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A2 verb #1,500 le plus courant 11 min de lecture

おく

oku Top 1,500

At the A1 level, the verb 'oku' (置く) is introduced as a fundamental action verb meaning 'to put' or 'to place'. Beginners learn to use it to describe simple, physical actions in their immediate environment. The primary focus is on mastering the basic sentence structure: identifying the object being placed using the particle 'o' (を) and the destination where it is placed using the particle 'ni' (に). For example, learners practice sentences like 'Tsukue no ue ni hon o okimasu' (I put the book on the desk) or 'Koko ni kaban o oite kudasai' (Please put your bag here). At this stage, 'oku' is essential for following simple instructions in a classroom, at home, or in basic service encounters, such as a shop staff asking a customer to place items on the counter. The vocabulary is kept concrete, dealing with everyday objects like pens, books, bags, and cups. Conjugation practice is limited to the most basic forms: the polite present/future 'okimasu', the polite past 'okimashita', the negative 'okimasen', and the crucial te-form 'oite', which is heavily used for making polite requests with 'kudasai'. Understanding 'oku' at the A1 level provides the necessary foundation for interacting with physical space and objects in Japanese, a critical skill for any beginner navigating daily life.

At the A2 level, the understanding of 'oku' expands significantly beyond simple physical placement to include its vital grammatical function as a subsidiary verb. Learners are introduced to the '~te oku' (~ておく) construction, which is a cornerstone of conversational Japanese. This grammar point teaches students how to express doing something in advance as a preparation for a future event. For instance, 'Ryokou no mae ni kippu o katte okimasu' (I will buy the tickets in advance before the trip). This introduces a temporal dimension to the verb, shifting it from spatial placement to temporal preparation. Additionally, A2 learners begin to use '~te oku' to mean leaving something in a certain state, such as 'Mado o akete okimasu' (I will leave the window open). This level also covers the casual contraction of '~te oku' into '~toku', which is essential for natural listening comprehension and casual speech. Students practice distinguishing between active preparation ('~te oku') and simple past actions, learning how Japanese culture places a strong linguistic emphasis on foresight and readiness. Physical placement is still practiced, but with more complex locations and scenarios, solidifying the use of the 'ni' particle for destinations.

At the B1 level, 'oku' transitions from concrete physical actions and basic preparations to more abstract and metaphorical uses. Learners begin to encounter 'oku' in contexts involving relationships, values, and abstract concepts. A key phrase introduced at this level is 'kyori o oku' (距離を置く), meaning to keep a distance from someone emotionally or physically, reflecting complex interpersonal dynamics. Students also learn expressions like 'omoki o oku' (重きを置く), meaning to place importance or emphasis on something, which is crucial for expressing opinions and discussing priorities in essays or debates. The grammatical use of '~te oku' becomes more nuanced, used not just for simple preparations but for provisional actions—doing something 'for now' until a better solution is found (e.g., 'Toriaezu, kono mama ni shite okimashou' - Let's leave it like this for now). B1 learners are expected to comfortably navigate the passive form 'okareru' (置かれる) to describe being placed in a situation, such as 'Kibishii joukyou ni okarete iru' (Being placed in a severe situation). This level marks the shift where 'oku' becomes a tool for expressing sophisticated thoughts, psychological states, and complex situational nuances, rather than just moving objects around.

At the B2 level, the mastery of 'oku' involves understanding its usage in formal, professional, and idiomatic contexts. Learners encounter 'oku' frequently in business Japanese and news media. It is used to describe the establishment of organizations, rules, or standards, such as 'Shiten o oku' (to establish a branch office) or 'Kijun o oku' (to set a standard). The vocabulary surrounding 'oku' becomes more advanced, requiring precise differentiation from similar verbs like 'haichi suru' (配置する - to arrange) or 'setchi suru' (設置する - to install). B2 students must fully grasp the subtle differences between '~te oku' (preparation) and '~te aru' (resultant state) in complex sentences, often involving transitive and intransitive verb pairs. Idiomatic expressions become a significant focus, with phrases like 'ichi moku oku' (一目置く - to acknowledge someone's superiority) or 'Nentou ni oku' (念頭に置く - to keep in mind) becoming part of the active vocabulary. The ability to use 'oku' to articulate abstract concepts of positioning—whether in a market, a debate, or a social hierarchy—is a hallmark of B2 proficiency. Learners are expected to read and understand texts where 'oku' implies deep psychological or strategic placement without any physical object being moved.

