When used with a verb in its て-form, ～ておく (read as te oku) has a couple of nuanced meanings. One common meaning is to do something in advance, in preparation for a future event. For instance, if you're planning a party, you might use ～ておく to say you'll buy the drinks beforehand. This emphasizes that the action is completed with a future purpose in mind.
Another meaning is to leave something as it is, or to put something away for later. For example, if you've finished reading a book, you might use ～ておく to say you'll put it back on the shelf. This implies that an action has been taken, and the state resulting from that action is maintained.
〜ておく in 30 Seconds
- preparatory action
- leaving something as is
- do in advance
§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The Japanese grammar pattern 〜ておく (te oku) is extremely useful and you'll hear it all the time in natural conversation. It's used to express two main ideas: doing something in advance, or leaving something as it is. Let's break down each meaning.
The literal meaning of おく (oku) is "to put" or "to place." When combined with the 〜て form of a verb, it adds the nuance of completing an action and leaving it in a certain state, either for future use or simply by letting it be. Think of it as preparing for something, or deliberately choosing not to change something.
§ Meaning 1: Doing Something in Advance (Preparation)
This is the most common use of 〜ておく. It implies that you perform an action now because it will be necessary or helpful later. It's about preparation, planning, or getting something out of the way. This can be for a specific event, to save time, or just for general convenience.
Imagine you're having guests over. You might prepare food in advance, clean the house, or set the table. All these actions are done 〜ておく. The action is completed, and the result of that action is left for a future purpose.
- DEFINITION
- To perform an action as a preparation for a future event or to have it ready.
テストの前に、復習しておく。
Hint: Before the test, I will review (in advance).
パーティーのために、ケーキを作っておく。
Hint: For the party, I will make a cake (in advance).
出かける前に、鍵を閉めておく。
Hint: Before going out, I will lock the door (as a precaution).
§ Meaning 2: Leaving Something as is (Maintaining a State)
The second meaning of 〜ておく is to leave something in a particular state or condition, often after an action has been performed. This implies deliberately allowing something to remain as it is, or to maintain a certain status. It can also suggest that an action was done, and its result is being preserved.
Think about opening a window. If you want to keep it open, you would use 〜ておく. The action (opening) is done, and the state (open) is maintained. It's about not undoing an action, or not changing a situation.
- DEFINITION
- To leave something in a specific state after an action, or to intentionally not change something.
ドアを開けておく。
Hint: Leave the door open.
このままでいておく。
Hint: Leave it as it is.
本を机の上に置いておく。
Hint: Leave the book on the desk.
It's important to note that the meaning can sometimes overlap, and the context will always guide you to the correct interpretation. For example, if you say ドアを開けておく (doa o akete oku), it could mean "I'll open the door (in advance for someone)" or "I'll leave the door open." The situation makes it clear.
Understanding these two core meanings will help you greatly in comprehending and using 〜ておく effectively. Pay attention to the surrounding sentences and the overall situation to grasp the nuance.
When you're doing something for a specific future need, it's preparation.
When you're maintaining the current state of something, it's leaving it as is.
Let's break down how to use the Japanese phrase 〜ておく (te oku). This is a really useful expression that comes up a lot in daily conversation. It generally means to do something in advance, or to leave something as it is. It's often used when you're preparing for something or when you want to make sure a situation stays a certain way.
§ The Basics of 〜ておく
First, let's look at its basic structure. You attach 〜ておく to the te-form of a verb. If you're not sure about te-forms, go back and review those first, as they are crucial for many Japanese grammar points.
- Structure
- Verb (te-form) + おく (oku)
The meaning changes slightly depending on the context, but the core idea of 'doing something in advance' or 'leaving something as it is' remains.
§ Usage 1: Doing something in advance (Preparation)
This is one of the most common uses. You perform an action now because it will be useful or necessary later. Think of it as 'doing something beforehand' or 'getting something ready.'
テストの前に、よく勉強しておく。
Before the test, I'll study well (in advance).
パーティーの前に、部屋を掃除しておく。
Before the party, I'll clean the room (in preparation).
旅行に行く前に、チケットを買っておく。
Before going on a trip, I'll buy tickets (in advance).
§ Usage 2: Leaving something as it is (Preservation)
This usage means to let a state or condition continue, or to leave something untouched. It's like saying 'leave it as is' or 'keep it this way.'
ドアは開けておく。
Leave the door open.
これはこのまま置いておく。
Leave this as it is.
今日の宿題は、まだやっておかない。
I haven't done today's homework yet (and I'll leave it undone for now / won't do it in advance).
§ Common Contractions of 〜ておく
In casual speech, 〜ておく often contracts, especially when 'te' is followed by 'o'.
〜ておく (te oku) becomes 〜とく (toku)
〜でおく (de oku) becomes 〜どく (doku)
- Examples of Contraction
書いておく (kaite oku) → 書いとく (kaito ku)
読んでおく (yonde oku) → 読んどく (yondoku)
You'll hear these contractions all the time in everyday Japanese, so it's good to be aware of them. While grammatically 〜ておく is the base form, the contracted forms are very natural in spoken Japanese.
宿題、やっおいた？ (contracted from やっておいた)
Did you do your homework (in advance)?
ご飯を作っとくね。 (contracted from 作っておくね)
I'll make dinner (in advance), okay?
§ When to use it
The key is to think about whether the action is being done with a future purpose in mind, or if you are deliberately maintaining a certain state.
Planning for the future: If you're going to use something later, store something, or prepare for an event.
Maintaining a state: If you want to keep something open, closed, or in a specific condition.
Practice using 〜ておく in different situations. It's a very flexible and commonly used expression that will make your Japanese sound much more natural.
§ Don't Confuse with 〜てある (Te Aru)
One of the most frequent mistakes English speakers make is mixing up 〜ておく and 〜てある. While both involve a state of something being prepared or left, their nuances are quite different.
- DEFINITION
- 〜ておく emphasizes an action done with a future purpose or the act of leaving something as is.
- DEFINITION
- 〜てある emphasizes the resulting state of an action that was done by someone, often with a purpose, and highlights that state.
Think of it this way: 〜ておく is about *you* doing something *for later* or *leaving something alone*. 〜てある is about *the state of something* that *someone else did* (or you did, but the focus is on the result).
宿題をやっておく。(I'll do my homework in advance.)
Here, the focus is on the action of doing homework *now* so it's ready *for later*.
窓が開けてある。(The window has been opened.)
This sentence focuses on the state of the window (it's open) and implies someone opened it with a purpose (e.g., to air out the room).
§ Forgetting the "Leave as is" Meaning
Many learners only focus on the "doing something in advance" meaning and overlook the equally important "leaving something as is" meaning. This can lead to confusion when you encounter sentences where no preparation is implied.
