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tenho uma reserva

A2 noun 10 min read

tenho uma reserva

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips tenho uma reserva in 30 Seconds

Explanation tenho uma reserva in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'tenho uma reserva' is a vital formulaic expression. You don't need to understand all the complexities of the verb 'ter' yet; you just need to know this specific phrase to survive in a hotel or restaurant. At this stage, learners should focus on the correct pronunciation of 'tenho' and 'reserva.' It is helpful to treat the phrase as a single block of meaning. You should be able to say it clearly and follow it with your name. For example: 'Olá, tenho uma reserva. Meu nome é John.' This simple interaction is a huge win for a beginner. You are successfully communicating a need and a status. The focus here is on basic recognition and production in high-frequency situations. You might not know why 'uma' is used instead of 'um,' but you know that 'uma reserva' is the correct pair. This phrase empowers you to navigate the first few minutes of any travel encounter without needing a translator.

By A2, you are expected to expand this phrase with basic modifiers. You should be able to specify the number of people and the time. For instance, 'Tenho uma reserva para duas pessoas às oito horas.' You are also learning the past tense, so you might say 'Eu fiz uma reserva por telefone' (I made a reservation by phone). At this level, you understand that 'tenho' comes from the verb 'ter' and that 'uma' is a feminine article because 'reserva' is a feminine noun. You can handle simple follow-up questions from the receptionist, such as 'Em que nome?' (In what name?) or 'Pode repetir?' (Can you repeat?). You are moving from just saying the phrase to managing a very short dialogue around it. You should also be aware of the difference between 'reserva' and 'marcação' if you are traveling in Portugal versus Brazil, as A2 learners begin to notice regional variations in vocabulary.

At the B1 level, you can use 'tenho uma reserva' to handle more complex situations, such as problems or changes. You might say, 'Tenho uma reserva, mas gostaria de mudar a data' (I have a reservation, but I would like to change the date). You are comfortable using the conditional tense ('gostaria,' 'poderia') to make your request more polite. You can also describe details of the reservation, such as 'Tenho uma reserva que inclui café da manhã' (I have a reservation that includes breakfast). At this stage, your vocabulary is rich enough to explain discrepancies: 'Tenho uma reserva, mas o valor no site era diferente' (I have a reservation, but the price on the website was different). You are no longer just repeating a phrase; you are using it as a starting point for negotiation and clarification. You also understand the cultural expectations of showing up on time for a 'reserva' in different Lusophone countries.

At B2, you use the phrase with full grammatical control and can incorporate it into professional or formal contexts. You might be making a reservation for a corporate event: 'Tenho uma reserva de sala de conferência para o dia todo.' You can use complex sentence structures, such as 'Apesar de eu já ter uma reserva, recebi um e-mail dizendo que foi cancelada' (Despite already having a reservation, I received an email saying it was canceled). You understand the nuances of 'reserva' in legal or business terms, such as 'reserva de mercado' (market reserve) or 'reserva de lucros' (profit reserve), although the travel context remains the most common. Your pronunciation is fluid, and you can switch between formal and informal registers depending on whether you are at a luxury hotel or a casual 'tasca.' You can also use the passive voice or impersonal 'se' to discuss reservations: 'Diz-se que é preciso ter uma reserva com meses de antecedência' (It is said that one needs to have a reservation months in advance).

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic and idiomatic uses of the word 'reserva.' You might use the phrase 'tenho minhas reservas' metaphorically to mean 'I have my doubts' or 'I have some reservations about this plan.' This is a sophisticated shift from the literal travel meaning. You can engage in detailed discussions about the tourism industry and the logistics of booking systems. You are capable of writing formal complaints regarding a 'reserva' that was not honored, using high-level vocabulary like 'incumprimento contratual' (breach of contract). You understand the etymological roots of the word and how it relates to other words in the 'ter' and 'servar' families. Your use of the phrase is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the subtle intonations that convey politeness, urgency, or frustration. You can also navigate the technical jargon used by travel agents or hotel management software.