At the C1 level, 'oku' is utilized with near-native fluency, focusing on highly nuanced, literary, and complex idiomatic expressions. The verb is understood not just as a word, but as a conceptual framework for spatial and temporal relationships in Japanese thought. Learners encounter 'oku' in advanced literature, academic papers, and high-level professional discourse. Expressions like 'Sashioite' (差し置いて - ignoring/leaving aside) or 'Oite kibori' (置いてきぼり - being left behind/abandoned) are mastered. The grammatical '~te oku' is used with high subtlety, often implying a deliberate non-action or a strategic pause, such as 'Iwasete oku' (letting someone say what they want without interfering). C1 learners can seamlessly integrate 'oku' into complex sentence structures, using it to modify other abstract concepts, such as 'Zentei to shite oku' (to lay down as a premise). The focus is on the stylistic and rhetorical impact of using 'oku' versus its more formal Sino-Japanese equivalents. Mastery at this level means understanding the cultural weight of 'leaving things be' (sono mama ni shite oku) as a philosophical stance, and using the verb to navigate the most delicate social and professional interactions with precision and grace.

At the C2 level, the understanding and application of 'oku' represent complete mastery of the Japanese language's spatial and temporal metaphors. The user can manipulate the verb in the most sophisticated literary, philosophical, and specialized contexts. 'Oku' is recognized as a fundamental cognitive anchor in Japanese, reflecting how speakers conceptualize time (preparing the future by 'placing' actions in the present) and social space (managing hierarchies by 'placing' respect or distance). C2 users effortlessly employ archaic or highly specialized idioms derived from 'oku', understanding their etymological roots, such as terms originating from traditional games like Go or Shogi. They can analyze and produce texts where 'oku' serves as the structural pivot of complex arguments, establishing premises, positioning counter-arguments, and defining the scope of a discussion. The distinction between 'oku' and its synonyms is no longer just about correctness, but about poetic resonance, rhythm, and the exact psychological shade the author wishes to convey. At this pinnacle of proficiency, 'oku' is not merely a verb meaning 'to put'; it is a versatile linguistic instrument used to sculpt meaning, manage human relationships, and articulate the deepest layers of Japanese cultural logic.

Entraîne-toi Exemples Notes et astuces

おく en 30 secondes

To put or place an object.
To do something in advance (~te oku).
To leave something as it is.
To establish or set up.

The Japanese verb 'oku' (置く) is an absolutely fundamental vocabulary word that primarily translates to 'to put' or 'to place' in English, serving as a cornerstone for both physical actions and abstract concepts in daily communication. However, its usage extends far beyond simple physical placement, encompassing a wide variety of abstract, spatial, and grammatical functions that are essential for mastering the Japanese language at any level. At its core, 'oku' describes the intentional action of moving an object from one location and setting it down in another specific location, usually a flat surface. For example, when you place a book on a desk, a cup on a table, or a bag on the floor, you use 'oku'. This physical act of placing is the most literal and common understanding of the word for beginners, forming the basis of countless daily interactions.

Physical Placement: Setting an object down on a surface, such as a table or floor, intentionally and carefully.

机の上に本をおく。

Beyond physical objects, 'oku' is also used to describe leaving something in a particular state or location. If you leave your umbrella at the office, you are essentially 'putting' it there to remain for a period of time. This introduces the concept of permanence or duration associated with the verb, distinguishing it from merely dropping something. Furthermore, 'oku' takes on profound abstract meanings, such as placing importance, value, or emphasis on something. In business or personal philosophy, you might 'place weight' (重きを置く) on punctuality, honesty, or efficiency. This metaphorical placement is crucial for advanced communication and expressing complex thoughts.

Abstract Placement: Assigning value, distance, priority, or status to a concept, relationship, or situation.

彼は家族との時間に重きをおく。

Another significant abstract use is creating physical or emotional distance between people. 'Kyori o oku' (距離を置く) means to distance oneself from someone, reflecting a spatial placement of boundaries in a relationship.