このままで置いておく。(Leave it as it is.)
In this example, there's no preparation. It's about maintaining the current state. This usage is very common in daily conversations.
電気をつけておく。(Leave the light on.)
Again, this is about choosing to leave something in a particular state rather than preparing for future use.
§ Incorrect Verb Form Attachment
〜ておく attaches to the て-form of a verb. Sometimes learners try to attach it to other forms, which is incorrect. Always ensure your verb is in the て-form before adding おく.
- Correct: 食べておく (tabete oku - to eat in advance/leave eaten)
- Incorrect: 食べるおく (taberu oku)
- Incorrect: 食べますおく (tabemasu oku)
§ Overusing 〜ておく Where Simple 〜ます is Enough
While 〜ておく is very useful, it shouldn't be used for every action. If there's no nuance of doing something in advance or leaving something as is, a simple verb in its plain or polite form is sufficient.
- EXAMPLE
- 明日、本を読みます。(I will read a book tomorrow.) - Simple statement of future action.
- EXAMPLE
- 明日までに本を読んでおく。(I'll read the book by tomorrow [in preparation].)
The second example adds the nuance of completing the reading *in advance* of something happening tomorrow (e.g., a test, a discussion). If that nuance isn't there, just use plain ます.
§ Not Recognizing the Abbreviated Form 〜とく (Toku)
In casual speech, 〜ておく often shortens to 〜とく (or 〜どく for verbs ending in 〜んで or 〜べ). Not knowing this can make spoken Japanese confusing.
- やっておく → やっとく (yattoku - to do in advance)
- 読んでおく → 読んどく (yondoku - to read in advance/leave read)
- 書いておく → 書いとく (kaito ku - to write in advance/leave written)
By being mindful of these common pitfalls, you'll be able to use 〜ておく more accurately and confidently in your Japanese conversations. Pay attention to the context and the specific nuance you want to convey. Good luck!
§ Understanding the Nuances of 〜ておく
The Japanese grammar point 〜ておく (te oku) means "to do something in advance" or "to leave something as is." It expresses an action completed for a future purpose or an action that results in a state being maintained. While its core meaning is straightforward, distinguishing it from similar grammar structures can be tricky for learners. Let's break down when to use 〜ておく and compare it to other common phrases.
§ 〜ておく vs. Plain Past Tense (〜た)
The most basic comparison is with the plain past tense, 〜た (ta). While both indicate a completed action, 〜ておく adds the nuance of preparation or leaving something in a state.
- Difference
- 〜た simply states that an action happened. 〜ておく implies the action was done for a reason, often for convenience later, or to maintain a state.
ご飯を食べた。
I ate rice. (Simple fact)
ご飯を食べておいた。
I ate rice (in advance / for a purpose). (e.g., so I wouldn't be hungry later)
§ 〜ておく vs. 〜てある
This is a common point of confusion for many learners. Both express a state resulting from an action, but the focus is different.
- 〜ておく (te oku): Focuses on the action of preparing or leaving something as is, often with the agent's intention. The action itself is emphasized, and the resulting state is a consequence.
- 〜てある (te aru): Focuses on the resulting state of something, implying that someone (not necessarily the speaker) intentionally put it in that state. The agent is usually unknown or unimportant.
- Focus
- 〜ておく: Action of preparation. 〜てある: Resulting state from an intentional action.
窓を開けておいた。
I opened the window (in advance/for a purpose). (e.g., to air out the room)
窓が開けてある。
The window is open. (Someone opened it and left it that way)
§ 〜ておく vs. 〜てしまう
While seemingly unrelated, both 〜ておく and 〜てしまう involve completed actions. However, their connotations are very different.
- 〜ておく (te oku): Implies a planned action for a future purpose or leaving something as is. The outcome is generally positive or neutral.
- 〜てしまう (te shimau): Implies an action has been completed, often with a sense of regret, finality, or completion. It can also imply something undesirable happened or was done completely.
- Connotation
- 〜ておく: Preparation, leaving as is (neutral/positive). 〜てしまう: Completion, regret, undesirable outcome (negative/final).
宿題をやっておく。
I will do my homework (in advance). (Preparation)
宿題をやってしまった。
I finished my homework. (Could be relief or regret, like "I ended up doing it all")
§ Key Takeaways for 〜ておく
When deciding to use 〜ておく, consider these points:
- Preparation: Are you doing something in advance for a future event or convenience?
- Maintaining a State: Are you leaving something as it is, or putting it into a state to be maintained?
- Agent's Intention: Is the action being done intentionally by the speaker or subject for a specific reason?
Mastering 〜ておく will significantly improve your ability to express intention and nuance in Japanese. Pay attention to the context and the subtle differences when choosing between similar grammar points.
How Formal Is It?
"会議の資料は事前に準備しておく必要があります。"
"週末の旅行のために、ホテルを予約しておく。"
"友達が来るから、部屋片付けとくね。"
"おやつ、先に食べとく？"
"ゲーム、充電しとくわ。"
Fun Fact
The 'te' form of a verb combined with 'oku' creates a compound verb, similar to how English uses 'to do something beforehand'.
Pronunciation Guide
Difficulty Rating
Learning hiragana is essential, as this is a common grammatical structure.
Focus on correctly conjugating verbs into the て-form and appending おく.
Pronunciation of the て-form can be tricky for some verbs, and natural intonation with おく comes with practice.
Recognizing the て-form + おく in natural speech requires familiarity with various verb conjugations and casual speech patterns.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Examples by Level
これはあとで食べますから、ここに置いておいてください。
I'll eat this later, so please leave it here.
テストの前に、よく勉強しておきました。
Before the test, I studied well in advance.
明日パーティーがありますから、飲み物を買っておきます。
There's a party tomorrow, so I'll buy drinks beforehand.
雨が降るかもしれないので、傘を持っておこう。
It might rain, so I'll bring an umbrella (in preparation).
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約しておいた方がいいですよ。
Before your trip, it's better to book a hotel in advance.
宿題はもうやっておきました。
I've already done my homework (in advance).
このドアは開けておいてください。
Please leave this door open.
料理を作る前に、野菜を切っておきましょう。
Before cooking, let's cut the vegetables (in advance).
パーティーの前に、部屋を掃除しておく。
Before the party, I'll clean the room in advance.
テストのために、単語を覚えておく。
For the test, I'll memorize the vocabulary beforehand.
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約しておく。
Before the trip, I'll book the hotel in advance.
冷蔵庫に牛乳がないから、買っておいといて。
There's no milk in the fridge, so please buy some and leave it there.
資料は机の上に置いておいてください。
Please leave the materials on the desk.
ドアを開けておいて。
Leave the door open.
この本はここに置いておくね。
I'll leave this book here, okay?
明日の準備をしておく。
I'll prepare for tomorrow in advance.
パーティーの前に、部屋を掃除しておきます。
Before the party, I'll clean the room in advance.
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約しておいた方がいいですよ。
Before the trip, it's better to reserve a hotel in advance.
この本、読んでおいてください。
Please read this book in advance.
窓を開けておくと、部屋の空気が入れ替わります。
If you leave the window open, the room's air will change.
宿題、もうやっておいたよ。
I already did the homework in advance.
明日使うから、この資料をコピーしておいてください。
Because we'll use it tomorrow, please copy these materials in advance.
ご飯を炊いておいたから、すぐに食べられますよ。
I cooked the rice in advance, so you can eat it right away.
この荷物、ここに置いておいて。
Leave this luggage here.
パーティーの前に、部屋を掃除しておく。
Before the party, I'll clean the room in advance.
テストのために、教科書を読んでおいた。
For the test, I read the textbook beforehand.
旅行の準備として、チケットを買っておく。
As preparation for the trip, I'll buy the tickets in advance.
会議の資料を印刷しておく必要があります。
I need to print out the meeting materials beforehand.
もし雨が降ったら困るから、傘を持っておこう。
It would be trouble if it rains, so I'll take an umbrella with me (in advance).
今日の夕食は、昨日作っておいたカレーだよ。
Tonight's dinner is the curry I made yesterday (in advance).
この書類は、ここに置いておいてください。
Please leave this document here.
宿題はもう済ませておいたから、遊びに行けるよ。
I've already finished my homework (in advance), so I can go play.
旅行の前に、ホテルの予約をしておきました。
I made a hotel reservation before the trip.
会議の資料は、全員にメールで送っておいた方がいいでしょう。
It would be better to send the meeting materials to everyone by email in advance.
もし雨が降りそうなら、洗濯物を取り込んでおいてください。
If it looks like it's going to rain, please bring in the laundry.
夕食の準備はもう済ませておいたから、あとは食べるだけだよ。
Dinner preparations are already done, so all that's left is to eat.
この本、読み終わったらそのまま机の上に置いておいてください。
When you're finished reading this book, please just leave it on the desk.
将来のために、少しずつ貯金をしておくべきです。
You should save money little by little for the future.
彼には、今日の午後までにこの報告書を提出しておくように伝えてください。
Please tell him to submit this report by this afternoon.
何か困ったことがあったら、いつでも私に連絡しておいてね。
If you have any problems, feel free to contact me anytime.
旅行の前に、ホテルの予約をしておきました。
I reserved the hotel in advance before my trip.
パーティーのために、料理をたくさん作っておこう。
Let's make a lot of food in advance for the party.
テスト前に、教科書を読み込んでおくといいですよ。
It's good to read through the textbook in advance before the test.
この書類、ここに置いておいてください。
Please leave this document here as it is.
窓を開けておくと、部屋の空気が入れ替わります。
If you leave the window open, the room's air will change.
時間がなかったので、宿題をやっておけませんでした。
I didn't have time, so I couldn't do my homework in advance.
明日のプレゼンテーションのために、資料を準備しておきましょう。
Let's prepare the materials in advance for tomorrow's presentation.
この秘密は、誰にも言わないでおいてください。
Please don't tell anyone this secret, just leave it unspoken.
Often Confused With
This grammar pattern is often confused with simply stating an action in the past tense. The 'おく' implies a purpose for the action or leaving something in a certain state.
While 〜ておく implies preparation or leaving something as is, 〜てしまう implies an action completed, often with a sense of regret, finality, or completion.
〜てある indicates a state resulting from a deliberate action, often by someone else, and the focus is on the resulting state. 〜ておく is about the action being done in advance or left as is.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"準備をしておく"
To prepare in advance.
明日旅行に行くので、荷物の準備をしておきます。 (I'll prepare my luggage in advance because I'm going on a trip tomorrow.)
neutral"予約をしておく"
To make a reservation in advance.
レストランが混むかもしれないから、予約をしておこう。 (The restaurant might be crowded, so let's make a reservation in advance.)
neutral"調べておく"
To look up/research in advance.
会議の前に、資料を調べておいてください。 (Please look up the materials in advance before the meeting.)
neutral"買っておく"
To buy in advance.
牛乳がなくなりそうだから、買っておこう。 (We're almost out of milk, so let's buy some in advance.)
neutral"書いておく"
To write down in advance; to leave something written.
忘れないように、メモに書いておきます。 (I'll write it down on a memo so I don't forget.)
neutral"置いておく"
To leave something as it is; to place something and leave it.
この本はここに置いておいてください。 (Please leave this book here.)
neutral"見ておく"
To have a look at something in advance; to keep an eye on something.
宿題を終わらせてから、テレビを見ておこう。 (After finishing my homework, I'll watch some TV for a bit.)
neutral"伝えておく"
To inform in advance.
彼にはもう伝えておきました。 (I already informed him.)
neutral"とっておく"
To keep/save something for later.
このお菓子は後で食べるから、とっておいてね。 (I'll eat these sweets later, so save them for me.)
informal"放っておく"
To leave someone/something alone; to neglect.
彼はいつも仕事ばかりで、家族を放っておいている。 (He's always just working and neglecting his family.)
neutralEasily Confused
Many learners confuse とる with its various meanings and when to use specific kanji or hiragana. It can mean 'to take,' 'to pick up,' 'to steal,' 'to record,' 'to harvest,' or 'to get.'
Context is key. For 'to take/pick up,' typically 取る. For 'to steal,' 盗る. For 'to record,' 撮る. For 'to harvest,' 採る. For 'to get/obtain,' 獲る or 捕る depending on what you are getting.
本を **取る**。 (Hon o **toru**.) - To take a book. 写真を **撮る**。 (Shashin o **toru**.) - To take a picture. 魚を **捕る**。 (Sakana o **toru**.) - To catch fish.
あげる means 'to give,' but it can be confusing because there are other verbs that also mean 'to give,' and あげる specifically implies giving *away* from the speaker or *up* to someone of higher status.
あげる is used when the giver is you or someone in your group, and the receiver is outside your group, or when giving to someone of higher status. くれる is used when someone else gives to you. くださる is the honorific form of くれる. もらう means 'to receive.'
友達に プレゼントを **あげる**。 (Tomodachi ni purezento o **ageru**.) - I give a present to my friend. 先生に 本を **あげる**。 (Sensei ni hon o **ageru**.) - I give a book to my teacher.
Similar to あげる, くれる means 'to give,' but it specifically implies someone giving *to the speaker* or *to someone in the speaker's group*.
くれる is used when someone else gives to you or your ingroup. あげる is used when you give to others or someone of higher status. くださる is the honorific form of くれる. もらう means 'to receive.'