At the C2 level, you possess a near-native command of the phrase and its entire semantic field. You can interpret the use of 'reserva' in classical literature, legal codes, and high-level political discourse. You might analyze how the concept of a 'reserva' (like a 'reserva indígena' or 'reserva natural') functions within the socio-political landscape of Brazil. In terms of the specific phrase 'tenho uma reserva,' you can use it with irony, humor, or in complex rhetorical structures. You are fully aware of the historical evolution of service language in the Portuguese-speaking world. You can effortlessly switch between European, Brazilian, and African Portuguese variants of the phrase and the surrounding dialogue. For you, 'tenho uma reserva' is not just a sentence but a small part of a vast linguistic and cultural tapestry that you navigate with total ease and precision. You might even use it in a poetic sense to describe keeping something 'in reserve' for the future.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

tenho uma reserva in 30 Seconds

Used to announce your arrival for a pre-booked service like a hotel room or a restaurant table.
Consists of 'tenho' (I have) and 'uma reserva' (a reservation), which is always feminine in Portuguese.
Essential for travel, usually followed by 'em nome de' (in the name of) to provide the booking name.
Applicable in both formal and informal service settings across all Portuguese-speaking countries.

The phrase tenho uma reserva is an essential survival expression for any traveler in a Portuguese-speaking country. At its core, it translates directly to 'I have a reservation.' This phrase is composed of the verb 'ter' (to have) conjugated in the first person singular present tense 'tenho,' followed by the indefinite feminine article 'uma' (a/an), and the feminine noun 'reserva' (reservation). In the context of hospitality and services, this is the 'golden key' that opens doors—literally. Whether you are walking into a boutique hotel in the heart of Lisbon's Chiado district or arriving for a dinner at a world-class churrascaria in São Paulo, this sentence establishes your status as an expected guest.

Literal Meaning: The state of possessing a prior booking or arrangement for a service.
Functional Use: Used primarily during check-in processes at hotels, restaurants, car rentals, and clinics.

People use this phrase to initiate the service process. It signals to the staff that they should look for your name in their system. In Portuguese culture, particularly in busy urban centers, having a reservation is often the only way to guarantee entry into popular venues, making this phrase a cornerstone of polite and organized social interaction.

Olá, boa noite. Tenho uma reserva para as oito horas em nome de Silva.

Beyond the physical act of holding a spot, the phrase carries a sense of preparedness. It transitions the speaker from a mere 'passerby' to a 'client with rights.' In more formal settings, such as a high-end spa or a government office (where it might be called an 'agendamento'), the underlying logic remains the same: you are asserting that a specific time or resource has been set aside for your exclusive use. Understanding the weight of this phrase also involves understanding the verb 'ter.' While English uses 'to have' for possession, Portuguese uses 'ter' extensively for states of being and obligations. Saying 'tenho uma reserva' is not just about owning a piece of paper; it is about the existence of a commitment between you and the establishment. In the following sections, we will explore the grammatical variations, the cultural nuances of punctuality associated with this phrase, and how to expand it to provide more specific information, such as the number of guests or the specific time of the booking.

Using tenho uma reserva effectively requires knowing how to append necessary details. The basic structure is very flexible. You can add the time using the preposition 'para' (for) or specify the name using 'em nome de' (in the name of). For example, 'Tenho uma reserva para as vinte horas' (I have a reservation for 8 PM). Notice that in Portuguese, time is often expressed using the 24-hour clock in formal or service settings.

Adding the Name: Tenho uma reserva em nome de [Seu Nome].
Specifying Numbers: Tenho uma reserva para quatro pessoas.

When you arrive at a hotel, you might say, 'Boa tarde, tenho uma reserva de quarto duplo' (Good afternoon, I have a reservation for a double room). Here, the preposition 'de' links the reservation to the type of service. It is also important to handle the negative form: 'Não tenho uma reserva, mas há mesa disponível?' (I don't have a reservation, but is there a table available?). This demonstrates the contrast between the planned and the spontaneous.

Com licença, tenho uma reserva confirmada por e-mail.

In more complex scenarios, you might need to confirm or verify the reservation. You could say, 'Gostaria de confirmar se ainda tenho uma reserva' (I would like to confirm if I still have a reservation). This uses the subjunctive-like conditional 'gostaria' to add a layer of politeness. Another variation involves the use of 'já': 'Já tenho uma reserva' (I already have a reservation), which is useful if a host asks if you need a table. Furthermore, the verb 'ter' can be replaced by 'fiz' (I made) if you want to emphasize the action of booking: 'Fiz uma reserva ontem.' However, upon arrival, 'tenho' is much more natural. You are stating a current fact rather than a past action. In Brazil, you might hear 'Eu tenho um reserva' (incorrectly using the masculine) in very informal slang contexts, but you should always stick to the grammatically correct feminine 'uma reserva' to sound educated and clear. Whether you are dealing with a flight ('tenho uma reserva de voo') or a rental car ('tenho uma reserva de carro'), the structure remains remarkably consistent, making it a powerful tool for any learner's vocabulary.