彼とは少し距離をおくべきだ。

Perhaps the most vital grammatical function of 'oku' is its use as a subsidiary verb, attached to the te-form of another verb (~ておく). This construction indicates doing something in advance as a preparation for the future, or leaving something in its current state. For instance, 'katte oku' (買っておく) means to buy something in advance so it is ready when needed.

Preparatory Action: Performing an action now to ensure readiness, convenience, or safety for a future event.

旅行の前にホテルを予約しておく。

This grammatical nuance is a cornerstone of conversational Japanese, reflecting a cultural emphasis on foresight, preparation, and consideration for others. Finally, 'oku' can mean to establish, set up, or position an organization, branch, or rule. A company might 'oku' a new branch office in Tokyo, or a committee might 'oku' a new regulation.

東京に新しい支店をおく。

Understanding these multifaceted layers of 'oku'—from simple physical placement to complex grammatical preparations and abstract valuations—is essential for achieving fluency and natural expression in Japanese. The concept of 'oku' permeates Japanese thought, illustrating how spatial relationships map onto temporal preparations and social dynamics seamlessly.

Mastering the usage of 'oku' (置く) requires a solid understanding of its syntax, particle associations, conjugations, and its critical role as a subsidiary verb in Japanese grammar. When used as a primary verb to mean 'to put' or 'to place', the sentence structure relies heavily on two specific particles: 'o' (を) and 'ni' (に). The object being placed is marked by the direct object particle 'o', while the destination or location where the object is set down is marked by the target particle 'ni'. This is a strict rule; using 'de' (で) for the location of placement is a common mistake and sounds unnatural because 'oku' implies a directional movement ending in a static position, which 'ni' perfectly encapsulates.

Basic Syntax: [Location] に [Object] を置く (To put [Object] in/on [Location]).

棚に辞書をおく。

As a Group 1 (Godan) verb ending in 'ku', its conjugations follow standard patterns: the polite form is 'okimasu' (置きます), the negative form is 'okanai' (置かない), the past tense is 'oita' (置いた), and the te-form is 'oite' (置いて). The most complex and frequently used application of 'oku' is as a subsidiary verb, attached to the te-form of another verb to create the '~te oku' (~ておく) structure. This grammatical pattern has three primary functions. First, it indicates doing something in advance as preparation.

Preparation (~ておく): Completing an action beforehand so that one is ready for a future situation.

テストのために勉強しておく。

Second, it means to leave something in a certain state or to let a situation continue without interference.

窓を開けておく。

Third, it can imply a temporary measure or a provisional action, doing something 'for now'.

Provisional Action: Taking a temporary step until a better or final solution can be implemented.

とりあえず、ここに荷物を置いておく。

In spoken Japanese, '~te oku' frequently contracts to '~toku' (〜とく), and '~de oku' contracts to '~doku' (〜どく). For example, 'yonde oku' (読んでおく - to read in advance) becomes 'yondoku' (読んどく), and 'kaite oku' (書いておく - to write down in advance) becomes 'kaitoku' (書いとく). Additionally, 'oku' can be used in the passive form 'okareru' (置かれる) to describe being placed in a situation or environment, often implying a difficult or challenging circumstance, such as 'kibishii tachiba ni okareru' (厳しい立場に置かれる - to be placed in a tough position).

彼は困難な状況におかれている。

By understanding these syntactic rules, particle pairings, and grammatical extensions, learners can utilize 'oku' accurately across a wide spectrum of contexts, from simple physical commands to complex expressions of preparation and state maintenance.

The verb 'oku' (置く) is ubiquitous in Japanese, echoing through nearly every environment and context imaginable, from the most casual domestic settings to highly formal business environments and nuanced literary works. In daily life at home, you will constantly hear 'oku' used in instructions and requests regarding household items. Parents tell children where to put their toys, spouses ask each other where they placed the keys, and hosts instruct guests where to leave their coats.

Domestic Life: Everyday instructions about organizing, cleaning, and managing physical objects in a living space.

靴はそこにおいてください。

In retail and service environments, 'oku' is frequently used by staff when handling customers' belongings or goods. A cashier might ask you to place your basket on the counter, or a waiter might announce that they are placing a dish on the table.