友達が プレゼントを **くれる**。 (Tomodachi ga purezento o **kureru**.) - My friend gives me a present. 先生が 本を **くれる**。 (Sensei ga hon o **kureru**.) - My teacher gives me a book.
Both はじめる (始める) and はじまる (始まる) mean 'to start' or 'to begin,' but they are transitive and intransitive respectively, which often confuses learners.
はじめる (始める) is transitive, meaning *someone* starts *something*. はじまる (始まる) is intransitive, meaning *something* starts *on its own* or *it begins*.
私は 宿題を **始める**。 (Watashi wa shukudai o **hajimeru**.) - I start my homework. 授業が **始まる**。 (Jugyō ga **hajimaru**.) - The class begins.
Similar to はじめる/はじまる, both おわる (終わる) and おえる (終える) mean 'to end' or 'to finish,' and are transitive and intransitive respectively.
おわる (終わる) is intransitive, meaning *something* ends *on its own*. おえる (終える) is transitive, meaning *someone* finishes *something*.
会議が **終わる**。 (Kaigi ga **owaru**.) - The meeting ends. 仕事を **終える**。 (Shigoto o **oeru**.) - I finish my work.
Sentence Patterns
Verbておく
本を読んでおく (Hon o yonde oku - I'll read the book in advance.)
Verbておきます
掃除をしておきます (Souji o shite okimasu - I'll clean up beforehand.)
Verbておいてください
ドアを開けておいてください (Doa o akete oite kudasai - Please leave the door open.)
Verbておいたほうがいい
準備をしておいたほうがいい (Junbi o shite oita hou ga ii - It's better to prepare in advance.)
Verbておかないと
予約しておかないと席がないよ (Yoyaku shite okanai to seki ga nai yo - If you don't reserve, there won't be seats.)
Verbておこう
明日のために調べておこう (Ashita no tame ni shirabete okou - Let's research for tomorrow.)
Verbておいてあげる
買い物をしておいてあげる (Kaimono o shite oite ageru - I'll do the shopping for you in advance.)
Verbておいてもいいですか
このままでおいてもいいですか (Kono mama de oite mo ii desu ka - Is it okay to leave it as it is?)
Word Family
Nouns
Verbs
How to Use It
The Japanese expression '～ておく' (te oku) literally means 'to do something and put it down,' but it's used to express two main ideas. The first is doing something in advance, like preparing for a future event. For example, if you're going on a trip, you might say 'ホテルを予約しておく' (hoteru o yoyaku shite oku), meaning 'I'll book the hotel in advance.' The second common use is to leave something as it is. Imagine your friend asks you to clean up, and you've already tidied your room. You could say '部屋はもう片付けてあるから、このままでいいよ' (heya wa mou katazukete aru kara, kono mama de ii yo), meaning 'My room is already cleaned, so you can leave it as it is.' This nuance implies a state resulting from a past action.
A common mistake learners make is overusing '～ておく' when '～ます' (masu) or '～てある' (te aru) would be more natural. For instance, if you're just stating that you've done something, '～ました' is usually sufficient. '～ておく' adds the nuance of doing it in preparation or leaving it in a state. Another mistake is confusing it with '～てしまう' (te shimau), which implies an action is completed, often with a sense of regret or finality. '～ておく' is about a proactive or maintaining action, not necessarily a completed one with those emotional undertones.
Tips
Basic Meaning
The core meaning of 〜ておく (te oku) is to do something in advance or to prepare something for later. Think of it like 'to do and leave it for future use'.
Conjugation
It attaches to the te-form of a verb. For example, 読む (yomu - to read) becomes 読んでおく (yonde oku - to read in advance).
Common Use Case: Preparation
Use it when you want to express that you are doing something to be ready for an event or situation. For example, 晩ご飯を作っておく (bangohan o tsukutte oku - to make dinner in advance).
Common Use Case: Leaving as Is
It can also mean to leave something as it is for a certain reason, or to leave something undone for now. For example, ドアを開けておく (doa o akete oku - to leave the door open).
Past Tense Form
When used in the past tense, it becomes 〜ておいた (te oita), meaning something was done in advance or was left as is. For example, 宿題をしておいた (shukudai o shite oita - I did my homework in advance).
Casual Contraction
In casual speech, 〜ておく often contracts to 〜とく (toku). For example, 読んでおく (yonde oku) becomes 読んどく (yondoku). This is very common in spoken Japanese.
Example: Preparation
パーティーのためにケーキを買っておく。(Pātī no tame ni kēki o katte oku.)
Hint: Buy a cake for the party in advance.
Example: Leaving As Is
この本はここに置いておいてください。(Kono hon wa koko ni oite oite kudasai.)
Hint: Please leave this book here.
Don't Confuse with 〜ている
While both use the te-form, 〜ておく is about actions for the future or maintaining a state, whereas 〜ている (te iru) describes an ongoing action or a current state resulting from an action.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'TE-O-K'. 'TE' for 'te-form' and 'O-K' for 'Okay, I'll prepare it' or 'Okay, I'll leave it.'
Visual Association
Imagine a chef preparing ingredients *in advance* for a big meal. Or imagine a messy room where you *leave things as they are* because you're too busy to clean.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to say what you've done to prepare for something today, or something you plan to leave as it is. For example, 'I studied Japanese grammar in advance: 日本語の文法を勉強しておきました。'
Word Origin
Japanese verb 'おく' (oku)
Original meaning: To put; to place; to leave
JaponicCultural Context
When someone uses 〜ておく, it often implies foresight or preparation, which is a valued trait in Japanese culture. It can also be used to express leaving something in a certain state, showing a practical approach to situations.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Preparing for a trip
- ホテルを予約しておく。
- Hotel o yoyaku shite oku.
- Book the hotel in advance.
- 荷物をまとめておく。
- Nimotsu o matomete oku.
- Pack the luggage in advance.
- チケットを買っておく。
- Tiketto o katte oku.
- Buy the tickets in advance.
Getting ready for a meeting/event
- 資料を準備しておく。
- Shiryou o junbi shite oku.
- Prepare the materials in advance.
- メールを送っておく。
- Meeru o okutte oku.
- Send the email in advance.
- アジェンダを確認しておく。
- Ajenda o kakunin shite oku.
- Check the agenda in advance.
Cooking/meal preparation
- 野菜を切っておく。
- Yasai o kitte oku.
- Cut the vegetables in advance.
- ご飯を炊いておく。
- Gohan o taite oku.
- Cook the rice in advance.
- 冷蔵庫に入れておく。
- Reizouko ni irete oku.
- Put it in the refrigerator (and leave it there).
Leaving things as they are
- このままで置いておく。
- Kono mama de oite oku.
