Meaning and Usage
The Korean noun '예약' means 'reservation' or 'booking' and is commonly used when arranging appointments, booking seats, rooms, or services in advance. It implies a prior engagement to secure a spot or time.
Common Contexts
You will often hear '예약' in contexts like restaurants, hotels, hospitals, or events where prior booking is necessary to avoid inconvenience.
Collocations and Patterns
- 예약하다: to make a reservation
- 예약 시간: reservation time
- 예약 없이: without a reservation
- 예약 취소: cancellation of a reservation
These collocations are essential for everyday conversations involving scheduling or planning.
Register and Politeness
'예약' is a neutral noun and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The verb form '예약하다' is also neutral but often appears in polite speech when combined with polite endings.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes confuse '예약' with '약속' (promise/appointment). While both involve plans, '예약' is more formal and used for official bookings, whereas '약속' is more casual and personal.