お荷物はこちらにおきますね。

Moving into the workplace, the usage of 'oku' shifts towards both physical organization and abstract business concepts. You will hear it when colleagues discuss where to store documents or equipment. More importantly, the '~te oku' form becomes incredibly prevalent as a marker of professional preparation and proactive behavior.

Business Preparation: Using the subsidiary verb form to indicate tasks completed in advance for meetings or projects.

会議の資料をコピーしておきました。

Furthermore, formal business language utilizes 'oku' to discuss organizational structure, such as establishing headquarters, branches, or specific departments.

本社を東京におく企業が多い。

In interpersonal relationships and emotional discussions, 'oku' takes on psychological dimensions. People talk about 'keeping a distance' (距離を置く) when a relationship is strained, or 'placing trust' (信頼を置く) in someone they rely on.

Interpersonal Dynamics: Expressing emotional distance, trust, or respect through spatial metaphors.

彼には全幅の信頼をおいている。

In literature and news media, 'oku' is frequently employed to set scenes, describe the positioning of evidence or artifacts, and articulate the establishment of new laws or standards. Its flexibility allows it to transition smoothly from the physical act of putting down a coffee cup to the abstract act of laying down a legal foundation, making it a word you will encounter in virtually every sphere of Japanese life.

While 'oku' (置く) is a fundamental verb, learners frequently make several common mistakes regarding its particle usage, its distinction from similar verbs, and its grammatical applications. The most prevalent error is the misuse of location particles. Because 'oku' involves an action happening at a location, many learners mistakenly use the particle 'de' (で), which marks the location of an action. However, 'oku' implies a directional movement that results in an object coming to rest at a specific destination. Therefore, the correct particle is always 'ni' (に). Saying 'tsukue de hon o oku' is incorrect; it must be 'tsukue ni hon o oku'.

Particle Error: Using 'de' instead of 'ni' for the destination of the placed object.

❌ 机で本をおく。
⭕ 机に本をおく。

Another major area of confusion is distinguishing 'oku' from 'ireru' (入れる - to put in) and 'shimau' (しまう - to put away). 'Oku' generally means placing something on an open, flat surface. If you are putting something inside a container, bag, or drawer, you must use 'ireru'.

カバンの中に本をいれる。(Not おく)

Similarly, if the action implies storing something away out of sight or returning it to its proper place, 'shimau' is the appropriate choice, whereas 'oku' simply means setting it down, often temporarily.

Vocabulary Confusion: Using 'oku' when 'ireru' (to insert) or 'shimau' (to store away) is more accurate.

服をタンスにしまう。(Not おく)

Grammatically, learners often confuse the subsidiary verbs '~te oku' (~ておく) and '~te aru' (~てある). Both relate to states and preparations, but they are fundamentally different. '~te oku' focuses on the *action* of preparing something for the future (e.g., 'mado o akete oku' - I will open the window in advance). It is an active, transitive process. In contrast, '~te aru' describes the *resultant state* of an action that was done intentionally by someone (e.g., 'mado ga akete aru' - The window has been opened [and remains open]).

Grammar Mix-up: Confusing the active preparation of '~te oku' with the static resultant state of '~te aru'.

ビールが冷やしてある。(The beer is kept cold - State)

ビールを冷やしておく。(I will chill the beer in advance - Action)

By carefully distinguishing between 'ni' and 'de', choosing the right verb for 2D vs 3D placement, and mastering the active nature of '~te oku', learners can avoid these common pitfalls and use 'oku' with native-like precision.

The Japanese language possesses a rich vocabulary for describing the placement, storage, and arrangement of objects, making it crucial to understand how 'oku' (置く) compares to its synonyms and related terms. While 'oku' is the most general word for 'to put' or 'to place', several other verbs offer more specific nuances. One closely related word is 'noseru' (載せる / 乗せる). While 'oku' simply means to place something somewhere, 'noseru' specifically means to place something *on top of* something else, often implying a loading action or placing an item on a platform, vehicle, or shelf.

Noseru (載せる): To place on top of, to load onto, or to publish/post (abstractly).

荷物を車にのせる。

Another important distinction is with 'ireru' (入れる), which means 'to put in' or 'to insert'. As discussed in common mistakes, 'oku' is for surfaces, while 'ireru' is for containers or enclosed spaces.

