Portuguese Phrase
Qual é o teu número de reserva?
Meaning
This phrase is a direct and common way to ask for someone's reservation number. It's used to identify a booking made previously, whether for accommodation, travel, or an event. The 'teu' indicates an informal register, common in Portugal and some parts of Brazil.
When to use
You would typically use this phrase when checking in at a hotel, picking up tickets, confirming a flight, or arriving at a restaurant where you have a booking. It's appropriate in situations where you're speaking informally to the person you're addressing, such as a friend or someone younger.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Qualéoteunúmerodereserva
Qual
'Qual' means 'which' or 'what' and is used when asking for a specific item from a group or when the answer is expected to be a specific piece of information, like a number or name.
É (ser)
'É' is the third-person singular form of the verb 'ser' (to be). It's used here to form the question 'What is...?' and indicates a permanent or inherent quality, or in this case, identification.
O teu
'O teu' means 'your' (informal, masculine singular). 'O' is the masculine definite article, and 'teu' is the possessive adjective corresponding to 'tu' (you, informal).
Número
'Número' means 'number'. It is a masculine noun in Portuguese, hence it takes the masculine article 'o' and masculine possessive 'teu'.
De reserva
'De reserva' means 'of reservation' or 'reservation' acting as an adjective. 'De' is a preposition meaning 'of' or 'from', connecting 'número' to 'reserva'.
🗨In Conversation
Olá! Tenho uma reserva para hoje à noite.
Hello! I have a reservation for tonight.
Certo. Qual é o teu número de reserva?
Alright. What is your reservation number?
✕Common Mistakes
Qual o teu número de reserva?
While 'Qual o' is sometimes heard in very informal speech, 'Qual é o' is grammatically more correct and widely preferred for 'What is the...?'
Que é o teu número de reserva?
'Que' is generally used for 'what' when asking for a definition or specific item from a limited set, not for identifying something from a broader context like a reservation number. 'Qual' is more appropriate here.
Qual é a tua número de reserva?
'Número' is a masculine noun, so it requires the masculine possessive adjective 'o teu' (or 'o seu' for formal) and masculine article 'o'.
↔Alternatives
Qual é o seu número de reserva?
What is your reservation number? (formal)
Pode me dar o seu número de reserva?
Can you give me your reservation number? (formal)
O número da sua reserva, por favor?
Your reservation number, please? (formal, more direct)
Cultural Tip
The use of 'teu' (informal 'your') versus 'seu' (formal 'your') is a key distinction in Portuguese. In Portugal, 'tu' and 'teu' are very common for informal address. In Brazil, 'você' and 'seu' are more prevalent for both formal and informal contexts, making 'Qual é o seu número de reserva?' the more common choice even among friends. Be mindful of the region and your relationship with the person you're speaking to.