How to Say "reserve" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “reserve” is “reserva” — use 'reserva' when referring to a stock of supplies, money, or for emotional restraint or shyness.
reserva
reh-SEHR-vahreˈseɾ.βa
Examples
Debemos mantener una reserva de agua potable en caso de emergencia.
We must maintain a reserve of drinking water in case of an emergency.
El banco tiene grandes reservas de oro.
The bank has large reserves of gold.
La reserva de la biosfera protege especies raras.
The biosphere reserve protects rare species.
El gobierno estableció una nueva reserva marina.
The government established a new marine reserve.
Plural Usage
When talking about large amounts of stored resources, 'reserva' is often used in the plural: 'reservas'.
Specific Type
To specify the kind of protected area, you almost always follow 'reserva' with the preposition 'de' (of) and the type: 'reserva de fauna' (wildlife reserve).
Adverbial Phrase
To describe how someone acts, use the phrase 'con reserva' (with reserve), which functions like an adverb.
reserva
reh-SEHR-vahreˈseɾ.βa
Examples
La reserva de la biosfera protege especies raras.
The biosphere reserve protects rare species.
Debemos mantener una reserva de agua potable en caso de emergencia.
We must maintain a reserve of drinking water in case of an emergency.
El banco tiene grandes reservas de oro.
The bank has large reserves of gold.
El gobierno estableció una nueva reserva marina.
The government established a new marine reserve.
Plural Usage
When talking about large amounts of stored resources, 'reserva' is often used in the plural: 'reservas'.
Specific Type
To specify the kind of protected area, you almost always follow 'reserva' with the preposition 'de' (of) and the type: 'reserva de fauna' (wildlife reserve).
Adverbial Phrase
To describe how someone acts, use the phrase 'con reserva' (with reserve), which functions like an adverb.
reserva
reh-SEHR-vahreˈseɾ.βa
Examples
El testigo habló con mucha reserva sobre los detalles del caso.
The witness spoke with great reserve about the details of the case.
Debemos mantener una reserva de agua potable en caso de emergencia.
We must maintain a reserve of drinking water in case of an emergency.
El banco tiene grandes reservas de oro.
The bank has large reserves of gold.
La reserva de la biosfera protege especies raras.
The biosphere reserve protects rare species.
Plural Usage
When talking about large amounts of stored resources, 'reserva' is often used in the plural: 'reservas'.
Specific Type
To specify the kind of protected area, you almost always follow 'reserva' with the preposition 'de' (of) and the type: 'reserva de fauna' (wildlife reserve).
Adverbial Phrase
To describe how someone acts, use the phrase 'con reserva' (with reserve), which functions like an adverb.
suplente
soo-PLEN-tehsuˈplente
Examples
El portero suplente entró en el segundo tiempo.
The substitute goalkeeper came in during the second half.
Si el director no puede venir, hablarás con su suplente.
If the director cannot come, you will speak with his stand-in.
Ella es la primera suplente en la lista electoral.
She is the first substitute on the election list.
One word for both genders
The word stays the same whether you are talking about a man or a woman. Just change the 'el' or 'la' in front.
The 'E' ending
Since it ends in 'e', it doesn't change to 'a' for women. Say 'la suplente,' not 'la suplenta'.
Don't say 'suplenta'
Mistake: “La suplenta de la oficina.”
Correction: La suplente de la oficina. Words ending in -ente usually don't change for gender.
distancia
dees-TAHN-syahdisˈtan.sja
Examples
Ella marcó una distancia clara con su nuevo jefe.
She established a clear distance (reserve) with her new boss.
Siento que hay una distancia emocional entre nosotros.
I feel there is an emotional distance between us.
Hay una distancia ideológica enorme entre los dos partidos.
There is an enormous ideological gulf between the two parties.
Creating Separation
When you want to express that someone is deliberately creating emotional space, use the reflexive verb phrase 'tomarse distancia' or 'poner distancia'.
santuario
san-TWAH-ree-ohsanˈtwaɾjo
Examples
Este parque es un santuario de vida silvestre, prohibida la caza.
This park is a wildlife sanctuary; hunting is prohibited.
La biblioteca era su santuario personal, lejos del ruido de la ciudad.
The library was her personal sanctuary, far from the noise of the city.
Figurative Use
You can use 'santuario' metaphorically for any place where you feel completely safe, calm, or protected, like a favorite room or a quiet garden.
Confusing 'Reserva' with 'Distancia' or 'Santuario'
Related Translations
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