- Leave it as it is.
- ドアを開けておく。
- Doa o akete oku.
- Leave the door open.
- 電気をつけたままにしておく。
- Denki o tsuketa mama ni shite oku.
- Leave the light on (as it is).
Before going out/leaving home
- 鍵を閉めておく。
- Kagi o shimete oku.
- Lock the door in advance (before leaving).
- ゴミを出しておく。
- Gomi o dashite oku.
- Take out the trash in advance.
- 窓を閉めておく。
- Mado o shimete oku.
- Close the window in advance.
Conversation Starters
"今週末の予定、もう何か決めておいた？"
"パーティーの準備、もう何か手伝っておいた？"
"旅行の予約はもうしておいた？"
"明日の会議の資料はもう準備しておいた？"
"晩ご飯の準備、何か手伝っておこうか？"
Journal Prompts
今日、何か「〜ておく」べきだったことはありますか？
もしタイムマシンがあったら、過去に戻って何を「〜ておく」ことで未来を変えますか？
あなたがよく使う「〜ておく」フレーズを5つ書いてみましょう。
「〜ておく」を使わないと困る状況について想像して書いてみましょう。
「〜ておく」と「〜てしまう」のニュアンスの違いについて、自分なりの例を挙げて説明してみましょう。
Test Yourself 132 questions
パーティーの前に、部屋をきれいにして___。
Here, 'ておく' means to clean the room in advance for the party.
旅行の前に、ホテルの予約をして___。
This sentence means to reserve a hotel in advance before a trip.
雨が降るから、傘を持って___。
'持っていく' (to take with you) implies preparation, but in this context, '持っておく' (to have it ready/to keep it with you) is more appropriate for 'keeping an umbrella because it might rain'.
テストの前に、よく勉強して___。
To study well in advance for a test.
友達が来るから、お菓子を買って___。
To buy snacks in advance because friends are coming.
料理を作る前に、材料を切って___。
To cut the ingredients in advance before cooking.
Choose the best meaning for 「これは食べておいてください」.
「〜ておく」 here suggests doing something in preparation or in advance. So, eating it beforehand makes the most sense.
Which sentence uses 「〜ておく」 to mean 'to leave something as is'?
「ドアを開けておいてください」 means 'Please leave the door open.' The other options imply doing something in advance.
You want to prepare dinner for later. What would you say?
「〜ておく」 is used for doing something in advance. So, 'to make dinner in advance' fits the situation.
「本を読んでおきましょう」 means 'Let's read the book and leave it.'
It means 'Let's read the book in advance/for preparation.'
You can use 「〜ておく」 when you want to finish something before a certain time.
This is one of the main uses of 「〜ておく」, indicating completion in advance.
If someone tells you 「窓を閉めておいてください」, they want you to close the window and then open it again.
It means 'Please close the window and leave it closed.'
You are going to a picnic tomorrow. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you will prepare a lunch box in advance. (Hint: お弁当, 作る)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日、ピクニックに行くので、お弁当を作っておきます。
You have a test tomorrow. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you will study in advance. (Hint: 勉強, する)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日テストがあるので、勉強しておきます。
You are going on a trip. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you will buy a ticket in advance. (Hint: チケット, 買う)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
旅行に行くので、チケットを買っておきます。
What did the person do before the party?
Read this passage:
パーティーの前に、部屋を掃除しておきました。これで、みんなで楽しめます。
What did the person do before the party?
「部屋を掃除しておきました」means 'I cleaned the room in advance'.
「部屋を掃除しておきました」means 'I cleaned the room in advance'.
What is the person preparing for tomorrow?
Read this passage:
明日のプレゼンテーションのために、資料を準備しておきます。準備が大切です。
What is the person preparing for tomorrow?
「明日のプレゼンテーションのために、資料を準備しておきます」means 'I will prepare the materials for tomorrow's presentation in advance'.
「明日のプレゼンテーションのために、資料を準備しておきます」means 'I will prepare the materials for tomorrow's presentation in advance'.
Why did the person bring an umbrella?
Read this passage:
雨が降るかもしれないから、傘を持っておきました。これで大丈夫。
Why did the person bring an umbrella?
「雨が降るかもしれないから」means 'because it might rain'. 「傘を持っておきました」means 'I brought an umbrella in advance'.
「雨が降るかもしれないから」means 'because it might rain'. 「傘を持っておきました」means 'I brought an umbrella in advance'.
This means 'I will make dinner in advance.'
This means 'Let's leave the window open.'
This means 'Please do your homework in advance.'
パーティーの前に、部屋をきれいにして___。
The speaker wants to clean the room in advance for the party.
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約して___。
The speaker wants to book a hotel in advance for the trip.
明日テストだから、今日のうちに勉強して___。
The speaker wants to study in advance because there's a test tomorrow.
この書類はここに置いて___ください。
The speaker wants the listener to leave the document as it is, or put it there for later use.
ご飯を食べる前に、手を洗って___ね。
The speaker suggests washing hands in advance of eating.
友達が来るから、お菓子を買って___。
The speaker wants to buy snacks in advance because a friend is coming.
Choose the best translation for 「宿題をやっておく」.
「〜ておく」 indicates doing something in preparation or in advance.
Which sentence correctly uses 「〜ておく」 to mean 'leave something as is'?
「〜ておく」 can mean to leave something in a certain state.
If you want to prepare dinner for later, which phrase would you use?
「〜ておく」 is used for actions done in preparation.
「パーティーの準備をしておく」 means 'to prepare for the party in advance'.
「〜ておく」 often indicates doing something in preparation for a future event.
「テレビをつけておく」 means 'to turn off the TV'.
「つけておく」 means to leave the TV on, not to turn it off. 「つける」 means 'to turn on'.
You can use 「〜ておく」 when you want to keep something in a certain state, like leaving a window open.
「〜ておく」 can mean to leave something as is or in a certain condition.
You are going on a trip tomorrow. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you will prepare your bags in advance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日旅行に行くので、かばんを準備しておきます。
You have a meeting soon. Write a short sentence in Japanese saying you will check the documents beforehand.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
会議があるので、書類を確認しておきます。
Imagine you are leaving a note for a friend. Write a short sentence in Japanese telling them to leave the window open.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
窓を開けておいてください。
What is person B going to do in advance for the party?
Read this passage:
A: 明日、パーティーがあるから、何か準備しておく？ B: うん、飲み物を買っておくよ。食べ物は何にする？
What is person B going to do in advance for the party?
Person B says '飲み物を買っておくよ。' which means 'I'll buy drinks in advance.'
Person B says '飲み物を買っておくよ。' which means 'I'll buy drinks in advance.'
What should one do to get good grades on the test next week?