The auditory landscape of tenho uma reserva is diverse, spanning from the echoing halls of Lisbon's Portela Airport to the vibrant, bustling sidewalks of Rio de Janeiro. You will hear it most frequently in the 'reception' zones of the service industry. In a restaurant, the sound of this phrase is often followed by the rustling of a guest list or the clicking of a tablet. It is the verbal signal that initiates the seating protocol. In hotels, it is usually the first thing a guest says after 'Bom dia' or 'Boa noite.'

The Hotel Lobby: The phrase is often followed by the presentation of an ID or passport.
The Fine Dining Entrance: The 'maître d' will wait for this phrase before checking the book.

Interestingly, you also hear this in the context of travel agencies or over the phone. When calling to check on a status, a customer might start with 'Eu tenho uma reserva e gostaria de alterá-la' (I have a reservation and I would like to change it). In the digital age, even though we show QR codes on our phones, the verbal confirmation 'tenho uma reserva' remains the standard social lubricant to begin the interaction.

Atendente: Pois não? Cliente: Tenho uma reserva para o feriado.

You might also hear it in more professional or administrative settings. For instance, at a co-working space, you might say 'Tenho uma reserva para a sala de reuniões' (I have a reservation for the meeting room). It is even used in car sharing apps or bike rental stations when talking to support. The ubiquity of the phrase reflects a culture that, while often seen as relaxed and spontaneous, actually relies heavily on formal bookings for quality service. In Portugal, the tone might be slightly more formal, often accompanied by 'se faz favor' (if you please). In Brazil, the tone might be more melodic and casual, but the core phrase remains identical. Listening for this phrase in movies or TV shows (novelas) can help you catch the various intonations—ranging from the demanding tone of a wealthy businessman to the hesitant tone of a first-time traveler. It is a phrase that bridges all social classes and situations involving the exchange of services for money.

For English speakers, the most common mistake when using tenho uma reserva is often related to the gender of the noun. Since 'reservation' is neutral in English, learners often forget that 'reserva' is strictly feminine. This leads to the mistake of saying 'tenho um reserva.' While a native speaker will understand you, it sounds jarring and unpolished.

Mistake #1: Gender Mismatch: Saying 'um reserva' instead of 'uma reserva'.
Mistake #2: Verb Confusion: Using 'fazer' (to make) when you arrive, e.g., 'Eu faço uma reserva' (I make a reservation) instead of 'Eu tenho' (I have).

Another subtle mistake involves the preposition used for the time. In English, we say 'reservation AT eight.' In Portuguese, you should say 'reserva PARA as oito.' Using 'em' or 'às' in certain structures can sound slightly off, though 'para' is the most robust and common choice for arrivals.

Errado: Eu estou com uma reserva (too literal translation of 'I am with a reservation'). Correto: Tenho uma reserva.

Furthermore, learners often struggle with the pronunciation of the 'nh' in 'tenho.' It is a nasal sound similar to the 'ny' in 'canyon' or the Spanish 'ñ.' If you pronounce it as a hard 'n' followed by a 'h,' it will be difficult for locals to catch the word quickly. Another error is the pronunciation of 'reserva.' The 'r' at the beginning should be a guttural sound (like a soft 'h' in 'house' or a French 'r') in most Portuguese dialects, not the English 'r' where the tongue curls back. Finally, avoid over-complicating the sentence. You don't need to say 'Eu tenho uma reserva que eu fiz na semana passada' unless there is a problem. Simplicity is key in service interactions. Just 'Tenho uma reserva' is sufficient. Also, be careful with the plural. If you are part of a group, you still say 'Tenho uma reserva' (I have a reservation) or 'Temos uma reserva' (We have a reservation). Saying 'Tenho reservas' implies you have multiple separate bookings, which might confuse the receptionist into looking for multiple entries in the system.

While tenho uma reserva is the most common phrase, there are several alternatives depending on the specific context and the level of formality required. Understanding these synonyms helps you navigate different social strata. For example, 'marcação' is very common in Portugal for appointments that aren't necessarily about a physical space (like a table or room) but about a person's time.

