预约

• Pinyin: yù yuē
• Hanzi breakdown: 预 = 予 (give) + 页 (head), meaning in advance; 约 = 纟(silk) + 勺, meaning to arrange

Meaning

To make an appointment; to reserve; to book. To arrange in advance for a service or meeting.

Essential for modern service interactions. Common phrases: 预约挂号 (book a medical appointment), 预约服务 (appointment-based service), 在线预约 (online booking), 预约成功 (booking confirmed). More formal than 约 but interchangeable in many contexts.

Examples

1. 这家餐厅太火了，至少要提前一周预约才能订到位子。 This restaurant is so popular that you need to book at least a week in advance to get a table.
2. 看牙医需要提前预约，不然可能要等很长时间。 Seeing a dentist requires making an appointment in advance, otherwise you might wait a long time.
3. 我已经在网上预约了明天的驾照考试。 I've already booked my driving test online for tomorrow.

Usage Guide

Context: services, medical, business

Tone: professional

Do Say

• 我想预约明天下午的时间。(I'd like to book an appointment for tomorrow afternoon.)
• 请问需要预约吗？(Do I need to make a reservation?)

Don't Say

• 我预约和朋友见面 — 和朋友约定见面用'约'就行，预约一般用于正式服务场景

Origin & History

Compound of 预 (in advance) + 约 (to arrange, agree). Together meaning to arrange or agree upon something beforehand.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal