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How to Say "reserve" in Spanish

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reserva

reh-SEHR-vah/reˈseɾ.βa/

nounB1general
Use 'reserva' when referring to a stock of supplies, money, or a backup plan.
A large, sturdy wooden chest overflowing with shining gold coins and stacked money bags, representing a financial stock or reserve.

Examples

Guarda una reserva de dinero para imprevistos.

He keeps a reserve of money for unexpected events.

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.

reserva

nounB2general
Use 'reserva' when talking about a protected area of land, such as a nature reserve or biosphere reserve.

Examples

Visitamos una reserva natural para ver los animales.

We visited a nature reserve to see the animals.

reserva

nounC1formal
Use 'reserva' to describe someone's emotional restraint, shyness, or a cautious attitude.

Examples

Respondió con reserva a las preguntas del periodista.

He responded with reserve to the journalist's questions.

distancia

dees-TAHN-syah/disˈtan.sja/

nounB1general
Use 'distancia' when referring to a formal or cool demeanor, creating a sense of separation between people.
A visual representation of emotional detachment showing two simplified figures sitting close together on a bench, yet both facing away from each other, illustrating psychological separation.

Examples

Mantuvo una gran distancia con sus colegas.

He maintained a great distance (reserve) with his colleagues.

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-oh//sanˈtwaɾjo/

nounB2general
Use 'santuario' specifically for a protected area designated for wildlife preservation, akin to a sanctuary.
A small blue bird is nestled securely inside the hollow of a large, warm-looking tree trunk, illustrating a safe place or refuge.

Examples

El parque es un santuario para las aves en peligro de extinción.

The park is a sanctuary for endangered birds.

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.

Reserva vs. Distancia

Learners often confuse 'reserva' (meaning a supply or protected area) with 'distancia' (meaning a cool demeanor). Remember, 'reserva' can cover multiple meanings, but 'distancia' is specifically about emotional or social separation. If you mean 'supply' or 'protected area,' use 'reserva'; for a formal attitude, use 'distancia'.

Related Translations

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