Italian Phrase
Prenotalo a nome di Jane Smith, per favore.
Meaning
This phrase is a polite request to book or reserve something (like a table, a room, or an appointment) under a specific person's name. The 'lo' refers to the item being booked, and 'a nome di' specifies whose name it should be under. It's a direct but courteous way to make a reservation.
When to use
You would use this phrase when you are asking someone to make a reservation for you or for another person. This could be at a restaurant, a hotel, for a doctor's appointment, or any situation requiring a booking. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts due to the inclusion of 'per favore'.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Prenotaloa nome diJane Smith, per favore
Prenotalo (Imperative + Pronoun)
'Prenotalo' is formed by the imperative of 'prenotare' (to book) – 'prenota' – combined with the direct object pronoun 'lo' (it). When a direct object pronoun is attached to an affirmative imperative, it follows the verb and becomes part of the same word.
a nome di
This is a fixed prepositional phrase meaning 'in the name of'. It's used specifically when referring to a reservation or an account being held under someone's name. Do not confuse it with 'in nome di', which can mean 'in the name of' in a more abstract sense (e.g., 'in nome della legge' - in the name of the law).
per favore
'Per favore' means 'please' and is crucial for making requests polite in Italian. It can be placed at the beginning or end of a sentence, but at the end often sounds more natural for simple requests.
🗨In Conversation
Ho chiamato il ristorante per la cena di stasera.
I called the restaurant for dinner tonight.
Perfetto! Prenotalo a nome di Jane Smith, per favore.
Perfect! Book it in the name of Jane Smith, please.
✕Common Mistakes
Prenota a nome di Jane Smith.
Omitting the direct object pronoun 'lo' makes the request less specific about *what* is being booked. While understood, 'Prenotalo' is more grammatically complete and natural.
Prenotalo in nome di Jane Smith, per favore.
The correct prepositional phrase for 'in the name of' when making a reservation is 'a nome di', not 'in nome di'.
Per favore, prenotalo a nome di Jane Smith.
While not strictly wrong, placing 'per favore' at the end of the sentence is more common and sounds more natural in Italian for this type of request.
↔Alternatives
Vorrei prenotare a nome di Jane Smith.
I would like to book in the name of Jane Smith.
Potrebbe prenotare per Jane Smith?
Could you book for Jane Smith?
Cultural Tip
Italians appreciate politeness, and 'per favore' (please) is essential when making requests. While direct, this phrase is softened by its inclusion. When making reservations, it's common to clearly state the name, often spelling it out if it's unfamiliar, to avoid misunderstandings, especially with foreign names like 'Jane Smith'.