コーヒーに砂糖をいれる。

'Shimau' (しまう) is another verb often translated as 'to put', but it carries the specific meaning of 'to put away', 'to store', or 'to return to its proper place'. When you finish using a tool and put it back in its box, you use 'shimau', not 'oku'.

Shimau (しまう): To put away, to store, to finish using and clean up.

冬服をクローゼットにしまう。

In more formal or specific contexts, words like 'haichi suru' (配置する) and 'setchi suru' (設置する) are used. 'Haichi suru' means to arrange or deploy, often used for furniture, personnel, or strategic positioning. 'Setchi suru' means to install or set up equipment or facilities.

Formal Alternatives: Haichi (arrange) and Setchi (install) are used in business and technical writing.

新しいエアコンを設置する。

Finally, 'sueru' (据える) is a more literary or heavy-duty version of 'oku'. It means to set something solidly in place, to install, or metaphorically, to settle down or fix one's gaze. It implies a sense of permanence and immobility that 'oku' lacks.

防犯カメラを据える。

By comparing 'oku' with these similar verbs, learners can appreciate its role as the versatile, general-purpose verb for placement, while knowing exactly when to switch to a more precise term for loading, inserting, storing, or installing.

How Formal Is It?

Formel

Niveau de difficulté

Grammaire à connaître

Exemples par niveau

机の上に本をおきます。

I put the book on the desk.

Location + に + Object + を + おく

ここにカバンをおいてください。

Please put your bag here.

Te-form + ください for requests

ペンをテーブルにおきました。

I put the pen on the table.

Past tense form (おきました)

そこに荷物をおかないでください。

Please do not put your luggage there.

Negative te-form + ください

どこに鍵をおきましたか。

Where did you put the keys?

Question word どこ + に

部屋の隅にゴミ箱をおく。

I put the trash can in the corner of the room.

Dictionary form for general statements

棚の上に時計をおきます。

I will put the clock on the shelf.

Noun + の + 上 (spatial relationship)

靴をここにおきます。

I put my shoes here.

Basic object and location marker

パーティーの前に、飲み物を買っておきます。

I will buy drinks in advance before the party.

〜ておく for preparation

暑いから、窓を開けておいてください。

It's hot, so please leave the window open.

〜ておく for leaving in a state

テストのために、漢字を勉強しておいた。

I studied kanji in advance for the test.

Past tense of 〜ておく (〜ておいた)

ホテルを予約しておきましょうか。

Shall I book the hotel in advance?

Volitional form 〜ておきましょうか

メモを机の上においておきます。

I will leave a memo on the desk.

Physical placement combined with 〜ておく

明日使うから、そのままにしておいて。

I'll use it tomorrow, so leave it as it is.

そのままにしておく (leave as is)

時間がないから、お弁当を作っとくね。

I don't have time, so I'll make the bento in advance.

Casual contraction 〜とく

辞書をカバンに入れておきました。

I put the dictionary in my bag (in advance).

Action verb + ておく

彼とは少し距離をおいたほうがいい。

It's better to keep a little distance from him.

Idiom: 距離をおく (keep distance)

私たちの会社は、品質に重きをおいています。

Our company places importance on quality.

Idiom: 重きをおく (place importance)

とりあえず、この問題は後回しにしておこう。

For now, let's put this problem off until later.

Volitional 〜ておこう for provisional action

彼は厳しい立場におかれている。

He is placed in a difficult position.

Passive form おかれる

会議室の準備をしておいてくれますか。

Can you prepare the meeting room in advance for me?

〜ておく + くれる (requesting preparation)

先生の言うことを心にとめておく。

I will keep the teacher's words in mind.

心にとめておく (keep in mind)

自転車を駅の前に置いてはいけません。

You must not leave your bicycle in front of the station.

〜てはいけない (prohibition of placement)

この本は読んでおく価値がある。

This book is worth reading (in advance/for future benefit).

〜ておく + 価値がある

新しいプロジェクトの拠点を東京におくことにした。

We decided to establish the base for the new project in Tokyo.

拠点をおく (establish a base)

彼の才能には誰もが一目おいている。

Everyone acknowledges his talent (takes their hat off to him).

Idiom: 一目おく (acknowledge superiority)

安全基準を高くおくことが求められる。

Setting high safety standards is required.

基準をおく (set a standard)

その件については、私の胸に納めておきます。

I will keep that matter to myself.

胸に納めておく (keep to oneself)

被害者の感情を念頭においた対応が必要だ。

A response that keeps the victim's feelings in mind is necessary.

念頭におく (keep in mind)

今は結論を出さず、保留にしておきましょう。

Let's not draw a conclusion now and put it on hold.

保留にしておく (put on hold)

この規則は例外をおかない厳しいものだ。

This rule is a strict one that allows no exceptions.

例外をおかない (allow no exceptions)

彼は私を置いてきぼりにして帰ってしまった。

He left me behind and went home.

置いてきぼりにする (leave someone behind)

個人的な感情は差し置いて、客観的に判断すべきだ。

Setting personal feelings aside, we should judge objectively.

差し置く (set aside/ignore)

あの政治家は、常に布石を打っておくことで知られている。

That politician is known for always laying the groundwork in advance.

布石を打っておく (lay groundwork)

彼の無礼な態度は、この際不問に付しておこう。

Let's leave his rude attitude unquestioned for now.

不問に付しておく (leave unquestioned)

この議論は、ある種の前提をおいて進められている。

This discussion is proceeding with a certain premise laid down.

前提をおく (lay a premise)

彼女の業績は、日本の科学史に特筆大書しておくべきだ。

Her achievements should be written large in the history of Japanese science.

特筆大書しておく (write specially/record prominently)

そんな噂は放っておけば、いずれ消える。

If you leave such rumors alone, they will eventually disappear.

放っておく (leave alone/ignore)

彼の発言には、常に含みをもたせてある。

His remarks always have a hidden implication left in them.

含みをもたせておく (leave an implication)

一応、釘を刺しておいたほうが無難だろう。

It would be safer to give a warning in advance, just in case.

釘を刺しておく (give a warning in advance)

歴史の審判に身を委ねておくほかない。

We have no choice but to leave ourselves to the judgment of history.

委ねておく (leave to/entrust to)

彼の文学的地位は、もはや不動のものとして置かれている。

His literary status is now established as immovable.

不動のものとして置かれる (established as immovable)

あらゆる可能性を俎上に載せておく必要がある。

It is necessary to keep all possibilities on the table for discussion.

俎上に載せておく (keep on the chopping block/table for discussion)

自己の利益を度外視して事に当たる精神が根底に置かれている。

A spirit of tackling matters while disregarding self-interest is placed at the foundation.

根底に置かれる (placed at the foundation)

その解釈は、読者の想像力に委細を任せておくという手法だ。

That interpretation is a technique of leaving the details entirely to the reader's imagination.

任せておく (leave to someone's discretion)

時代の趨勢を静観しておくのも一つの見識である。

Quietly observing the trends of the times is also a form of insight.

静観しておく (observe quietly)

彼の功績は、後世の史家の筆に俟つとしておこう。

Let us leave his achievements to be recorded by the pens of future historians.

〜に俟つとしておく (leave it to wait for ~)

この問題の核心は、あえて手付かずのままに置かれている節がある。

There is a sense that the core of this problem has been deliberately left untouched.

手付かずのままに置かれる (left untouched)

Collocations courantes

机におく

距離をおく

重きをおく

一目おく

そのままにしておく

念頭におく

基準をおく

支店をおく

信頼をおく

時間をおく

Phrases Courantes

おいてください

おいてある

おいていく

おいてきぼり

さしおいて

ほうっておく

とっておく

みておく

いっておく

やっておく

Souvent confondu avec

おく vs 入れる (to put in)

おく vs しまう (to put away)

おく vs 載せる (to place on top)

Expressions idiomatiques

Facile à confondre

おく vs

Structures de phrases

Comment l'utiliser

nuance

Oku implies a deliberate action resulting in a static state. It is not used for dropping things accidentally (otosu).

formality

Can be used in any formality level by changing the conjugation.

Erreurs courantes

Using で instead of に for the location (e.g., 机で置く is wrong).
Using おく when putting something inside a container (should use 入れる).
Confusing ~ておく (action of preparing) with ~てある (state of being prepared).
Forgetting to contract ~ておく to ~とく in casual speech, sounding too stiff.
Using おく when putting something away in storage (should use しまう).

