JLPT N3 reference · Aspect and change
ておく preparation
It presents an action done in advance or a state deliberately left in place for a later purpose.
Core meaning and form
Attach おく to the て-form; casual speech often contracts ておく to とく. The result remains relevant; compare a simple completed action with an action performed as preparation.
- Form: Attach おく to the て-form; casual speech often contracts ておく to とく.
- Core use: It presents an action done in advance or a state deliberately left in place for a later purpose.
- Context: The result remains relevant; compare a simple completed action with an action performed as preparation.
Examples in context
旅行の前にホテルを予約しておきます。Ryokō no mae ni hoteru o yoyaku shite okimasu.I will reserve a hotel before the trip.
窓を開けておいてください。Mado o akete oite kudasai.Please leave the window open.
資料、印刷しといたよ。Shiryō, insatsu shitotta yo.I printed the materials in advance.
Common errors
- Do not select this pattern from an English translation alone; check its attachment and discourse function.
- Keep the surrounding sentence in a consistent plain, polite, spoken, or written register.
Quick summary
- Attach おく to the て-form; casual speech often contracts ておく to とく.
- It presents an action done in advance or a state deliberately left in place for a later purpose.
- The result remains relevant; compare a simple completed action with an action performed as preparation.