Inklingo

How to Say "reserved" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “reserved” is “reservado” — use this when something is set aside for a particular person or purpose, like a table or a seat..

English → Spanish

reservado

re-ser-VA-do/reseɾˈβaðo/

adjectiveA1general
Use this when something is set aside for a particular person or purpose, like a table or a seat.
A small, empty restaurant table set for two, featuring a prominent 'Reserved' sign placed on the tabletop.

Examples

Esta mesa ya está reservada, ¿tienen otra libre?

This table is already reserved, do you have another one free?

Tenemos un cuarto reservado para usted en el hotel.

We have a room booked for you at the hotel.

El asiento reservado es el número 12B.

The reserved seat is number 12B.

Al principio, el nuevo jefe parecía muy reservado, pero luego se abrió.

At first, the new boss seemed very reserved (private), but then he opened up.

Adjusting the Ending

Since 'reservado' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. If you are talking about 'la mesa' (feminine), you must say 'reservada'.

callado

/ca-YA-do//kaˈʎaðo/

adjectiveA2general
Use this to describe someone who is quiet and doesn't talk much, especially in social situations or in class.
A drawing of a child sitting calmly, pressing a finger vertically to their lips to signal silence in a serene setting.

Examples

Mi hermana es muy callada en clase, pero habla mucho en casa.

My sister is very quiet/reserved in class, but she talks a lot at home.

El bosque estaba callado, solo se escuchaban los pájaros.

The forest was silent; only the birds could be heard.

Se quedó callado cuando le preguntaron por el dinero.

He remained silent when they asked him about the money.

Agreement is Essential

As an adjective, 'callado' must change its ending to match the person or thing it describes: 'el niño callado' (m), 'la niña callada' (f), 'los niños callados' (plural m).

Callado vs. Silencioso

Mistake: “Using 'silencioso' to describe a person's reserved nature.”

Correction: Use 'callado' for a person who is quiet or reserved ('una persona callada'). Use 'silencioso' for a room or thing that makes no noise ('una habitación silenciosa').

cerrado

se-RRAH-doh/θeˈraðo/ or /seˈraðo/

adjectiveB1general
Use this for someone who is not open or communicative, finding it difficult to interact or make friends.
A small, shy character sitting alone on a simple wooden bench, hugging their knees close to their chest and looking away from the viewer, symbolizing a reserved personality.

Examples

Es una persona muy cerrada, le cuesta hacer nuevos amigos.

He is a very reserved person; it is hard for him to make new friends.

No la juzgues, solo es un poco cerrada al principio.

Don't judge her, she's just a little withdrawn at first.

Using 'Ser'

When describing personality, you use the verb 'ser' (to be) because being reserved is usually a permanent, defining trait of that person.

encerrado

en-se-RRAH-doh/en.seˈra.ðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use this to describe someone who is withdrawn, unsociable, or prefers solitude over social activities.
A person sitting alone on a park bench, completely hidden under a large, colorful blanket, illustrating emotional withdrawal.

Examples

Mi hermano es un poco encerrado; prefiere leer a salir de fiesta.

My brother is a bit withdrawn; he prefers reading to going out partying.

Su naturaleza encerrada hacía difícil conocerla bien.

Her reserved nature made it difficult to get to know her well.

Permanent Traits

When describing a permanent personality trait, you use the verb 'ser' (to be) instead of 'estar': 'Ella es encerrada' (She is a reserved person).

dedicado

/deh-dee-KAH-doh//de.ðiˈka.ðo/

adjectiveB2formal
Use this when something is specifically set aside or assigned for a particular purpose or task.
An extremely clean, organized wooden workbench that holds only a single, specialized set of tools: a small hammer, a screwdriver, and a magnifying glass, illustrating exclusive or specialized use.

Examples

Necesitamos una línea dedicada para el servicio al cliente.

We need a dedicated line for customer service.

El equipo trabaja en un laboratorio dedicado solo a la investigación.

The team works in a laboratory dedicated only to research.

Function as Past Participle

Even though it acts as an adjective here, 'dedicado' is the past participle of dedicar. This means it can also be used with 'ser' or 'estar' to describe the state of being assigned: 'El carril está dedicado a los autobuses'.

reservado

re-ser-VA-do/reseɾˈβaðo/

adjectiveB2general
Use this to describe a personality that is initially shy, private, or not openly expressive, but may open up later.
A small, empty restaurant table set for two, featuring a prominent 'Reserved' sign placed on the tabletop.

Examples

Al principio, el nuevo jefe parecía muy reservado, pero luego se abrió.

At first, the new boss seemed very reserved (private), but then he opened up.

Esta mesa ya está reservada, ¿tienen otra libre?

This table is already reserved, do you have another one free?

Tenemos un cuarto reservado para usted en el hotel.

We have a room booked for you at the hotel.

El asiento reservado es el número 12B.

The reserved seat is number 12B.

Adjusting the Ending

Since 'reservado' is an adjective, it must match the thing it describes. If you are talking about 'la mesa' (feminine), you must say 'reservada'.

Personality vs. Reserved Items

Learners often confuse personality traits with items being set aside. Remember 'reservado' is the primary translation for booking something (like a table), while 'callado', 'cerrado', and 'encerrado' describe personality. 'Dedicado' refers to a specific function.

Related Translations

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