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B1 noun #1,800 am häufigsten 7 Min. Lesezeit

〜ておく

Top 1,800

At the A1 level, you are just starting to learn how to connect verbs. You might not use 〜ておく yourself yet, but you will hear it in very simple contexts like 'Katte oite' (Please buy it [for later]). Think of it as a special way to say 'do something now because we need it later.' For example, if you are going to a picnic, you buy drinks 'in advance.' In Japanese, that 'in advance' part is wrapped into the verb using 〜ておく. Just remember: Te-form + Oku = Doing something for later. Focus on simple verbs like 'kau' (buy), 'tsukuru' (make), and 'taberu' (eat).

At A2, you should begin to use 〜ておく for basic daily planning. You learn that it's not just about 'doing,' but about 'preparing.' When you say 'Ryoko no mae ni kippu o katte okimasu,' you are showing that you are a prepared traveler. You also start to see the 'leave as is' meaning. If you open a window to let air in and plan to leave it that way, you say 'Akete okimasu.' This level is about moving from simple actions to intentional actions. You should also start recognizing the casual contraction '〜とく' (toku) in simple anime or conversations, even if you don't use it yet.

B1 is the 'sweet spot' for 〜ておく. At this level, you are expected to use it naturally in conversation to describe your intentions. You should master the contraction 〜とく (toku) and 〜どく (doku) for casual speech. You use it to explain why you did something: 'Ashita shiken ga aru kara, benkyo shitoku' (I'll study [now] because there's an exam tomorrow). You also begin to distinguish it from 〜てある (te aru). You understand that 〜ておく is about the *act* of preparing, while 〜てある is about the *result* that is already there. This distinction is crucial for passing the JLPT N3.

At B2, you use 〜ておく to express complex nuances of readiness and social consideration. You might use it in business contexts to show you've taken care of things before being asked. 'Gokakunin itadakeru yo, shiryo o matomete okimashita' (I have compiled the materials so that you can check them). You also understand its use in 'temporary measures'—doing something for the time being until a better solution is found. Your use of the conditional '〜ておけば' (if I had done it in advance...) becomes more frequent as you discuss regrets or hypothetical planning.

At C1, you recognize the subtle psychological implications of 〜ておく in literature and high-level discourse. It can imply a sense of 'putting something aside' mentally or emotionally. You understand how it functions in formal writing to describe systemic preparations or historical precedents. You can use it with abstract verbs, such as 'keeping a distance' (kyori o oite oku) or 'keeping a secret' (himitsu ni shite oku). The focus shifts from physical preparation to strategic and emotional positioning. You also master the honorific versions, like 〜ておきになります or 〜ておいて差し上げる.

At the C2 level, you have a near-native grasp of the 'invisible' preparations implied by 〜ておく. You understand how it reflects the Japanese cultural concept of 'kuuki o yomu' (reading the air)—doing things in advance so that others don't have to ask. You can use it in philosophical discussions about 'pre-emptive existence' or 'intentional stasis.' You can manipulate the grammar to create specific stylistic effects in creative writing, using the 'leave as is' nuance to create atmosphere or tension. Your usage is indistinguishable from a native speaker, including the most subtle dialectal variations of the contraction.

Jetzt üben Beispiele Notizen & Tipps

〜ておく in 30 Sekunden

Expresses preparation for a future purpose.
Can mean leaving a state as it is intentionally.
Commonly contracts to 〜とく (toku) in casual Japanese.
Essential for N3 level and daily conversational fluency.

The Japanese grammar point 〜ておく (te oku) is a foundational auxiliary verb construction that expresses the idea of performing an action in advance, for a future purpose, or maintaining a specific state for later convenience. While the prompt labels this as a 'noun', in linguistic practice, it is a functional grammatical structure derived from the te-form of a verb plus the auxiliary verb oku (to put/place). The essence of this expression lies in the 'preparatory' nature of the action. When you use 〜ておく, you are not just performing an action; you are strategically positioning that action within a timeline to ensure that a future event goes smoothly or that a current state is preserved for a specific reason.

