Portuguese Phrase
Em nome de quem faço a reserva?
Meaning
This phrase is used to politely ask for the name under which a booking or reservation should be made. It literally translates to "In name of whom do I make the reservation?" and is a standard way to obtain this crucial piece of information in service interactions.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when you are the one making a reservation for someone else, or when you are working in a service role (e.g., hotel receptionist, restaurant host) and need to confirm the name for a booking. It's essential for clarity and organization.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Emnomedequemfaçoareserva
Em nome de
This is a fixed expression meaning 'in the name of'. 'Em' means 'in', 'nome' means 'name', and 'de' means 'of'. It's crucial for specifying the name associated with something.
Quem
This is an interrogative pronoun meaning 'who' or 'whom'. It's used here to ask about the person whose name will be on the reservation.
Faço
This is the first-person singular (eu) conjugation of the verb 'fazer' (to do/to make) in the present indicative. It translates to 'I make' or 'I do'.
A reserva
'A' is the feminine definite article 'the', and 'reserva' is a feminine noun meaning 'reservation' or 'booking'. Together, they mean 'the reservation'.
🗨In Conversation
Gostaria de fazer uma reserva para duas pessoas para as oito da noite.
I would like to make a reservation for two people for eight o'clock tonight.
Certo. Em nome de quem faço a reserva?
Okay. In whose name do I make the reservation?
✕Common Mistakes
Para quem faço a reserva?
While grammatically correct, this asks 'For whom do I make the reservation?' which is less precise than 'In whose name?' when the specific name for the booking is required.
Em nome de qual pessoa faço a reserva?
Using 'qual pessoa' (which person) is redundant and less idiomatic than simply 'quem' (whom) in this context. 'Quem' already implies the person.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o nome para a reserva?
What is the name for the reservation?
Pode me dizer o nome para a reserva?
Can you tell me the name for the reservation?
Para quem devo fazer a reserva?
For whom should I make the reservation?
Cultural Tip
In Portuguese-speaking cultures, especially in Brazil and Portugal, politeness is highly valued in service interactions. Using "Em nome de quem faço a reserva?" is a standard and respectful way to ask for this information. It's generally preferred over more abrupt questions like "Qual o nome?". Always maintain a polite tone and use appropriate formal address if the situation calls for it.