Read this passage:
来週、テストがあるから、教科書を読んでおきましょう。そうすれば、良い点が取れるでしょう。
What should one do to get good grades on the test next week?
The passage states '教科書を読んでおきましょう。' which means 'Let's read the textbook in advance.'
The passage states '教科書を読んでおきましょう。' which means 'Let's read the textbook in advance.'
Where will the person wait if it rains?
Read this passage:
公園で友達と会う約束をした。もし雨が降ったら、カフェで待っておくことにした。
Where will the person wait if it rains?
The passage says 'カフェで待っておくことにした。' which means 'I decided to wait at the cafe (in advance/as is).' The context implies 'as is' or 'to leave things that way'.
The passage says 'カフェで待っておくことにした。' which means 'I decided to wait at the cafe (in advance/as is).' The context implies 'as is' or 'to leave things that way'.
This sentence means 'I will clean the room before the party (in advance).'
This sentence means 'I will book the hotel before the trip (in advance).'
This sentence means 'I will read the textbook before the test (in advance).'
Choose the best meaning for 「旅行の前にホテルを予約しておきます」.
「〜ておく」 here means to do something in advance. So, reserving the hotel before the trip makes the most sense.
Which sentence uses 「〜ておく」 correctly to mean 'to leave something as is'?
「荷物をそこに置いておく」 means 'to leave the luggage there'. The other options imply doing something in advance (turning off the light, opening the door, eating a meal).
What is the most natural way to say 'I will prepare dinner in advance' using 「〜ておく」?
「〜ておく」 is used for preparing something in advance. '夕食を作っておく' correctly conveys this meaning.
「パーティーの前に部屋を掃除しておく」 means 'I will clean the room after the party.'
「〜ておく」 in this context means to do something in advance. So, it means 'I will clean the room before the party.'
You can use 「〜ておく」 when you want to express leaving something in a certain state.
Yes, one of the main uses of 「〜ておく」 is to leave something as is or in a certain state.
「会議の資料を読んでおいた」 means 'I am currently reading the meeting materials.'
「読んでおいた」 (past tense) means 'I read the meeting materials in advance.' It doesn't mean you are currently reading them.
You are going on a trip tomorrow. Write a short note to your friend about what you have done in advance to prepare.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日旅行に行くので、切符を買っておきました。荷物もまとめておいたし、ホテルも予約しておきました。準備万端です！
Imagine you are leaving a message for your roommate about something you want them to leave as it is. What would you write?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
冷蔵庫のケーキは、僕が食べるからそのままにしておいてね。触らないでおいてくれると嬉しいです。
You are preparing for a party. Write three things you need to do in advance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
パーティーの準備で、料理を作っておきます。飲み物も買っておくし、部屋も掃除しておきます。
What did B do in advance for the meeting?
Read this passage:
A: 明日の会議、資料はもう準備しましたか？ B: はい、もうコピーしておきました。プロジェクターも使えるようにしておきましたよ。 A: ありがとうございます！助かります。
What did B do in advance for the meeting?
B explicitly states 'もうコピーしておきました' (I already copied the materials) and 'プロジェクターも使えるようにしておきました' (I also made the projector ready to use).
B explicitly states 'もうコピーしておきました' (I already copied the materials) and 'プロジェクターも使えるようにしておきました' (I also made the projector ready to use).
What does the mother ask John to do in advance for dinner?
Read this passage:
母: ジョン、夕食の準備を手伝ってくれる？ ジョン: はい、お母さん。何をしておけばいいですか？ 母: じゃあ、野菜を切っておいてくれる？
What does the mother ask John to do in advance for dinner?
The mother asks, 'じゃあ、野菜を切っておいてくれる？' (Then, would you cut the vegetables in advance?).
The mother asks, 'じゃあ、野菜を切っておいてくれる？' (Then, would you cut the vegetables in advance?).
What did the person do in advance before moving?
Read this passage:
引っ越しの前に、インターネットの契約をしておきました。そうしないと、すぐに使えませんからね。荷造りはまだですが、大切なことは先に済ませておきました。
What did the person do in advance before moving?
The passage says 'インターネットの契約をしておきました' (I signed an internet contract in advance).
The passage says 'インターネットの契約をしておきました' (I signed an internet contract in advance).
This sentence means 'I'll buy drinks before the party (in advance).' The verb '買っておく' (ka-tte oku) combines '買う' (kau - to buy) with '〜ておく' (te oku), indicating an action done in preparation.
This sentence means 'I'll reserve a hotel before the trip (in advance).' '予約しておく' (yoyaku shite oku) uses '予約する' (yoyaku suru - to reserve) with '〜ておく' (te oku).
This sentence means 'I read the textbook for the test (in advance).' '読んでおいた' (yonde oita) is the past tense of '読んでおく' (yonde oku), combining '読む' (yomu - to read) with '〜ておく' (te oku).
Did you make the reservation for the weekend trip?
Let's buy drinks for the party in advance.
I already prepared the materials for tomorrow's meeting.
Read this aloud:
旅行の前に、ホテルの予約をしておいてください。
Focus: よやくをしておいてください
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
もし何かあったら、この書類はそのままにしておいてね。
Focus: そのままにしておいてね
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
朝食の準備はもうしておいたから、いつでも食べられるよ。
Focus: じゅんびはもうしておいたから
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You are going on a trip tomorrow. Write a short note to your roommate about what you have done in advance to prepare for your absence. Use '〜ておく'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日から旅行に行くので、部屋の掃除をしておいたよ。冷蔵庫の食べ物も全部片付けておいたから、安心してね。何かあったら連絡してね。
Imagine you are explaining to a friend why you left a certain task unfinished for now. Use '〜ておく'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
この資料、まだ途中だけど、一旦置いておくね。後で時間がある時にまとめてやろうと思っているんだ。
You are preparing a presentation. Write three things you will do in advance using '〜ておく'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
プレゼンの資料は事前に作っておく。発表の練習も何回かやっておくつもりだ。質問に備えて、関連情報も調べておく。
Bさんはレポートについて何をしましたか？
Read this passage:
A: ねぇ、明日までにこのレポート、終わらせられるかな？ B: 大丈夫、もう半分くらい書いておいたから。残りは今日の夜にでも終わらせるよ。 A: それは助かる！ありがとう。
Bさんはレポートについて何をしましたか？
Bさんは「もう半分くらい書いておいた」と言っているので、レポートの半分を事前に書き終えたことがわかります。
Bさんは「もう半分くらい書いておいた」と言っているので、レポートの半分を事前に書き終えたことがわかります。
部長は田中さんの書類をどうしましたか？
Read this passage:
田中さん：すみません、この書類、今日中に提出しないといけないんですが、まだサインしていなくて。 部長：ああ、それはまずいな。でも、私が会議室に置いておいたから、後でサインして提出しなさい。 田中さん：ありがとうございます！
部長は田中さんの書類をどうしましたか？
部長が「私が会議室に置いておいた」と言っているので、書類を会議室にそのままにしておいたことがわかります。
部長が「私が会議室に置いておいた」と言っているので、書類を会議室にそのままにしておいたことがわかります。
この文章から、どのような準備を事前にしておくべきだとわかりますか？
Read this passage:
旅行の準備は早めに始めるのがおすすめです。航空券の予約はもちろん、ホテルの手配も事前に済ませておきましょう。荷物のパッキングも前日に慌てないように、リストを作っておくと便利です。
この文章から、どのような準備を事前にしておくべきだとわかりますか？
文章中に「航空券の予約はもちろん、ホテルの手配も事前に済ませておきましょう」と「荷物のパッキングも前日に慌てないように、リストを作っておくと便利です」と書かれているため、これら三つの準備を事前にしておくべきだとわかります。
文章中に「航空券の予約はもちろん、ホテルの手配も事前に済ませておきましょう」と「荷物のパッキングも前日に慌てないように、リストを作っておくと便利です」と書かれているため、これら三つの準備を事前にしておくべきだとわかります。
This sentence uses 〜ておく to suggest chilling drinks in advance for a party.
