预约

yùyuē

booking

HSK 5 — —

Character Breakdown

Usage of 预约

The word 预约 (yùyuē) is commonly used to express making an appointment or reservation in advance. It is frequently used in contexts such as booking a doctor's visit, reserving a restaurant table, or scheduling meetings.

Common Collocations

  • 预约医生 (make a doctor's appointment): used when arranging medical visits.
  • 预约餐厅 (reserve a restaurant): used for booking tables.
  • 提前预约 (book in advance): emphasizes the need to arrange ahead of time.

Nuances

When using 预约, the speaker implies a formal or planned arrangement rather than an informal agreement. It often requires prior communication and confirmation. Unlike just saying 约 (to make an appointment or promise), 预约 stresses the preparation and reservation aspect.

Avoiding Confusion

Do not confuse 预约 with 约. 约 can mean to make a casual appointment or promise, while 预约 specifically refers to formal reservations or appointments, often involving services or official times.

Example Sentences

我已经预约了明天的医生。

Wǒ yǐjīng yùyuē le míngtiān de yīshēng.

I have already made an appointment with the doctor for tomorrow.

请提前预约餐厅的位置。

Qǐng tíqián yùyuē cāntīng de wèizhì.

Please book a table at the restaurant in advance.

他通过电话预约了会议时间。

Tā tōngguò diànhuà yùyuē le huìyì shíjiān.

He scheduled the meeting time by phone.