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A2 verb #2,500 le plus courant 9 min de lecture

reservar

At the A1 level, 'reservar' is one of the most practical verbs you will learn. It is primarily used for survival Spanish: booking a hotel room, a table at a restaurant, or a ticket for a bus. You will mostly use it in the present tense ('Yo reservo') or with 'querer' ('Quiero reservar'). It's a key word for any traveler. At this stage, you don't need to worry about complex meanings; just think of it as the 'magic word' that gets you a place to sleep or eat. You will often see it on websites next to a calendar icon. Learning this word early helps you gain confidence in real-world transactions.
At the A2 level, you begin to use 'reservar' in more varied contexts, such as planning a trip with friends or talking about your daily schedule. You will start using it in the past tense ('Reservé una mesa ayer') and the future ('Reservaré los billetes mañana'). You also learn to use it with direct object pronouns ('Lo reservé' - I booked it). This level focuses on the logistics of life. You might also encounter the noun 'reserva' more frequently and learn how to ask about the conditions of a booking, such as '¿Puedo cancelar la reserva?'. It's about moving from simple requests to managing plans.
At the B1 level, 'reservar' moves beyond simple logistics into the realm of intentions and hypothetical situations. You will use it in the subjunctive mood ('Espero que reserves el hotel pronto') and in conditional sentences ('Si tuviera dinero, reservaría un viaje a Japón'). You also start to see the verb used for abstract things, like 'reservar tiempo para uno mismo' (reserving time for oneself). The pronominal form 'reservarse' might appear in contexts like keeping a secret or waiting to see how a situation develops. You are now using the verb to express not just actions, but feelings and strategies about the future.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable with the formal and idiomatic uses of 'reservar'. You will encounter it in professional settings, such as 'reservar una partida presupuestaria' (allocating a budget item) or 'reservarse el derecho de admisión'. You understand the nuance between 'reservar' and its synonyms like 'apartar' or 'agendar'. You can use it to discuss social issues, such as 'reservar plazas para personas con discapacidad'. Your usage is now more precise, and you can handle the verb in complex grammatical structures, including passive voices and formal correspondence. It's about professional and social competence.
At the C1 level, 'reservar' is used with high stylistic precision. You understand its role in legal language ('quedan reservados todos los derechos') and its use in literature to convey character traits (a 'persona reservada' is someone who is guarded or introverted). You can use the verb to discuss philosophical concepts, such as 'reservar el juicio' (withholding judgment). You are sensitive to the register of the word and can use it to sound authoritative or cautious as needed. You also recognize it in complex idiomatic expressions and can use it to navigate nuanced social interactions where what is *not* said is as important as what is said.
At the C2 level, your mastery of 'reservar' is complete. You can use it in the most formal academic or legal writing, understanding its deepest etymological roots and its subtle shifts in meaning over centuries. You can play with the word in creative writing, using it metaphorically to describe emotions, history, or destiny. You are aware of regional variations in how 'reservar' is used across the Spanish-speaking world and can adapt your usage perfectly to the context. For you, 'reservar' is no longer just a verb for booking a hotel; it is a versatile tool for expressing the human impulse to preserve, protect, and plan for the unknown.
Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

reservar en 30 secondes

  • Reservar means to book or set aside something for future use.
  • It is a regular -ar verb, very common in travel and hospitality.
  • It can also mean to keep a secret or withhold an opinion.
  • Commonly used in the phrase 'reservar el derecho de admisión'.

The Spanish verb reservar is a fundamental pillar of daily interaction, primarily functioning as a transitive verb that denotes the act of setting something aside for a specific purpose, person, or future time. At its core, it aligns with the English 'to reserve' or 'to book,' but its semantic range extends into the preservation of rights, the conservation of physical energy, and the psychological act of keeping information to oneself. In the context of the hospitality industry—which is where learners first encounter it—it signifies the formal arrangement to secure a service, such as a hotel room or a restaurant table, ensuring it is not available to others. However, as one progresses in Spanish, reservar transforms into a tool for expressing caution and discretion.

Primary Usage
To secure a service or physical space in advance (e.g., a flight, a seat, or a room).
Abstract Usage
To withhold judgment, keep a secret, or maintain a right (e.g., 'reservarse el derecho').
Physical Usage
To save energy or resources for a later, more critical moment.

