Spanish Phrase
No tenemos reserva.
Meaning
This sentence tells the listener that the speakers do not have a reservation. It is commonly used in restaurants, hotels, or any service that requires a prior booking.
When to use
Use it when you arrive at a venue and need to inform the staff that you haven't booked a table, room, or ticket. It works both in formal and informal contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Notenemosreserva.
Negación (No)
The word 'no' placed before the verb negates the whole clause, meaning 'not' or 'don't'.
Verbo Tener (tenemos)
'Tener' means 'to have'. 'Tenemos' is the present indicative first‑person plural form (we have).
Sustantivo Reserva
'Reserva' is a feminine noun meaning 'reservation' or 'booking'. It does not need an article when used in a general statement.
🗨In Conversation
Buenas tardes, ¿tienen una mesa para dos?
Good afternoon, do you have a table for two?
Lo siento, pero no tenemos reserva.
I'm sorry, but we don't have a reservation.
✕Common Mistakes
No tenemos reservación.
While 'reservación' is understood, 'reserva' is the more natural word in everyday conversation.
Tenemos no reserva.
Negation must precede the verb, not follow it.
No tenemos una reserva.
Adding the article 'una' is not wrong, but it sounds slightly more formal; most native speakers drop it in this context.
↔Alternatives
No hemos reservado.
We haven't booked.
No contamos con reserva.
We don't have a reservation.
No hay reserva.
There is no reservation.
Cultural Tip
In many Spanish‑speaking countries it is polite to call ahead and make a reservation, especially for popular restaurants or hotels. If you arrive without one, staff may still seat you if there is space, but they might ask you to wait. Using the formal 'usted' form (No tiene reserva) is appropriate when speaking to a manager or older person.