Marcação: Common in European Portuguese for doctor's appointments or hair salons. 'Tenho uma marcação às dez.'
Agendamento: More formal and common in Brazil for official or business meetings. 'Tenho um agendamento com o diretor.'

In a very informal setting, like a friend's party where they asked for 'reservations' to manage the guest list, you might just say 'Meu nome está na lista' (My name is on the list). This bypasses the word 'reserva' entirely but achieves the same goal.

Em vez de reserva, pode usar: Tenho um horário marcado.

Another alternative is 'compromisso' (commitment/appointment). However, 'compromisso' is usually used for social or business obligations rather than services. You wouldn't say 'tenho um compromisso' to a hotel receptionist; they would find it vague. For flights, you might hear 'cartão de embarque' (boarding pass) or 'localizador' (locator code), which are the physical or digital proofs of your 'reserva.' If you are talking about reserving a right or a doubt, the word 'ressalva' is used, though this is a much more advanced academic term. In the world of real estate, you might use 'opção de compra' instead of 'reserva.' Comparing 'reserva' with 'vaga' (vacancy) is also useful. You ask 'Há vagas?' if you *don't* have a reservation. Once you have a 'reserva,' you occupy one of those 'vagas.' Understanding these distinctions ensures you don't just speak Portuguese, but you speak it with the precision of a native.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

The word 'reserva' shares the same root as 'reservoir' and 'preserve,' all relating to the idea of keeping something for later.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈtẽ.ɲu ˈu.mɐ ʁe.ˈzɛɾ.vɐ/

US /ˈtẽ.ɲu ˈu.mɐ xe.ˈzɛʁ.vɐ/

Stress is on the first syllable of 'tenho' (TE-nyo) and the second syllable of 'reserva' (re-ZER-va).

Rhymes With

venho (I come) desenho (drawing) empenho (effort) conserva (preserve/canned food) observa (observes) ferva (boils) erva (herb) perva (slang/rare)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'nh' as a simple 'n'.
Using an English 'r' (tongue curled) instead of the Portuguese guttural 'r'.
Pronouncing the final 'a' in 'reserva' too strongly like 'ah' instead of a soft 'uh'.
Misplacing the stress on 'reserva' (e.g., RE-serva).
Failing to nasalize the 'e' in 'tenho'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 1/5

Very easy to recognize as it looks like 'reservation'.

Writing 2/5

Requires remembering the 'nh' in tenho and the feminine 'uma'.

Speaking 3/5

The nasal 'nh' and guttural 'r' can be tricky for beginners.

Listening 2/5

Easy to hear in context at a reception desk.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

ter eu uma nome para

Learn Next

quarto mesa confirmar cancelar pagar

Advanced

agendamento marcação estadia alojamento disponibilidade

Grammar to Know

Verb 'Ter' Conjugation

Eu tenho, você tem, nós temos.

Gender Agreement

UMA reserva (feminine), UM agendamento (masculine).

Indefinite Articles

Uma (a/an) for feminine nouns.

Preposition 'Para' for Intent

Reserva PARA as oito (for eight o'clock).

Possessive Phrases

Em nome DE (In the name OF).

Examples by Level

Olá, tenho uma reserva.

Hello, I have a reservation.

Simple present tense of 'ter'.

Tenho uma reserva para hoje.

I have a reservation for today.

'Para' indicates the intended time/day.

Eu tenho uma reserva.

I have a reservation.

Subject pronoun 'Eu' is optional but adds clarity.

Tenho uma reserva, meu nome é Smith.

I have a reservation, my name is Smith.

Combining two simple sentences.

Você tem uma reserva?

Do you have a reservation?

Question form using 'Você'.

Não tenho uma reserva.

I don't have a reservation.

Negative form using 'Não'.

Tenho uma reserva de mesa.

I have a table reservation.

'De mesa' specifies the type of reservation.

Tenho uma reserva de quarto.

I have a room reservation.

'De quarto' specifies a hotel room.

Tenho uma reserva para duas pessoas.

I have a reservation for two people.

Using numbers to specify group size.

Tenho uma reserva às oito da noite.

I have a reservation at eight in the evening.

Using 'às' for a specific time.

Tenho uma reserva em nome de Maria.

I have a reservation in Maria's name.

'Em nome de' is the standard way to state the booking name.