Core Concept: The primary function is 'preparation' (準備 - junbi). It indicates that the speaker is doing something now so that they don't have to worry about it later, or so that the result is ready when needed.
State Maintenance: It can also mean leaving something in a certain state (放置 - houchi). For example, leaving a window open because you intend to close it later or because it serves a purpose for the next few hours.

パーティーの前に、ビールを冷やしておきます。
(I will chill the beer before the party [in advance].)

The historical evolution of this phrase comes from the literal meaning of 'putting' something down. By 'putting' the action down in the present, you are essentially 'storing' the result for the future. This nuance is vital for B1 learners to grasp because it separates simple actions from intentional, future-oriented actions. In daily Japanese life, this is ubiquitous—from business preparations to household chores. It reflects a cultural emphasis on omoiyari (consideration) and dandori (planning/setup). When you tell someone you did something te oita, you are signaling that you were thinking ahead.

Furthermore, the nuance of 'leaving it as is' is often used with verbs like akeru (to open) or tsukeru (to turn on). If you say 'denki o tsukete oku,' you are saying 'I will leave the light on (for a reason).' This differs from 'denki o tsukeru' (I will turn on the light) because it implies the light will remain in that state for a future purpose, such as someone coming home late. Understanding this 'state-holding' aspect is key to mastering the B1 level nuances of Japanese intentionality.

Using 〜ておく requires a solid grasp of the te-form of verbs. The construction is simple: [Verb in Te-form] + [Auxiliary Verb Oku]. The auxiliary verb oku then conjugates like any regular Group 1 (U-verb) verb. This means it can become okimasu (polite), oita (past), okanai (negative), or okeba (conditional).

Conjugation Steps: 1. Take the dictionary form (e.g., 買う - kau).
2. Change to te-form (買って - katte).
3. Add oku (買っておく - katte oku).

明日までにレポートを書き上げておかなければなりません。
(I must finish writing the report by tomorrow [in preparation].)

One of the most important aspects for intermediate learners is the colloquial contraction. In spoken Japanese, the 'e' in 'te' and the 'o' in 'oku' often merge. 〜ておく becomes 〜とく. 〜でおく (for verbs like yomu -> yonde) becomes 〜どく. This is essential for listening comprehension as native speakers rarely use the full form in casual settings. For example, 'shite oku' becomes 'shitoku', and 'yonde oku' becomes 'yondoku'.

There are three main situational uses: 1) Action for future use (buying tickets early), 2) Action to handle a potential problem (studying before an exam), and 3) Maintaining a state (leaving the door open). When choosing which verb to use with te oku, ensure the verb is transitive or expresses a volitional action. You wouldn't typically use it with natural phenomena unless there is human intent involved in 'leaving' that phenomenon in a state.

You will encounter 〜ておく in almost every facet of Japanese life, particularly where planning and social harmony are valued. In the workplace, it is the language of efficiency. Managers will ask you to 'copy these documents te oite' so they are ready for the meeting. Colleagues will tell you they have 'emailed the client te oita' so you don't have to worry about it. It creates a sense of reliability and foresight.

会議の資料を印刷しておきました。
(I printed the meeting materials in advance.)

In domestic settings, it's the language of chores and preparation. Cooking shows are a goldmine for this grammar point. 'Cut the vegetables and shite oite' or 'Marinate the meat and oite kudasai.' It implies that these steps are necessary precursors to the final dish. Similarly, when parents talk to children, they might say 'Omocha o katazukete oite!' (Clean up your toys [so the room is ready for later]!).

Travel and hospitality are other key areas. Hotel staff will 'keep your luggage azukatte oku.' Tour guides will 'check the weather shirabete oku.' In all these cases, the focus is on the future benefit of the current action. If you are watching a Japanese vlog about travel, you will hear the creator say things like 'Hotel o yoyaku shitoku' (I'll book the hotel in advance). This usage emphasizes the speaker's agency and preparedness, which is a highly valued trait in Japanese society.

The most frequent mistake learners make is confusing 〜ておく (te oku) with 〜てある (te aru). While both involve the result of an action, te oku focuses on the action of preparing for the future, whereas te aru focuses on the current state resulting from a previous action. For example, 'Mado ga akete aru' means 'The window is (already) open,' while 'Mado o akete oku' means 'I will open the window (for later).'