Astuces

Particle Rule

Always use に for the location with おく. Memorize the pattern: [Location] に [Object] をおく.

Casual Contraction

Practice saying ~とく instead of ~ておく to sound much more natural in everyday conversations.

Surface vs Container

If you are putting a book ON a bag, use おく. If you are putting a book IN a bag, use 入れる.

Preparation Culture

Using ~ておく shows you are considerate and forward-thinking, which is highly valued in Japanese society.

Kanji Usage

Write 置く for physical placement, but prefer hiragana おく when using it as a grammar point (~ておく).

Catching ~とく

In anime or dramas, listen closely for verbs ending in ~とく or ~どく; they are preparations!

Distance

Use 距離を置く (kyori o oku) when you need a break from a friend or partner.

Te-form Change

Remember that the te-form of おく is おいて. It undergoes the i-onbin sound change.

Proactive Work

In business emails, saying 準備しておきました (I have prepared it in advance) makes a great impression.

Visualizing

Visualize the kanji 置 as a net (罒) placed straight (直) down to remember its meaning.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Imagine you say 'Oh, cool!' when you PUT down a heavy box. O-ku = to put.

Origine du mot

From Old Japanese 'oku'. Originally meant to leave something behind or to establish a boundary.

Contexte culturel

Extremely common in all forms of media, from anime dialogue ('Koko ni oite!') to news broadcasts ('Shiten o okimashita').

Okimasu (polite), Oku (casual), Okimasen (polite negative), Okanai (casual negative).

Pratique dans la vie réelle

Contextes réels

Amorces de conversation

"どこにカバンをおきましたか？ (Where did you put your bag?)"

"パーティーの前に何を買っておきましょうか？ (What should we buy in advance before the party?)"

"少し時間をおいてから話しましょう。 (Let's talk after leaving a little time.)"

"ここに自転車をおかないでください。 (Please don't put your bicycle here.)"

"ホテルはもう予約しておきました。 (I already booked the hotel in advance.)"

Sujets d'écriture

Write about what you prepare in advance before a trip using ~ておく.

Describe where things are placed in your room using に and おく.

Write about a time you had to 'keep your distance' (距離をおく) from someone.

List three things you will do in advance for tomorrow.

Describe the difference between おく and しまう with examples from your daily life.

Questions fréquentes

10 questions

おく (oku) means to put or place something on a surface, like a desk or floor. 入れる (ireru) means to put something inside a container, like a bag, box, or cup. If the destination is 2D, use oku. If it's 3D, use ireru.

The particle で indicates the location where an action takes place. The particle に indicates the destination or final resting place of a movement. Since placing an object results in it resting at a specific spot, に is the correct particle to use with おく.

When attached to the te-form of a verb, 〜ておく means to do something in advance as a preparation for the future. For example, 買っておく (katte oku) means to buy something in advance so you have it when you need it.

In casual speech, 〜ておく is contracted to 〜とく. For example, 買っておく becomes 買っとく, and 食べておく becomes 食べとく. If the te-form ends in で, like 飲んでおく, it becomes 〜どく (飲んどく).

〜ておく focuses on the action of preparing something (I will open the window in advance). 〜てある focuses on the resultant state of an action that was done intentionally (The window has been opened and is currently open).

Yes, very often. You can 'place' distance between people (距離をおく), 'place' importance on a concept (重きをおく), or 'place' trust in someone (信頼をおく).

It means to leave something exactly as it is without changing it. For example, if someone asks if they should clean up the tools, you might say そのままにしておいて (leave them as they are) if you plan to use them again soon.

おく is a transitive verb, meaning it takes a direct object marked by the particle を. You place *something* (を) somewhere (に).

一目置く (ichi moku oku) is an idiom that means to acknowledge someone's superiority or to take one's hat off to someone. It comes from the game of Go, where a weaker player places a stone first as a handicap.

When used as the main verb meaning 'to put' (机に置く), it is usually written in kanji (置く). When used as a subsidiary verb for preparation (買っておく), it is often written in hiragana, though kanji is also acceptable.