"He decidido reservar una mesa para dos en el nuevo restaurante del centro para celebrar nuestro aniversario."

— Example of a standard social booking.

Beyond the physical, reservar carries a connotation of exclusivity. When you reserve something, you are creating a boundary. In legal terms, the phrase "se reserva el derecho de admisión" is ubiquitous in Spain and Latin America, indicating that an establishment maintains the legal authority to decide who enters. This highlights the verb's connection to power and control over resources. In personal relationships, one might reservarse su opinión (keep their opinion to themselves), suggesting a level of social tact or strategic silence. This versatility makes it an essential verb for both a tourist trying to find a bed and a diplomat navigating a sensitive negotiation.

"Es mejor reservar nuestras energías para la caminata de mañana, que será mucho más dura."

To fully master this word, one must understand that it is not just about 'booking' but about 'allocating.' Whether you are allocating money for a rainy day or allocating a seat for a friend, reservar is the bridge between the present intention and the future realization of a need. It is a proactive verb, often associated with planning, foresight, and organization.

Using reservar correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical structure and the prepositions that often accompany it. As a regular -ar verb, its conjugation is straightforward, making it accessible for beginners. However, the complexity arises in its pronominal form reservarse and the specific objects it takes. When you are booking a service, the structure is typically [Subject] + [reservar] + [Object]. For example: "Yo reservo el hotel." If you are reserving something *for* someone, you use the preposition para.

Transitive Structure
Reservar + noun (e.g., reservar un vuelo, reservar una entrada).
Pronominal Structure
Reservarse + noun (e.g., reservarse el derecho, reservarse la noticia).
Prepositional Use
Reservar algo para alguien/algo (e.g., Reservé tiempo para estudiar).

"Me reservo mi comentario hasta que tenga todos los datos sobre la mesa."

— Use of the pronominal form to indicate personal discretion.

In professional contexts, reservar is often paired with formal nouns. You don't just 'save' a spot; you 'reserve' a quota (reservar un cupo) or 'reserve' funds (reservar fondos). In the kitchen, a chef might reservar el caldo (set the broth aside) while preparing another part of the dish. This 'setting aside' is a physical manifestation of the verb's meaning. It is also important to note the difference between reservar and guardar. While guardar means to keep or put away, reservar specifically implies that the item is being kept for a *future use* or a *specific person*.

"¿Podría reservarme este vestido hasta mañana por la mañana?"

When dealing with time, reservar is synonymous with 'scheduling.' If you say "He reservado la tarde para ti," you are telling someone that you have cleared your schedule specifically for them. This adds a layer of intentionality and value to the time spent. In summary, use reservar when there is a plan, a destination, or a specific recipient in mind for the thing being set aside.

The auditory landscape of reservar spans from the bustling lobbies of international hotels to the quiet, tense atmosphere of a courtroom. In Spain and Latin America, the most common place to hear this verb is in the service industry. As you walk into a restaurant, you might hear a host ask, "¿Tiene una reserva?" (Do you have a reservation?). On travel websites and apps, the button "Reservar ahora" (Book now) is a constant call to action. It is the language of the traveler, the diner, and the event-goer.

In Travel
At airports, train stations, and hotels (e.g., 'reservar un asiento de pasillo').
In Business
During meetings when discussing budgets or project timelines (e.g., 'reservar una partida presupuestaria').
In Legal/Formal
In contracts and official notices (e.g., 'Todos los derechos reservados').

"Estimado cliente, le recordamos que debe reservar su turno a través de nuestra página web."

— Common automated message in public services.

In the media, particularly in news broadcasts, you will hear reservar when journalists discuss political strategies. A spokesperson might say, "El presidente se reserva su opinión sobre la nueva ley," indicating a strategic delay in communication. This usage is more formal and carries a weight of authority. Similarly, in sports commentary, you'll hear about a coach reservando their best players for the final match, treating human talent as a resource to be managed carefully.

"Por favor, reserva un momento de tu día para revisar este documento importante."

Lastly, in literature and cinema, reservar is used to build suspense. A character might be 'reserving' a secret or 'reserving' a surprise for the climax. It suggests that something is being hidden or held back, creating a sense of anticipation. Whether it's a mundane task like booking a taxi or a dramatic moment of withholding the truth, reservar is a verb that signals that something significant is being saved for later.