Te Oku vs. Te Aru: Te Oku: Focus on the actor's intention for the future. (I'll do it now for later).
Te Aru: Focus on the existing state. (It has been done and is currently in that state).

❌ 窓が開けてある。
✅ 窓を開けておく。
(Use 'oku' when you are performing the action for a future purpose.)

Another common error is using te oku with intransitive verbs that don't imply intention. You cannot say 'Ame ga futte oku' (It will rain in advance). The action must be something a person (or an agent) does with a goal in mind. Additionally, learners often forget the contraction toku in casual speech, making their Japanese sound overly formal or 'textbook-like' in situations where a more relaxed tone is appropriate.

Finally, learners sometimes struggle with the 'leave as is' meaning. They might use sono mama ni suru instead. While sono mama ni suru is correct, te oku is often more natural when the 'leaving' is a specific action. For instance, 'Sono mama ni shite oite' (Leave it like that [for now/later]) is a very common and natural combination of both concepts.

Understanding 〜ておく requires comparing it to other auxiliary structures that deal with time and state. The most relevant comparisons are 〜てある (te aru), 〜てしまう (te shimau), and 〜てみる (te miru). Each of these adds a different 'flavor' to the main verb, and choosing the wrong one can significantly change your meaning.

〜てある (Te Aru): Focuses on the state. 'The preparation is done.' Use this to describe a room that is already set up for a guest.
〜てしまう (Te Shimau): Focuses on completion or regret. 'I finished it completely' or 'I accidentally did it.' This lacks the 'future purpose' nuance of te oku.
〜てみる (Te Miru): Focuses on trial. 'I'll try doing it.' This is about testing, not preparing.

比較：
1. 買っておく (Buy for later)
2. 買ってある (Is already bought)
3. 買ってしまう (Bought it all/Regret buying)

Another similar expression is 〜まえに (mae ni). While 'A no mae ni B o suru' (Do B before A) covers the timing, it doesn't convey the purpose as strongly as te oku. Te oku implies that the action is a necessary or helpful step for what comes next. It is more integrated into the workflow of the speaker's life. For example, 'Neru maeに ha o migaku' (Brush teeth before sleeping) is a simple sequence. 'Ha o migaki-toita' (I've brushed my teeth [so I'm ready to sleep/kiss/etc.]) adds a layer of 'readiness'.

How Formal Is It?

Formell

Informell

Schwierigkeitsgrad

Wichtige Grammatik

Beispiele nach Niveau

パンを買っておきます。

I will buy bread (for later).

Simple te-form + okimasu.

水を飲んでおきます。

I will drink water (in advance).

Drinking now to be hydrated later.

窓を開けておきます。

I will leave the window open.

Maintaining a state.

切符を買っておいてください。

Please buy the tickets (in advance).

Requesting preparation.

名前を書いておきます。

I will write my name (on it for later).

Action for future identification.

ここを掃除しておきます。

I will clean this place (in advance).

Cleaning for a future event.

料理を作っておきます。

I will make food (in advance).

Preparing a meal for later.

本を読んでおきます。

I will read the book (in advance).

Preparation for a lesson.

旅行の前にホテルを予約しておきました。

I booked the hotel before the trip.

Past tense of preparation.

暑いので、エアコンをつけておきます。

It's hot, so I'll leave the AC on.

State maintenance for comfort.

忘れないように、メモを書いておきます。

I'll write a memo so I don't forget.

Action to prevent a future problem.

友達が来るから、部屋を片付けておくね。

Since a friend is coming, I'll tidy up the room.

Casual 'oku' for preparation.

晩ご飯を準備しておきました。

I have prepared dinner (already).

Result of preparation.

資料を読んでおいてください。

Please read the materials (beforehand).

Instruction for preparation.

傘を持っておいほうがいいですよ。

It's better to bring an umbrella (just in case).

Advice for preparation.

お風呂を沸かしておきました。

I've prepared the bath.

Preparation for someone else.

明日までにこの本を読んどくよ。

I'll read this book by tomorrow.

Casual contraction 'toku'.

会議の前に資料をコピーしといて。

Copy the documents before the meeting.

Casual request 'toite'.

とりあえず、ここに置いときますね。

For now, I'll just leave it here.

