Only when talking about someone else's reservation or when a staff member talks to you.

Say 'Yoyaku ga arimasu' or 'Yoyaku shite arimasu'.

It is standard. In very formal business, 'tehai' or 'haibi' might be used for arrangements.

Yes, for the room ('kaigishitsu o yoyaku'), but for the person, use 'apointo'.

It means 'already reserved' or 'booked'.

Start with 'Yoyaku o shitai no desu ga...' (I'd like to make a reservation...).

Yes, 'hikouki o yoyaku suru' is very common.

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Perfect score!

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