Even though reservar seems straightforward, English speakers often fall into several traps due to false cognates or subtle prepositional differences. The most frequent error is the confusion between reservar and guardar. While both can mean 'to save,' guardar is used for physical storage (like putting clothes in a closet) or saving a file on a computer. If you say "Voy a guardar una mesa," it sounds like you are physically picking up the table and putting it in a cupboard. To secure a table for dinner, you must use reservar.

Mistake 1: Confusing with 'Ahorrar'
Using 'reservar' for money when you mean 'to save/accumulate' (ahorrar). Use 'reservar' only if the money is for a specific future purchase.
Mistake 2: Preposition Errors
Saying 'reservar por' instead of 'reservar para'. Correct: 'Reservar una mesa para las ocho'.
Mistake 3: False Friends
Thinking 'reservado' only means 'booked'. It also means 'shy' or 'introverted' when describing a person.

Incorrect: "Quiero guardar un vuelo a Madrid."
Correct: "Quiero reservar un vuelo a Madrid."

Another common mistake involves the reflexive form reservarse. Learners often forget to use the reflexive pronoun when the action is being done for one's own benefit in a figurative sense. For example, "Me reservo el derecho" is correct, but "Reservo el derecho" sounds incomplete in a legal context. Additionally, when talking about 'booking' a person's time, some learners use reservar for people in a way that sounds like they are objects. Instead of "Reservé al médico," it is better to say "Pedí cita con el médico" (I made an appointment with the doctor).

"No reserves nada todavía; no sabemos si el vuelo llegará a tiempo."

Finally, watch out for the noun form reserva. In some contexts, it refers to a 'nature reserve' (reserva natural) or 'military reserves'. Context is key to ensuring you aren't misunderstood when using these related terms. Always remember: reservar is about the *future intention* of use.

To expand your vocabulary beyond reservar, it is helpful to look at its synonyms and near-synonyms, each of which carries a slightly different nuance. While reservar is the most versatile and common, other verbs can provide more precision depending on whether you are talking about time, space, or resources. Understanding these differences will help you sound more like a native speaker and less like a textbook.

Apartar
To set aside physically. Often used in shops when you want them to hold an item for you for a few hours.
Agendar / Programar
Specifically used for time and appointments. 'Agendar una reunión' is more common in business than 'reservar una reunión'.
Contratar
To hire or book a professional service (like a band or a lawyer). It implies a legal contract.

"¿Podrías apartarme estos zapatos? Vuelvo en una hora con el dinero."

— 'Apartar' is more informal and physical than 'reservar'.

Another interesting comparison is with retener (to retain). While reservar is usually a positive or neutral act of planning, retener can sometimes imply holding something back against someone's will, or a more forceful keeping of information. Then there is destinar, which means to earmark or allocate resources for a specific purpose, often used in government or large-scale projects (e.g., "destinar fondos para la educación"). While you could use reservar there, destinar sounds more official.

"Debemos programar la cita con el dentista antes de que se llene su agenda."

Finally, consider salvaguardar (to safeguard). This is a much stronger version of reservar used when you are protecting something valuable or a right from being lost or damaged. It is the 'heavy-duty' version of keeping something safe for the future. By choosing between these options, you can tailor your Spanish to the exact level of formality and physical action required.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

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Informel

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Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

1

Quiero reservar una mesa.

I want to reserve a table.

Present tense with 'querer'.

2

¿Puedo reservar una habitación?

Can I reserve a room?

Question form with 'poder'.

3

Reservo dos entradas, por favor.

I reserve two tickets, please.

First person present.

4

Él reserva el taxi.

He reserves the taxi.

Third person singular.

5

Nosotros reservamos el hotel.

We reserve the hotel.

First person plural.

6

¿Tú reservas la cena?

Do you reserve the dinner?

Informal question.

7

Ellos reservan el autobús.

They reserve the bus.

Third person plural.

8

Usted reserva el vuelo.

You (formal) reserve the flight.

Formal second person.

1

Ayer reservé el restaurante para tu cumpleaños.

Yesterday I reserved the restaurant for your birthday.

Preterite tense.

2

¿Ya has reservado los billetes de tren?

Have you already reserved the train tickets?

Present perfect.

3

Mañana reservaremos las vacaciones.

Tomorrow we will reserve the holidays.

Future tense.

4

Ella siempre reserva el mismo asiento.

She always reserves the same seat.

Adverb of frequency 'siempre'.

5

No pudimos reservar la pista de tenis.

We couldn't reserve the tennis court.

Negative past with 'poder'.

6

Tienes que reservar con antelación.

You have to reserve in advance.

Periphrasis 'tener que'.

7

Estamos reservando un tour por la ciudad.

We are reserving a tour of the city.

Present progressive.

8

Él reservaba los libros en la biblioteca.

He used to reserve the books at the library.

Imperfect tense.

1

Espero que reserves la mesa pronto.

I hope you reserve the table soon.

Present subjunctive.

2

Si tuviera tiempo, reservaría un masaje.

If I had time, I would reserve a massage.

Conditional mood.

3

Me recomendó que reservara con tiempo.

He recommended that I reserve ahead of time.

Imperfect subjunctive.

4

He reservado la tarde para estudiar español.

I have reserved the afternoon to study Spanish.

Abstract use for time.

5

No creo que hayan reservado todavía.

I don't think they have reserved yet.

Present perfect subjunctive.

6

Reservar es necesario en temporada alta.

Reserving is necessary in high season.

Infinitive as a noun.

7

Se reservó el derecho de no contestar.

He reserved the right not to answer.

Pronominal use 'reservarse'.

8

Habíamos reservado antes de que subieran los precios.

We had reserved before the prices went up.

Past perfect.

1

La empresa reserva una parte de los beneficios para inversión.

The company reserves a part of the profits for investment.

Business context.

2

Es fundamental reservar energías para el tramo final.

It is essential to reserve energy for the final stretch.

Metaphorical use for energy.

3

El establecimiento se reserva el derecho de admisión.

The establishment reserves the right of admission.

Formal/Legal phrase.

4

Dudo que se reserven su opinión en la reunión.

I doubt they will keep their opinion to themselves in the meeting.

Reflexive subjunctive.

5

Habiendo reservado con meses de antelación, conseguimos un descuento.

Having reserved months in advance, we got a discount.

Compound gerund.

6

Se han reservado las mejores plazas para los socios.

The best spots have been reserved for the members.

Passive 'se'.

7

No te reserves nada, cuéntamelo todo.

Don't hold anything back, tell me everything.

Negative imperative reflexive.

8

Reservar un espacio para la reflexión es vital.

Reserving a space for reflection is vital.

Abstract philosophical use.

1

El autor se reserva las acciones legales pertinentes.

The author reserves the relevant legal actions.

Formal legal register.

2

A pesar de su éxito, sigue siendo una persona muy reservada.

Despite her success, she remains a very reserved person.

Adjective derived from the verb.

3

Se reservó de hacer comentarios hasta conocer el veredicto.

He refrained from making comments until knowing the verdict.

Formal pronominal use.

4

La ley reserva al Estado la explotación de estos recursos.

The law reserves the exploitation of these resources for the State.

Political/Economic context.

5

Me reservo para el gran estreno de la próxima semana.

I am saving myself for the big premiere next week.

Idiomatic reflexive use.

6

Es prudente reservar el juicio ante noticias no confirmadas.

It is prudent to withhold judgment in the face of unconfirmed news.

Sophisticated abstract use.

7

La Constitución reserva ciertas competencias a las regiones.

The Constitution reserves certain powers to the regions.

Constitutional law context.

8

Siempre se reserva un as bajo la manga.

He always keeps an ace up his sleeve.

Idiomatic expression.

1

La providencia parece habernos reservado un destino incierto.

Providence seems to have reserved an uncertain destiny for us.

Literary/Philosophical use.

2

El fiscal se reservó la prueba definitiva para el careo.

The prosecutor held back the definitive evidence for the cross-examination.

High-level legal strategy.

3

Se reservó en su fuero interno el dolor de la pérdida.

He kept the pain of the loss within his innermost self.

Poetic/Introspective register.

4

La historia le reservará un lugar de honor entre los grandes.

History will reserve a place of honor for him among the greats.

Metaphorical historical use.

5

Reservarse de toda injerencia externa es clave para la soberanía.

Refraining from all external interference is key to sovereignty.

Geopolitical context.

6

El silencio que se reservó fue más elocuente que sus palabras.

The silence he kept was more eloquent than his words.

Stylistic literary device.

7

Queda reservada a la posteridad la valoración de su obra.

The assessment of his work is reserved for posterity.

Passive construction with 'quedar'.