Tenho uma reserva para o final de semana.

I have a reservation for the weekend.

Time expression 'final de semana'.

Ainda tenho uma reserva para amanhã?

Do I still have a reservation for tomorrow?

'Ainda' means 'still'.

Tenho uma reserva de carro no aeroporto.

I have a car reservation at the airport.

Specifying the location 'no aeroporto'.

Tenho uma reserva, aqui está o código.

I have a reservation, here is the code.

'Aqui está' means 'here is'.

Nós temos uma reserva para o almoço.

We have a reservation for lunch.

First person plural 'Nós temos'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas gostaria de cancelá-la.

I have a reservation, but I would like to cancel it.

Conditional 'gostaria' + infinitive with object pronoun.

Tenho uma reserva que fiz pela internet.

I have a reservation that I made via the internet.

Relative clause 'que fiz'.

Tenho uma reserva confirmada desde a semana passada.

I have a reservation confirmed since last week.

'Desde' indicates duration/start point.

Tenho uma reserva para um quarto com vista para o mar.

I have a reservation for a room with a sea view.

Describing specific features.

Acho que tenho uma reserva para esta noite.

I think I have a reservation for tonight.

'Acho que' expresses uncertainty.

Tenho uma reserva, mas o meu nome não está na lista.

I have a reservation, but my name is not on the list.

Using 'mas' to introduce a problem.

Tenho uma reserva para o voo das dez horas.

I have a reservation for the ten o'clock flight.

Context of air travel.

Tenho uma reserva e preciso de um recibo.

I have a reservation and I need a receipt.

'Preciso de' requires the preposition 'de'.

Tenho uma reserva garantida pelo meu cartão de crédito.

I have a reservation guaranteed by my credit card.

Passive participle 'garantida' agreeing with 'reserva'.

Tenho uma reserva de grupo para o evento corporativo.

I have a group reservation for the corporate event.

Compound noun phrase 'evento corporativo'.

Tenome uma reserva, embora não tenha recebido o e-mail.

I have a reservation, although I haven't received the email.

Conjunction 'embora' triggering the subjunctive.

Tenho uma reserva feita através de uma agência de viagens.

I have a reservation made through a travel agency.

'Através de' meaning 'through'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas gostaria de solicitar um upgrade.

I have a reservation, but I would like to request an upgrade.

Formal request using 'solicitar'.

Tenho uma reserva pendente de confirmação de pagamento.

I have a reservation pending payment confirmation.

'Pendente de' is a formal expression.

Tenho uma reserva para a suíte presidencial, conforme conversamos.

I have a reservation for the presidential suite, as we discussed.

'Conforme' used for reference to previous talk.

Tenho uma reserva, mas o sistema parece estar fora do ar.

I have a reservation, but the system seems to be down.

Idiom 'fora do ar' (offline/down).

Tenho uma reserva, contudo, as condições contratuais mudaram.

I have a reservation; however, the contractual conditions have changed.

Formal conjunction 'contudo'.

Tenho uma reserva de longa duração, visando a minha estadia anual.

I have a long-term reservation, aiming for my annual stay.

Gerund 'visando' used in a formal sense.

Tenho uma reserva, mas as minhas expectativas foram frustradas.

I have a reservation, but my expectations were thwarted.

Sophisticated vocabulary 'frustradas'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas o estabelecimento alega não a encontrar.

I have a reservation, but the establishment claims not to find it.

Clitic pronoun 'a' after 'encontrar'.

Tenho uma reserva efetuada sob um pseudónimo por razões de segurança.

I have a reservation made under a pseudonym for security reasons.

'Efetuada sob' is very formal.

Tenho uma reserva, mas exijo que o acordo original seja cumprido.

I have a reservation, but I demand that the original agreement be fulfilled.

Subjunctive 'seja cumprido' after 'exijo que'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a política de cancelamento é abusiva.

I have a reservation, but the cancellation policy is abusive.

Legal/Consumer rights context.

Tenho uma reserva para o camarote principal do teatro.

I have a reservation for the main box of the theater.

Specific cultural venue 'camarote'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas sinto que a hospitalidade se tornou meramente transacional.

I have a reservation, but I feel that hospitality has become merely transactional.

Philosophical/Reflective tone.

Tenho uma reserva inalienável de direitos sobre este espaço.

I have an inalienable reservation of rights over this space.

Abstract use of 'reserva'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a volatilidade do mercado afetou a reserva de valor.

I have a reservation, but market volatility affected the store of value.

Wordplay on different meanings of 'reserva'.

Tenho uma reserva, embora a ontologia da posse seja questionável aqui.

I have a reservation, although the ontology of possession is questionable here.

Highly academic 'ontologia'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a ubiquidade dos sistemas digitais torna-a obsoleta.

I have a reservation, but the ubiquity of digital systems makes it obsolete.

Complex sentence structure with clitic.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a pragmática da comunicação falhou no check-in.

I have a reservation, but the pragmatics of communication failed at check-in.

Linguistic terminology.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a idiossincrasia do proprietário é um obstáculo.

I have a reservation, but the owner's idiosyncrasy is an obstacle.

Advanced vocabulary 'idiossincrasia'.

Tenho uma reserva, mas a minha intuição diz-me para não ficar aqui.

I have a reservation, but my intuition tells me not to stay here.

Refined use of 'diz-me'.

Common Collocations

fazer uma reserva

confirmar uma reserva

cancelar uma reserva

reserva confirmada

reserva de hotel

reserva de mesa

número da reserva

em nome de

reserva antecipada

reserva de última hora

Common Phrases

Tenho uma reserva para hoje.

— Used when checking in on the day of the booking.

Boa tarde, tenho uma reserva para hoje.

Tenho uma reserva em nome de...

— The standard way to identify your booking.

Tenho uma reserva em nome de Carlos.

Tenho uma reserva para duas pessoas.

— Specifies the size of the party.

Tenho uma reserva para duas pessoas às 20h.

Você tem uma reserva?

— What the staff will ask you upon arrival.

Boa noite, você tem uma reserva?

Não tenho reserva, tem mesa?

— Used when arriving spontaneously.

Olá, não tenho reserva, tem mesa para quatro?

Gostaria de fazer uma reserva.

— Used to initiate a new booking.

Gostaria de fazer uma reserva para amanhã.

Qual o nome da reserva?

— Asked by the host to find your entry.

Pois não, qual o nome da reserva?

Tenho uma reserva garantida.

— Implies the reservation is secured, usually by payment.

Fique tranquilo, tenho uma reserva garantida.

A minha reserva foi cancelada?

— Used to check if a booking is still valid.

Não encontro o e-mail, a minha reserva foi cancelada?

Tenho uma reserva de grupo.

— Used for large parties or events.

Tenho uma reserva de grupo para o batizado.

Often Confused With

tenho uma reserva vs Marcação

Used more for appointments with people (doctors, etc.) in Portugal.

tenho uma reserva vs Agendamento

Used for formal scheduling, especially in Brazil.

tenho uma reserva vs Compromisso

Refers to a social or business meeting, not a service booking.

Idioms & Expressions

"ter reservas sobre algo"

— To have doubts or hesitations about something.

Tenho minhas reservas sobre esse novo projeto.

Formal

"sem reservas"

— To do something completely or honestly, without holding back.

Ele declarou o seu amor sem reservas.

Literary

"reserva de mercado"

— A protectionist economic policy to favor local business.

O país adotou uma reserva de mercado para tecnologia.

Academic/Economic

"preço de reserva"

— The minimum price a seller will accept in an auction.

O quadro não atingiu o preço de reserva.

Business

"banco de reservas"

— The bench where substitute players sit in sports.

O atacante começou o jogo no banco de reservas.

Sports

"reserva moral"

— Someone who is considered a pillar of ethics in a community.

Ele é a reserva moral do nosso partido.

Political/Formal

"reserva de lucros"

— Portion of a company's profit kept for future use.

A empresa aumentou a sua reserva de lucros.

Business

"reserva natural"

— A protected area for wildlife and plants.

Visitamos uma linda reserva natural no Alentejo.

General

"oficial da reserva"

— A military officer who is not on active duty.

Meu avô é um coronel da reserva.

Military

"em reserva"

— Keeping something aside for later.

Mantenha esse dinheiro em reserva para emergências.

General

Easily Confused

tenho uma reserva vs Preserva

Sounds similar to 'reserva'.

'Preserva' is the verb 'to preserve' (3rd person). It is not used for bookings.

Ele preserva a natureza.

tenho uma reserva vs Conserva

Rhymes with 'reserva'.

'Conserva' refers to canned or pickled food.

