French Phrase
J'ai une résa.
Meaning
Literally, "I have a reservation." The phrase is used to confirm that you have booked a table, a room, a ticket, etc. It is informal and typically heard in spoken French.
When to use
Use this sentence when you want to tell someone you already booked something, especially in casual settings like calling a restaurant, chatting with a friend about travel plans, or confirming a hotel stay.
✦Grammar Breakdown
J'aiunerésa
Contraction (J' + ai)
The subject pronoun "je" contracts to "j'" before a vowel or mute h, forming "j'ai" (I have).
Indefinite article (une)
"une" is the feminine singular indefinite article, matching the gender of "résa" (short for "réservation").
Colloquial abbreviation (résa)
"résa" is an informal, spoken abbreviation of "réservation"; it is common in everyday conversation but avoided in formal writing.
🗨In Conversation
J'ai une résa pour deux personnes à 20h.
I have a reservation for two people at 8 p.m.
Parfait, je vous attends au bar.
Great, I'll wait for you at the bar.
✕Common Mistakes
J'ai un résa.
"résa" is feminine, so the article must be "une".
J'ai une reservation.
The accent on the first "e" is missing; the correct spelling is "réservation".
J'ai résa.
The verb "avoir" is required; you cannot drop "ai" in this construction.
↔Alternatives
J'ai une réservation.
I have a reservation.
Je possède une réservation.
I possess a reservation.
Ma réservation est confirmée.
My reservation is confirmed.
Cultural Tip
The shortened form "résa" is popular among younger speakers and in fast‑paced environments like cafés or travel agencies. In a formal email, a hotel or business will expect the full word "réservation". Also, French speakers often confirm the time and number of people after stating the reservation.