reserva
“reserva” means “reservation” in Spanish. It has 4 different meanings depending on context:
reservation, booking
Also: appointment
📝 In Action
¿Tienes una reserva a mi nombre?
A2Do you have a reservation under my name?
Necesitamos hacer la reserva del hotel con antelación.
B1We need to make the hotel booking in advance.
reserve, supply
Also: reserve fund
📝 In Action
Debemos mantener una reserva de agua potable en caso de emergencia.
B1We must maintain a reserve of drinking water in case of an emergency.
El banco tiene grandes reservas de oro.
B2The bank has large reserves of gold.
reserve, preserve
Also: reservation
📝 In Action
La reserva de la biosfera protege especies raras.
B2The biosphere reserve protects rare species.
El gobierno estableció una nueva reserva marina.
C1The government established a new marine reserve.
reserve, caution
Also: secrecy
📝 In Action
El testigo habló con mucha reserva sobre los detalles del caso.
C1The witness spoke with great reserve about the details of the case.
Su reserva lo hace parecer distante, pero es una persona amable.
C2His reserve makes him seem distant, but he is a kind person.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "reserva" in Spanish:
appointment→booking→caution→preserve→reservation→reserve→reserve fund→secrecy→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: reserva
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'reserva' to mean a supply of resources?
📚 More Resources
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin verb *reservāre*, which means 'to keep back' or 'to save up'. The Spanish noun reflects the idea of holding something aside for later use or a specific purpose.
First recorded: 15th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'reserva' ever used for military personnel?
Yes, 'la reserva' can also mean the military reserves—soldiers who are not currently active duty but can be called upon if needed.
What is the difference between 'reserva' and 'reservación'?
'Reserva' is the standard word used across most of the Spanish-speaking world for a booking or reservation (like a table or room). 'Reservación' is a noun derived from the verb, and while it is understood everywhere, it is used primarily in Mexico and parts of Central America.