Gosto de pepinos em conserva.

tenho uma reserva vs Observa

Rhymes with 'reserva'.

'Observa' means 'observes'.

Ela observa os pássaros.

tenho uma reserva vs Vaga

Related concept.

'Vaga' is an available spot; 'reserva' is a spot that is already taken by you.

Não há vagas hoje.

tenho uma reserva vs Bilhete

Related to travel.

'Bilhete' is the physical ticket; 'reserva' is the act of booking.

Comprei o bilhete ontem.

Sentence Patterns

Tenho uma reserva.

Tenho uma reserva em nome de [Nome].

Tenho uma reserva em nome de John.

Tenho uma reserva para [Número] pessoas.

Tenho uma reserva para três pessoas.

Tenho uma reserva para as [Hora].

Tenho uma reserva para as nove.

Tenho uma reserva, mas gostaria de [Ação].

Tenho uma reserva, mas gostaria de mudar o quarto.

Tenho uma reserva que foi feita por [Pessoa].

Tenho uma reserva que foi feita pela minha esposa.

Tenho uma reserva confirmada por e-mail.

Tenho uma reserva confirmada por e-mail, aqui está.

Tenho uma reserva sob a condição de [Condição].

Tenho uma reserva sob a condição de cancelamento gratuito.

Word Family

Nouns

reserva

reservista

reservado

reservatório

Verbs

reservar

Adjectives

reservado

reservável

marcação

agendamento

vaga

bilhete

quarto

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in tourism and hospitality sectors.

Common Mistakes

Tenho um reserva. → Tenho uma reserva.
Reserva is a feminine noun and requires the feminine article 'uma'.
Eu faço uma reserva. → Tenho uma reserva.
Use 'tenho' (I have) when you arrive. 'Faço' (I make) is for the act of booking itself.
Tenho uma reserva em oito horas. → Tenho uma reserva para as oito.
Use 'para as' to indicate the time of a reservation.
Tenho uma reserva no nome Smith. → Tenho uma reserva em nome de Smith.
The correct idiomatic expression is 'em nome de'.
Tenho uma reserva de voar. → Tenho uma reserva de voo.
Use the noun 'voo' (flight) instead of the infinitive verb 'voar' (to fly).

Tips

Master the 'NH'

The 'nh' in 'tenho' is the hardest part. Practice by saying 'onion' in English but with a more nasal tone. It should feel like the sound is coming from the back of your nose.

Punctuality Matters

In Portugal, if you have a 'reserva' for 8 PM, try to be there at 8 PM. In Brazil, you might have a bit more flexibility, but it's always safer to be on time to avoid losing your spot.

Remember the Gender

Always 'uma reserva'. To remember, think of 'a reserva' (feminine) as being like 'a mesa' (the table), which is also feminine.

Keep the Code Ready

Even after saying 'tenho uma reserva', the staff will often ask for a 'localizador' or 'código'. Have your phone or paper ready.

Start with a Greeting

Never just walk up and say 'Tenho uma reserva'. Always start with 'Bom dia' or 'Boa noite' first. It makes a huge difference in the quality of service you receive.

Use 'Em nome de'

This is the 'magic phrase' that follows your reservation claim. It makes the receptionist's job much easier.

Listen for 'Pois não'

After you say you have a reservation, the staff might say 'Pois não' (Certainly/How can I help?). Don't be confused; it's a polite way of saying 'Go ahead' or 'Let me check'.

Email Subject Lines

When emailing a hotel, use 'Reserva - [Your Name] - [Date]' as the subject line. It's clear and professional.

Group Bookings

If you are the leader of a group, say 'Tenho uma reserva para [X] pessoas.' It clarifies the scale immediately.

Subjunctive for Politeness

Try 'Gostaria de saber se a minha reserva está confirmada.' It sounds much more advanced than just 'Tenho uma reserva'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Tenho' as 'I tend to hold' and 'Reserva' as 'Reserved'. I tend to hold a reserved spot.

Visual Association

Imagine holding a golden key (tenho) in front of a door with a 'RESERVED' sign on it.

Word Web

Hotel Restaurant Table Room Booking Name Time Confirmation

Challenge

Go to a local Portuguese restaurant or call one and say the phrase to see if they understand your pronunciation.

Word Origin

From the Latin 'tenere' (to hold/possess) and 'reservare' (to keep back, save, or retain).