Temporary measure.

後で使うから、ハサミを出しておいて。

I'll use them later, so take out the scissors.

Preparation for immediate future.

連絡しといたほうがいいかな？

Should I contact them (in advance)?

Casual question about preparation.

ビールを冷やしといたよ。

I've chilled the beer.

Casual past 'toita'.

窓を閉めといてくれる？

Can you close the window (for me)?

Requesting a state change.

先に食べといて。後で行くから。

Go ahead and eat. I'll join later.

Instruction to proceed without the speaker.

万が一のために、予備の鍵を作っておいた。

I made a spare key just in case.

Precautionary action.

彼はいつも一歩先を考えて動いておくタイプだ。

He is the type who always acts in advance, thinking one step ahead.

Describing a personality trait.

話がスムーズに進むよう、根回しをしておきました。

I did some behind-the-scenes groundwork so the talk goes smoothly.

Cultural concept of 'nemawashi'.

その件については、部長に伝えておきましたのでご安心ください。

I've informed the manager about that matter, so please don't worry.

Professional preparation.

調べておけばよかったのに、忘れてしまった。

I should have looked it up in advance, but I forgot.

Regret using conditional.

将来のために、貯金をしておくべきだ。

You should save money for the future.

Long-term preparation.

念のため、もう一度確認しておきましょう。

Let's check one more time just to be sure.

Volitional 'okimashou'.

料理が冷めないように、蓋をしておいた。

I put a lid on so the food wouldn't get cold.

Purposeful state maintenance.

不測の事態に備えて、あらゆる可能性を考慮しておかなければならない。

We must consider all possibilities in preparation for unforeseen circumstances.

Formal/Academic preparation.

彼はあえて沈黙を守っておくことで、相手の反応をうかがった。

By intentionally remaining silent, he waited to see the other person's reaction.

Abstract state maintenance.

この事実は、しばらく伏せておくことにしよう。

Let's keep this fact hidden for a while.

Strategic withholding.

先手を打っておくことが、ビジネスにおける成功の鍵だ。

Making the first move in advance is the key to success in business.

Idiomatic 'sente o utsu'.

後顧の憂いを断っておくために、今のうちに問題を解決すべきだ。

To eliminate future anxieties, we should solve the problem now.

Advanced literary expression.

その場の空気を壊さないよう、意見を控えておいた。

I withheld my opinion so as not to ruin the atmosphere.

Socially motivated preparation.

あらかじめ手を打っておいたおかげで、被害は最小限に抑えられた。

Thanks to having taken measures beforehand, the damage was minimized.

Causal result of preparation.

君の忠告は、心に留めておくよ。

I will keep your advice in mind.

Metaphorical 'keeping'.

万全の策を講じておいたにもかかわらず、事態は思わぬ方向へ転じた。

Despite having taken every possible measure, the situation took an unexpected turn.

Sophisticated 'koujite oita'.

言葉を濁しておいたのは、確証が得られるまで明言を避けたかったからだ。

The reason I spoke ambiguously was that I wanted to avoid making a definite statement until I had proof.

Nuanced verbal strategy.

歴史の審判に委ねておくより他に、道は残されていない。

No other path remains but to leave it to the judgment of history.

Philosophical state maintenance.

伏線を張っておくことで、物語の結末に説得力を持たせた。

By laying the groundwork (foreshadowing), I gave the story's ending persuasiveness.

Literary technique.

静観しておけばいいものを、余計な口出しをしてしまった。

I should have just watched quietly, but I interfered unnecessarily.

Regret over not maintaining a state.

将来の禍根を断っておくべく、徹底的な調査が行われた。

A thorough investigation was conducted to eliminate the seeds of future trouble.

Formal 'beku' with 'te oku'.

彼の功績は、後世に語り継がれるよう記録に留めておくべきだ。

His achievements should be recorded so they can be passed down to future generations.

Preservation for posterity.

あえて余白を残しておいたのは、読者の想像力に委ねるためである。

The reason I intentionally left blank space was to leave it to the reader's imagination.

Artistic intentionality.

