How do you say "I'd like to make a reservation." in Japanese?

"I'd like to make a reservation." in Japanese is "予約したいのですが。". This phrase is commonly used in Japan.

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

Q: What does "予約したいのですが。" mean in English?

"予約したいのですが。" means "I'd like to make a reservation." in English. Usage tip: [Vたい] means "want to do [V]," so [予約したい] is "want to make a reservation." The [のですが] at the end softens it into a polite lead-in, like "I'd like to..., if possible."

予約したいのですが。

yoyaku shi tai no desu ga

[yo-yah-koo shee tai no dess gah]

💬 Usage Tip: [Vたい] means "want to do [V]," so [予約したい] is "want to make a reservation." The [のですが] at the end softens it into a polite lead-in, like "I'd like to..., if possible."

Phrase Breakdown

予約したい

yoyaku shi tai

want to make a reservation

Used to express the desire to reserve or book something.

Example

予約したいです。

I want to make a reservation.

Words in this phrase

予約

yoyaku

[yo-yah-koo]

reservation

A booking or reservation, commonly used when arranging a table at a restaurant.

Example

今夜の予約をお願いできますか。

Could I ask for a reservation for tonight?

し

shi

[shee]

do; make

The stem of する, used with 予約 to mean 'make a reservation'.

Example

席を予約し、安心しました。

I made a reservation for a table and felt relieved.

たい

tai

[tai]

want to

Shows the speaker wants to do something; here, wants to reserve.

Example

今週末に予約したいです。

I want to make a reservation for this weekend.

のですが

no desu ga

but; I'm saying this with some hesitation / as a polite lead-in

A polite phrase used to soften a request or introduce what you want to say.

Example

予約したいのですが。

I'd like to make a reservation.

Words in this phrase

の

[no]

...but; ...and

Used to introduce a request politely and less directly.

Example

相談したいのですが、空いていますか。

I would like to ask something, but are you available?

です

desu

[dess]

is; am; are

Polite copula that makes the expression formal and suitable for customer service situations.

Example

希望は窓側の席です。

My preference is a window-side seat.

が

[gah]

but

A softening particle often used in polite conversation before a request or question.

Example

予約したいですが、遅い時間でも大丈夫ですか。

I would like to make a reservation, but is a late time okay?

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