Processing keyword: Verb ておく (〜te oku)
Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ておく (〜te oku)
1. Introduction
The grammar point 〜ておく (〜te oku) is a commonly used expression in Japanese that indicates doing something in advance or preparing for the future. It combines the te-form of a verb with the auxiliary verb おく (oku).
2. Core Grammar Explanation
Meaning
- 〜ておく (〜te oku): To do something in advance, to prepare, or to leave something as it is.
Usage
The structure is used to express:
- Preparation: Performing an action now for future convenience.
- Maintaining State: Leaving things in a certain state for a reason.
- Temporary Measures: Doing something temporarily until a more permanent solution is found.
Structure
Formation Diagram
| Verb Form | + ておく | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Verb (て-form) | + おく | Do something in advance |
Example:
- 飲む (nomu) ➔ 飲んでおく (nonde oku)
Conjugation Example
- 食べる (taberu) - to eat
- て-form: 食べて (tabete)
- 食べておく (tabete oku) - Eat in advance
- 読む (yomu) - to read
- て-form: 読んで (yonde)
- 読んでおく (yonde oku) - Read beforehand
3. Comparative Analysis
Comparing with 〜てみる (〜te miru)
- 〜てみる (〜te miru): To try doing something.
- 〜ておく (〜te oku): To do something in preparation. Difference: 〜てみる focuses on the attempt, while 〜ておく focuses on preparation or future convenience.
4. Examples in Context
Formal Situations
- 会議の前に資料を読んでおきます。
Kaigi no mae ni shiryō o yonde okimasu.
- I will read the materials before the meeting.
- 出張のためにホテルを予約しておきました。
Shucchō no tame ni hoteru o yoyaku shite okimashita.
- I booked a hotel in advance for the business trip.
Informal Situations
- 後で使うから、この本をここに置いておくね。
Ato de tsukau kara, kono hon o koko ni oite oku ne.
- I'll leave this book here because I'll use it later.
- パーティーの前に飲み物を買っておこう。
Pātī no mae ni nomimono o katte okō.
- Let's buy drinks before the party.
Spoken Language
- 先に切符を買っておかないと。
Saki ni kippu o katte okanai to.
- We need to buy the tickets in advance.
- それ、忘れないようにメモしておくよ。
Sore, wasurenai yō ni memo shite oku yo.
- I'll make a note of that so I don't forget.
5. Cultural Notes
Cultural Relevance
In Japanese culture, being prepared and considering future needs is highly valued. Using 〜ておく reflects a proactive attitude and conscientiousness, which are appreciated traits in social and professional contexts.
Idiomatic Expressions
- そのままにしておく
Sono mama ni shite oku
- Leave it as it is.
- 忘れないうちに連絡しておく
Wasurenai uchi ni renraku shite oku
- Contact someone before you forget.
6. Common Mistakes and Tips
Error Analysis
- Misplacing おく with other verbs
- Incorrect: 食べている (tabete iru) instead of 食べておく (tabete oku)
- 食べている means "eating (currently)" whereas 食べておく means "eat in advance".
- Forgetting to use the て-form
- Incorrect: 飲むおく (nomu oku)
- Correct: 飲んでおく (nonde oku)
Learning Strategies
- Mnemonic Device: Think of おく (oku) as "occur ahead" to remember it's about doing something beforehand.
- Practice: Conjugate different verbs into their て-form and add おく to get comfortable with the structure.
7. Summary and Review
Key Takeaways
- 〜ておく (〜te oku) is used to indicate actions done in advance for future benefit.
- Formed by adding おく to the て-form of a verb.
- Expresses preparation, leaving things as they are, or temporary actions.
Quick Recap Quiz
- How do you say "I'll check the schedule in advance" using 〜ておく?
- Answer: スケジュールを確認しておきます。
- What is the meaning of 本を読んでおきました?
- Answer: I read the book beforehand.
- True or False: 〜ておく can be used to express trying something new.
- Answer: False. That's 〜てみる.
Feel free to practice by creating your own sentences using 〜ておく!