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to do in advance
Definition
The grammar pattern "V-て + おく" is used to indicate performing an action beforehand in preparation for a future event or to leave something in a certain state for future convenience. It emphasizes the action of preparation rather than the state itself. For example, "部屋を掃除おきましょう" means "Let's clean the room in advance" or "Let's leave the room clean for later use." This pattern is commonly used in situations where preparation is necessary for a future event or to make a task easier in the future.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Te-form | V-て (te-form of the verb) | 掃除 (sōji, te-form of "sōju," to clean) |
| O-ku form | おく (o-ku form of the verb) | おき (oki, o-ku form of "oku," to put or leave) |
| Te-form and O-ku form combination | V-て + おく | 部屋を掃除おきます (heya o sōji oki masu, to clean the room in advance) |
Examples
お客さんが来る前に、部屋を掃除おきましょう。
okyaku-san ga kuru mae ni, heya o sōji oki masu.
Let's clean the room in advance before the customers come.
お客さんが来る前に (before the customers come), 部屋を掃除 (to clean the room), おきましょう (let's leave it clean)
旅行に行くために、切符を買っておきました。
ryokō ni ikimasu tame ni, keifu o kau te oki masu.
I bought the tickets in advance for the trip.
旅行に行くために (for the trip), 切符を買って (to buy the tickets), おきました (I left it bought)
使った後は、元の場所に置いておいてください。
tsukatta ato wa, moto no basho ni oite oite kudasai.
Please leave it in its original place after use.
使った後は (after use), 元の場所に (in its original place), 置いておいてください (please leave it)
Context
This pattern is used in formal and polite situations. It is often used in writing and in formal speech. It is similar to the pattern "V-て + ある" but emphasizes the action of preparation rather than the state itself.
Watch out
Verbs like "食べる" (to eat) or "寝る" (to sleep) don't imply preparation, so they shouldn't be used with this pattern.
The causative or passive forms have different grammatical structures and should not be confused with the te-form.
While 'te aru' focuses on the state, 'te oku' focuses on the action of preparation, so they should not be confused.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the verb used. Make sure the verb implies preparation or action. Be careful not to confuse this pattern with other similar patterns.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N4 test-style questions. Each sentence shows V-て + おく used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
お客さんが来る前に、部屋を掃除しておきましょう。
Pattern used: して
'Shite oku' combined with 'mashou' suggests doing the cleaning in advance for the guests.
旅行に行くために、切符を買っておきました。
Pattern used: 買って
'Katte oita' shows the action of buying the tickets was done beforehand for the trip.
使った後は、元の場所に戻しておいてください。
Pattern used: 戻して
'Modoshite oku' here means to leave it in its original place for the next time it's used.
Interactive
お客さんが来る前に、部屋を掃除______おきましょう。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.