This sentence uses 〜てある, a common form of 〜ておく, to ask if meeting materials have already been prepared.
Here, 〜ておく is used to ask someone to leave the matter for them to think about.
会議の前に資料をコピーして___。(Before the meeting, copy the materials in advance.)
The '〜ておく' form indicates doing something in advance. Here, copying materials before a meeting is a preparatory action.
旅行の前にホテルの予約をして___。(Before the trip, make a hotel reservation in advance.)
This sentence uses the polite form of '〜ておく' to show a preparatory action, making a reservation before a trip.
週末までにレポートを書き___。(Write the report by the weekend in preparation.)
The volitional form of '〜ておく' ('〜ておこう') expresses the intention to do something in advance. Here, it means to plan to write the report by the weekend.
冷蔵庫にビールを冷やして___。(Chill the beer in the refrigerator in advance.)
The '〜ておく' form combined with 'ください' creates a polite request to do something in advance.
使った道具は元の場所に戻して___。(Put the tools you used back in their original place.)
This is an invitation or suggestion to do something in advance for good practice or order, using the volitional form '〜ておきましょう'.
テストの前に、単語を覚えて___。(Before the test, memorize the vocabulary in advance.)
The phrase '〜ておいたほうがいい' means 'it's better to do something in advance', offering advice.
Choose the most appropriate sentence using 〜ておく.
Option A correctly uses 〜ておく to indicate an action done in advance in preparation for a future event (friend coming over).
Which sentence implies leaving something in a certain state for a period?
Option A, ドアを開けておいた (Doa o akete oita), means 'I left the door open,' indicating the door remains open.
Select the sentence that uses 〜ておく to express preparation.
Option A, 明日の会議のために、資料を準備しておいた (Ashita no kaigi no tame ni, shiryō o junbi shite oita), means 'I prepared the materials in advance for tomorrow's meeting,' clearly showing preparation.
「パーティーの前にケーキを焼いておいた」は、「パーティーが始まる前にケーキを焼いた」という意味である。
「〜ておく」は、ある行動を事前に準備として行うことを示すため、この文はパーティー前にケーキを焼いたという準備を表します。
「宿題をやっておく」は、宿題を終わらせて、そのままにしておくという意味である。
「〜ておく」は、ある行為を完了させて、その結果を維持するという意味合いも持ちます。したがって、宿題を終え、その状態を保つことを意味します。
「窓を開けておいてください」は、「窓を開けてからすぐに閉めてください」という意味である。
「〜ておく」は、ある状態を維持することを意味します。したがって、「窓を開けておいてください」は「窓を開けたままにしてください」という意味になります。
A asks if B prepared the meeting materials in advance. B confirms they are all ready.
A suggests booking the hotel for the weekend trip in advance. B agrees.
A says they put the food in the fridge for later. B thanks them.
Read this aloud:
明日のプレゼンのために、資料を準備しておきましょう。
Focus: しりょうをじゅんび
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Read this aloud:
もし雨が降るかもしれないから、傘を持って出かけておこう。
Focus: かさをもっていく
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Read this aloud:
この件については、もう少し考えておきます。
Focus: かんがえておきます
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You are going on a trip tomorrow. Write three things you need to do in advance using '〜ておく'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
明日の旅行のために、ホテルを予約しておきます。荷物を準備しておきます。そして、出発前に地図を確認しておきます。
Imagine you're leaving for the day and want to leave some instructions for your roommate. Write two sentences using '〜ておく' for things to do or leave as is.
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Sample answer
出かける前に、窓を閉めておいてください。もし何かあったら、私の携帯に連絡しておいてね。
You're at a party and need to help with preparations. Write two sentences using '〜ておく' for tasks to complete before guests arrive.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
お客さんが来る前に、飲み物を冷やしておきましょう。音楽も準備しておいてください。
佐藤さんが会議の資料を事前に作成した目的は何ですか？ (What was the purpose of Mr. Sato preparing the meeting materials in advance?)
Read this passage:
佐藤さんは会議の資料を事前に作成しておいた。そのため、会議はスムーズに進行した。彼はいつも準備をしっかりしておく人だ。
佐藤さんが会議の資料を事前に作成した目的は何ですか？ (What was the purpose of Mr. Sato preparing the meeting materials in advance?)
パッセージに「そのため、会議はスムーズに進行した」とあるので、会議をスムーズに進めることが目的だとわかります。(The passage states, 'Therefore, the meeting proceeded smoothly,' so we know the purpose was to make the meeting proceed smoothly.)
パッセージに「そのため、会議はスムーズに進行した」とあるので、会議をスムーズに進めることが目的だとわかります。(The passage states, 'Therefore, the meeting proceeded smoothly,' so we know the purpose was to make the meeting proceed smoothly.)
田中さんが旅行の計画を早めに立てておく理由は何ですか？ (What is Mr. Tanaka's reason for planning his trips in advance?)
Read this passage:
田中さんは旅行の計画を立てるのが好きだ。いつも飛行機のチケットやホテルを早めに予約しておく。そうすることで、出発前に慌てることなく、安心して旅行を楽しめるのだ。
田中さんが旅行の計画を早めに立てておく理由は何ですか？ (What is Mr. Tanaka's reason for planning his trips in advance?)
パッセージに「出発前に慌てることなく、安心して旅行を楽しめるのだ」とあるので、安心して旅行を楽しむことが理由だとわかります。(The passage states, 'without rushing before departure, he can enjoy the trip with peace of mind,' so we know the reason is to enjoy the trip with peace of mind.)
