📝

How to Say ‘I'd like to make a reservation.’ in Japanese

予約をお願いしたいのですが

yoyaku o o negai shi tai no desu ga

[yoh-yah-koo oh oh neh-guy shee tie noh dess gah]

💬 Usage Tip: Ending with のですが "but…" leaves the sentence trailing off on purpose, which softens the request and invites the listener to respond. Swap in other wishes: お聞きしたいのですが "I'd like to ask something…".

Phrase Breakdown

予約を

yoyaku o

a reservation (object)

予約 (yoyaku) means reservation. を marks it as the object. Say 'yo-ya-ku-o'.

Example

予約を変更したいです。

I want to change my reservation.

Words in this phrase

予約

yoyaku

[yoh-yah-koo]

reservation; booking

Used when booking or reserving something in advance.

Example

コンサートの予約をしたいです。

I want to make a reservation for the concert.

を

[oh]

object marker

The particle を marks the direct object of a verb.

Example

チケットを二枚ください。

Two tickets, please.

お願いしたいのですが

o negai shi tai no desu ga

I would like to request...

A slightly more formal version of お願いしたいんですが. のですが makes it a gentle, open-ended request. Say 'o-ne-gai-shi-tai-no-de-su-ga'.

Example

確認をお願いしたいのですが。

I would like to ask you to check it.

Words in this phrase

お

[oh]

honorific/polite prefix

A polite prefix that makes a word sound more refined or respectful.

Example

おすすめのおは、ことばを丁寧にします。

The o in osusume makes the word more polite.

願い

negai

[neh-guy]

request; favor

願い refers to a wish or request, and in お願い it forms a polite request expression.

Example

お願いがあります。

I have a request.

し

shi

[shee]

do (stem)

Verb stem used as part of the fixed polite request phrase.

Example

注文をお願いし、ます。

I would like to place the order, please.

たい

tai

[tie]

want to do

Shows the speaker's desire to do an action.

Example

住民登録をしたいです。

I would like to do residency registration.

の

[noh]

explanatory nominalizer (it's that...)

Used before です to give an explanation or soften a request, making the speaker sound polite and less direct.

Example

明日の席を確認したいのですが。

I'd like to check seats for tomorrow.

です

desu

[dess]

is; polite copula

A polite sentence ending used in formal conversation.

Example

少し伺いたいです。

I would like to ask a little.

が

[gah]

(softening ending)

Ending a sentence with ga softens a request politely.

Example

お願いしたいんですが。

I'd like to ask a favor...

Get the Full Learning Experience

This lesson is just a preview. Download PrettyFluent to practice pronunciation, roleplay conversations, and master vocabulary with spaced repetition.

Pronunciation Feedback

AI-powered feedback on what you say out loud

Spaced Repetition

Retain vocabulary long-term with smart practice

Immersive Roleplaying

Practice real conversations with AI partners

Lessons for Your Situation

Request lessons tailored to your specific needs

Get Full Lesson

What Learners Are Saying

“Teaching in Osaka and I wanted to connect with my students beyond the classroom. The everyday conversation made my Japanese feel natural, not textbook-y.”

Mia S., 25, English Teacher

“I hop cities every few months and this is the only app that actually prepares me for living somewhere, not just visiting. Tokyo was the real test — passed with flying colors.”

James O., 28, Remote Worker

“I tried five different apps before this one. The roleplay conversations are what finally made things click. I actually remember what I learn now.”

Sofia R., 31, Marketing Manager