Häufige Kollokationen

切符を買っておく (buy tickets in advance)

予約しておく (make a reservation in advance)

冷やしておく (chill in advance)

メモしておく (make a note for later)

連絡しておく (get in touch in advance)

片付けておく (tidy up in advance)

調べておく (look up in advance)

開けておく (leave open)

準備しておく (prepare in advance)

置いとく (leave it there)

Häufige Phrasen

言っとくけど (Just so you know/I'm telling you now)

置いといて (Leave it alone/Put it aside)

やっとくね (I'll take care of it)

買っといたよ (I bought it already)

覚えといて (Keep it in mind)

書いといてください (Please write it down)

調べとく (I'll check it)

準備しといた (I prepared it)

開けといて (Leave it open)

連絡しとく (I'll contact them)

Wird oft verwechselt mit

〜ておく vs 〜てある

Te aru is the result/state; te oku is the preparation/action.

〜ておく vs 〜てしまう

Te shimau is completion/regret; te oku is future-oriented.

〜ておく vs 〜てみる

Te miru is trying; te oku is preparing.

Redewendungen & Ausdrücke

Leicht verwechselbar

〜ておく vs

Satzmuster

Wortfamilie

Verwandt

So verwendest du es

volition

Only used with volitional actions.

contraction

Toku is very common in speech.

transitivity

Usually used with transitive verbs.

Häufige Fehler

Confusing 〜ておく with 〜てある.
Using the full form 'te oku' in very casual conversation.
Using it with non-volitional verbs like 'falling' or 'raining'.
Forgetting to conjugate 'oku' (e.g., saying 'te oku' instead of 'te oita').
Using it for an action that has no future purpose.

Tipps

Contraction Rule

Te + Oku = Toku. De + Oku = Doku. This is the most common way you'll hear it.

Be Proactive

Use 'te oku' when you want to show you're taking care of things.

Dandori

Preparation is a virtue in Japan. This grammar point reflects that.

Catch the 'T'

In fast speech, 'te o' sounds like a quick 'to'.

Email Etiquette

Use 'shite okimashita' to confirm you've finished a task.

Temporary Measures

Use it with 'toriaezu' for things you're doing 'for now'.

State vs Action

Remember: Oku is the 'doing', Aru is the 'being'.

Visual Aid

Imagine a shelf. You are putting an action on the shelf for later.

JLPT N3

This is a core N3 grammar point. Master the contractions!

Consideration

Saying you did something 'te oita' for a friend is very polite.

Einprägen

Wortherkunft

Derived from the verb 置く (oku), meaning 'to put' or 'to place'. By adding it to the te-form of another verb, it metaphorically means 'to put the action in a place' for future use.

Kultureller Kontext

Essential for reporting that tasks are handled.

Ubiquitous in household management.

Used to describe preparations for guests.

Im Alltag üben

Kontexte aus dem Alltag

Gesprächseinstiege

"旅行の準備、もうしといた？"

"会議の資料、コピーしとこうか？"

"窓、開けといてもいいですか？"

"これ、どこに置いとけばいい？"

"先にチケット買っとくね。"

Tagebuch-Impulse

今日、明日のために何をしておきましたか？

将来のために、今からしておきたいことは何ですか？

誰かのために、何かをしておいた経験はありますか？

「〜ておく」を使って、料理のレシピを書いてみましょう。

仕事や学校で、準備しておいてよかったと思ったことは？

Häufig gestellte Fragen

10 Fragen

Generally no, because 'te oku' implies a volitional action by an agent. However, some intransitive verbs that imply a state change can be used if there is intent.

No, 'toku' is a casual contraction. In polite settings, use 'te okimasu'.

'Katte oku' means 'I will buy it for later.' 'Katte aru' means 'It has been bought (and is here now).'

Use the conditional: '〜ておけばよかった'.

Yes, 'oite oku' or 'sono mama ni shite oku' means to leave something as it is.

Yes, very frequently to show that preparations are complete or in progress.

Usually, but it can also mean 'for the time being' or 'maintaining a state'.

It becomes 'te okanai'.

It means 'I did it (in advance/already)'.

No, you can't say 'the sun will rise in advance'.

Teste dich selbst 87 Fragen

writing

Write 'I will book a hotel' using 〜ておく.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

Standard usage.