パッセージに「出発前に慌てることなく、安心して旅行を楽しめるのだ」とあるので、安心して旅行を楽しむことが理由だとわかります。(The passage states, 'without rushing before departure, he can enjoy the trip with peace of mind,' so we know the reason is to enjoy the trip with peace of mind.)
「置いておく」が指している行動は、この文脈で何を意味しますか？ (What does the action referred to by '置いておく' mean in this context?)
Read this passage:
雨が降るかもしれないから、傘を持って行くか、どこかに置いておくか決めよう。もし置いておくなら、玄関に置いておくと便利だ。
「置いておく」が指している行動は、この文脈で何を意味しますか？ (What does the action referred to by '置いておく' mean in this context?)
「置いておく」は、この文脈では「傘をどこかに置きっぱなしにする」という意味で使われています。(In this context, '置いておく' is used to mean 'to leave the umbrella somewhere'.)
「置いておく」は、この文脈では「傘をどこかに置きっぱなしにする」という意味で使われています。(In this context, '置いておく' is used to mean 'to leave the umbrella somewhere'.)
This sentence means 'I cleaned the room in advance before the party.' The structure '〜ておく' here indicates doing something in preparation for a future event.
This sentence translates to 'Please leave this document here.' '〜ておく' in this context means to leave something as it is.
This sentence means 'It might rain tomorrow, so I'll take an umbrella with me in advance.' '〜ておく' is used to express preparation for a potential future situation.
The speaker is giving instructions about important documents. Listen for where they should be put and the nuance of preparation.
Someone is asking about materials for a meeting. Pay attention to the verb and its associated action of readiness.
The speaker mentions a cake for a party. Listen for the action taken in advance regarding the cake.
Read this aloud:
出かける前に、窓を閉めておいてください。
Focus: しめておいて
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Read this aloud:
もし雨が降ったら、傘を持っておくといいですよ。
Focus: もっておくと
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Read this aloud:
旅行の予約は、早めにしておいた方が安心です。
Focus: しておいた方が
You said:
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You are planning a surprise birthday party for your friend. Write a short message to another friend, explaining what you've already done to prepare and what still needs to be done. Use '〜ておく' at least twice.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
ねえ、来週末の誕生日パーティーだけど、もうプレゼントは買っておいたよ。それから、ケーキも予約しておいたから大丈夫。あとは、みんなに連絡をして、飾り付けを手伝ってもらう必要があるかな。
Describe a situation where you had to leave something as it was, even though it wasn't ideal, because you didn't have time to fix it. Use '〜ておく' at least once.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
レポートの提出期限が迫っていたから、いくつか気になる点があったけど、そのままにしておいたんだ。後で時間があるときに修正しようと思っている。
Imagine you are giving instructions to a new employee about how to prepare for a recurring weekly meeting. Write three sentences using '〜ておく' to explain what they should do in advance.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
毎週の会議に向けて、事前に資料を読んでおいてください。それから、議題を確認しておくとスムーズに進みます。何か質問があれば、前もって聞いておいてくださいね。
この段落の主題は何ですか？
Read this passage:
引っ越しは大変な作業ですが、事前に計画を立てておけば、かなり楽になります。例えば、不要なものは早めに処分しておくと、荷造りがスムーズに進みます。また、新しい家の間取りを確認しておけば、家具の配置も考えやすいでしょう。
この段落の主題は何ですか？
パッセージは「事前に計画を立てておけば、かなり楽になります」と述べており、その後、具体的な事前準備の例を挙げています。
パッセージは「事前に計画を立てておけば、かなり楽になります」と述べており、その後、具体的な事前準備の例を挙げています。
このパッセージで述べられている「安心」するための準備として、適切でないものはどれですか？
Read this passage:
旅行に行く前には、いくつかの準備をしておくと安心です。ホテルの予約はもちろん、現地の気候に合わせた服を用意しておくことも大切です。万が一に備えて、海外旅行保険にも入っておくと良いでしょう。
このパッセージで述べられている「安心」するための準備として、適切でないものはどれですか？
パッセージでは「現地の気候に合わせた服を用意しておくこと」が安心のための準備として挙げられていますが、「現地で新しい服を買う」ことは言及されていません。
パッセージでは「現地の気候に合わせた服を用意しておくこと」が安心のための準備として挙げられていますが、「現地で新しい服を買う」ことは言及されていません。
プロジェクトの成功のために、最初にすべきことは何ですか？
Read this passage:
新しいプロジェクトを始める前に、チームで目標を明確にしておくことが成功の鍵です。各メンバーの役割分担も決めておくと、作業が効率的に進みます。問題が発生した場合に備えて、緊急時の連絡先も共有しておくと良いでしょう。
プロジェクトの成功のために、最初にすべきことは何ですか？
パッセージは「チームで目標を明確にしておくことが成功の鍵です」と明示しており、これが最初にすべきことであると示唆しています。
パッセージは「チームで目標を明確にしておくことが成功の鍵です」と明示しており、これが最初にすべきことであると示唆しています。
This sentence means 'I'll buy drinks in advance before the party.' The structure '〜ておく' is used to express doing something in preparation.
This sentence means 'I made a hotel reservation in advance before the trip.' Again, '〜ておく' indicates a preparatory action.
This sentence means 'You should study thoroughly in advance before the test.' Here, '〜ておくべきだ' implies that it's advisable to do something beforehand.
/ 132 correct
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Summary
Use "〜ておく" to express doing something beforehand or letting something remain in its present state.
- preparatory action
- leaving something as is
- do in advance
Basic Meaning
The core meaning of 〜ておく (te oku) is to do something in advance or to prepare something for later. Think of it like 'to do and leave it for future use'.
Conjugation
It attaches to the te-form of a verb. For example, 読む (yomu - to read) becomes 読んでおく (yonde oku - to read in advance).
Common Use Case: Preparation
Use it when you want to express that you are doing something to be ready for an event or situation. For example, 晩ご飯を作っておく (bangohan o tsukutte oku - to make dinner in advance).
Common Use Case: Leaving as Is
It can also mean to leave something as it is for a certain reason, or to leave something undone for now. For example, ドアを開けておく (doa o akete oku - to leave the door open).
Related Content
More food words
少々
B1A little; a few.
〜ほど
B1About; approximately; degree.
~ほど
B1About, approximately; to the extent of ~.
豊富な
B1Abundant, rich in.
ふんだんに
B1Lavishly; abundantly; generously (e.g., using ingredients).
足す
B1To add (e.g., to a sum, to ingredients).
添加物
B1Additive.
〜てから
B1After doing ~.
~てから
B1After doing (an action).
熟成させる
B1To age; to mature (food).