8

No se puede reservar la verdad eternamente.

The truth cannot be kept hidden forever.

Universal philosophical statement.

Collocations courantes

reservar una mesa
reservar una habitación
reservar un vuelo
reservar el derecho
reservar energías
reservar tiempo
reservar plaza
reservar cita
reservar fondos
reservar asiento

Phrases Courantes

Todos los derechos reservados

Reservar con antelación

Se reserva el derecho de admisión

Reservar mesa para dos

Reservarse la opinión

Sin reserva previa

Hacer una reserva

Confirmar la reserva

Cancelar la reserva

Reservar un hueco

Souvent confondu avec

reservar vs guardar

reservar vs ahorrar

reservar vs pedir

Expressions idiomatiques

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Facile à confondre

reservar vs reserva

reservar vs reservado

reservar vs reservado

reservar vs reservista

reservar vs reservación

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

difference with ahorrar

Ahorrar is to save money/energy in general; reservar is to set it aside for a specific event.

difference with guardar

Guardar is to put away; reservar is to book for later.

Erreurs courantes

Astuces

Direct Objects

Always specify what you are reserving. 'He reservado' sounds incomplete without 'una mesa' or 'el vuelo'.

Advance Booking

In Spain, if you want to eat at a famous 'chiringuito' in summer, you must 'reservar' weeks in advance.

Pronominal Power

Use 'reservarse' when you are the one keeping something for yourself, like a secret or a right.

The Soft V

Don't bite your lip for the 'v' in reservar. Keep your lips close together like a soft 'b'.

Budgeting

In business meetings, use 'reservar una partida' to sound professional when talking about funds.

Apps

Look for the word 'Reservas' in the menu of travel apps like Booking or Airbnb to find your trips.

Politeness

If you can't make it, always 'cancelar la reserva' as a courtesy to the establishment.

The Ace

Use 'reservarse un as bajo la manga' when you have a secret plan or advantage.

Formal Letters

Start with 'Le escribo para reservar...' when making a formal request via email.

Visualizing

Imagine putting a 'Reserved' sign on a table to lock the meaning of the word in your mind.

Mémorise-le

Origine du mot

From Latin 'reservare'

Contexte culturel

Reservations for dinner are often made for very late, around 9:00 PM or 10:00 PM.

The word 'reservación' is very common in commercial contexts.

Making a 'reserva' for a 'parrilla' (steakhouse) is highly recommended on Sundays.

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"¿Has reservado ya el hotel para el viaje?"

"¿Crees que es necesario reservar mesa para este sábado?"

"¿Te consideras una persona reservada o abierta?"

"¿Qué derechos se reserva un autor sobre su obra?"

"¿Cómo prefieres reservar tus vacaciones, por agencia o por internet?"

Sujets d'écriture

Escribe sobre una vez que olvidaste reservar algo importante.

¿Qué cosas prefieres reservarte para ti mismo y no compartir?

Describe tu proceso para reservar un viaje ideal.

¿Por qué es importante reservar tiempo para el descanso?

Imagina que tienes que reservar un lugar en la historia. ¿Por qué te gustaría ser recordado?

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

Sí, es un verbo regular terminado en -ar. Sigue el modelo de conjugación de 'hablar' en todos los tiempos y modos.

Ambas son correctas. 'Reserva' es más común en España, mientras que 'reservación' se usa frecuentemente en México y otros países de Latinoamérica.

Sí, aunque a menudo se dice 'pedir cita' o 'concertar una cita', 'reservar una cita' es perfectamente comprensible en contextos de servicios.

Significa que la persona es tímida, discreta o que no suele compartir sus sentimientos y pensamientos con facilidad.

Se dice 'Todos los derechos reservados', y es la frase estándar que aparece en libros, películas y música.

Sí, es muy común decir 'reservar tiempo para algo' o 'reservar un hueco en la agenda' para indicar planificación.

Es una frase legal que permite a los dueños de un local prohibir la entrada a personas por razones justificadas (comportamiento, vestimenta, etc.).

Sí, significa apartar una cantidad específica de dinero para un gasto futuro determinado, a diferencia de 'ahorrar' que es más general.

Yo he reservado, tú has reservado, él ha reservado, nosotros hemos reservado, vosotros habéis reservado, ellos han reservado.

El antónimo más directo en el contexto de servicios es 'cancelar' o 'anular' una reserva.

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