Original meaning: To hold a thing that has been set aside for a specific purpose.

Romance (Latin roots).

Cultural Context

No specific sensitivities; it is a standard service phrase.

In English, we often just say 'I have a booking' or 'Reservation for Smith.' The Portuguese 'Tenho uma reserva' is more formal than 'I'm Smith.'

Commonly heard in Portuguese cinema during travel scenes. A staple phrase in Brazilian soap operas (novelas) set in luxury hotels. Used in travel guides like 'Lonely Planet' for Portuguese learners.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Hotel Check-in

Tenho uma reserva de quarto duplo.
Aqui está o meu passaporte.
O café da manhã está incluído?
A que horas é o check-out?

Restaurant Arrival

Tenho uma reserva para quatro pessoas.
Podemos ficar na esplanada?
Temos uma reserva para as nove.
Ainda não estamos todos aqui.

Car Rental

Tenho uma reserva de um carro econômico.
O seguro está incluído?
Onde posso levantar o carro?
Tenho o código da reserva aqui.

Airport / Flight

Tenho uma reserva para o voo de Lisboa.
Posso mudar o meu lugar?
Qual é o portão de embarque?
Minha reserva é de classe executiva.

Doctor / Clinic

Tenho uma reserva (ou marcação) com o Dr. Silva.
É a minha primeira vez aqui.
Aceitam seguro de saúde?
Vim para a consulta das dez.

Conversation Starters

"Olá, boa noite. Tenho uma reserva em nome de Smith. Está tudo certo?"

"Com licença, tenho uma reserva para as 13h, mas chegamos um pouco cedo."

"Oi! Tenho uma reserva de mesa para o aniversário da minha mãe."

"Bom dia. Tenho uma reserva de quarto, mas gostaria de saber se posso fazer o check-in agora."

"Tenho uma reserva confirmada, mas não recebi o código. Pode verificar para mim?"

Journal Prompts

Descreva uma situação em que você chegou a um hotel e disse 'Tenho uma reserva'. Como foi o atendimento?

Você prefere viajar com ou sem reserva? Explique as vantagens de ter uma reserva garantida.

Escreva um diálogo entre um recepcionista e um cliente que diz 'Tenho uma reserva', mas o nome não está na lista.

Imagine que você está em Lisboa e quer jantar no restaurante mais famoso. Como você faria a reserva?

Relate uma experiência em que você teve que cancelar uma reserva de última hora. O que aconteceu?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

You must always say 'uma reserva.' Even though many English speakers think of 'reservation' as neutral, in Portuguese, 'reserva' is a feminine noun. Using 'um' is a common mistake that native speakers will notice immediately, although they will still understand you. Always pair it with 'uma' or 'a'.

While it's not strictly wrong, it's not the most common choice. In Portugal, use 'tenho uma marcação.' In Brazil, 'tenho um agendamento' or 'tenho uma consulta' (for a medical consultation) is preferred. 'Reserva' is best kept for hotels, restaurants, and rentals.

The most helpful thing to say next is 'em nome de...' followed by the name the reservation was made under. For example, 'Tenho uma reserva em nome de Smith.' You can also present your ID or a confirmation code from your phone simultaneously.

No, you can also say 'fiz uma reserva' (I made a reservation) if you want to emphasize that you were the one who booked it. However, upon arrival, 'tenho' is the standard way to state your current status as a guest.

Simply add 'não' before the verb: 'Não tenho uma reserva.' You might follow this with 'Você tem uma mesa disponível?' (Do you have a table available?) or 'Há quartos livres?' (Are there free rooms?).

The phrase 'tenho uma reserva' is identical and perfectly understood in all Portuguese-speaking countries. The only difference might be the accent and the occasional preference for 'marcação' in specific contexts in Portugal.

Instead of 'tenho,' use 'gostaria de fazer' (I would like to make). For example: 'Gostaria de fazer uma reserva para amanhã à noite.'

You can say 'Temos uma reserva' (We have a reservation) or 'Tenho uma reserva de grupo.' Both are correct. Using 'temos' is more inclusive if you are standing with the group.

Yes, 'reserva' can also mean a nature reserve (reserva natural) or a military reserve. Context usually makes it clear which one you mean. In a hotel, it always means a booking.

You say: 'Tenho uma reserva para as oito' or 'Tenho uma reserva para as vinte horas.' Using 'para as' is the most natural way to link the reservation to the time.