3.16 ～ておく — Do in Advance

AI-generated

Overview

Learn ～ておく, used to express doing something in preparation for later or leaving something in a certain state. In casual speech this contracts to ～とく.

Verb て-form + おく

～ておく means doing something now so that things are ready later. It implies foresight — you are preparing for a future event or situation.

、。

I'll book the hotel in advance before the trip.

。

Please read the report before the meeting (so you're prepared).

It can also mean leaving something in a certain condition on purpose.

。

I'll leave the window open.

。

Please leave it as it is.

～ておく is very frequently contracted in conversation:

。

I'll prepare in advance. (casual)

。

Read it beforehand. (casual)

A: Are you ready for tomorrow's party? B: Yes, I bought drinks in advance.

A: Will you use this file later? B: Yes, please leave it as it is.

I'll read my notes beforehand before the exam.

You are not signed in, so nothing in this lesson is saved.