Processing keyword: Verb ておく (〜te oku)

Japanese Grammar Point: Verb ておく (〜te oku)

Verb ておく (〜ておく)

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:

1. Preparation: Performing an action now for future convenience.
2. Maintaining State: Leaving things in a certain state for a reason.
3. Temporary Measures: Doing something temporarily until a more permanent solution is found.

Structure

Formation Diagram

Example:

• 飲む (nomu) ➔ 飲んでおく (nonde oku)

Conjugation Example

1. 食べる (taberu) - to eat
   • て-form: 食べて (tabete)
   • 食べておく (tabete oku) - Eat in advance
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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".
2. 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

1. 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。
2. What is the meaning of 本を読んでおきました?
   • Answer: I read the book beforehand.
3. 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!