JLPT N4 Grammar
· Elementary
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· Elementary
to do in advance
Category: State & Preparation
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.
| 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) |
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)
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.
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.
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.
お客さんが来る前に、部屋を掃除______おきましょう。
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