予約

• Reading: よやく
• Romaji: yoyaku
• Kanji breakdown: 予 (yo) — beforehand, in advance; 約 (yaku) — promise, agreement, approximately
• Pronunciation: /jo.ja.kɯ/

Meaning

Reservation; appointment; booking. Arranging something in advance.

Functions as a noun or する verb (予約する). Used across many situations: restaurant bookings, hotel reservations, doctor appointments, and ticket purchases. The phrase 予約済み means already reserved. Very commonly used in daily Japanese life.

Examples

1. レストランを予約しておきました。 I made a reservation at the restaurant.
2. ホテルの予約はインターネットでできます。 You can book a hotel online.
3. 予約なしでも大丈夫ですか。 Is it okay without a reservation?

Usage Guide

Context: restaurants, hotels, travel

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

Compound of 予 (beforehand, in advance) and 約 (promise, agreement). Literally means a promise made in advance — securing an arrangement before the time comes.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal