Grammar Point

おく

to do something in advance

after the -te form of a verb

to leave something in a certain state, to keep something in a certain state

after the -te form of a verb

Verb て form + おく

This grammar point is used when an action is performed in advance for future convenience, or to keep/leave something in a specific state for a period of time.

Doing something in advance

This usage indicates that an action is completed now so that it will be useful or necessary at a later time.


I will buy some bread in advance.

I will check the map beforehand.

Leaving a state as it is

This usage indicates that a certain state is maintained or left as it is for a while.


Please leave the window open.

I will leave the TV on.

Note

In casual speech, ~ておく often contracts to ~とく. For example, 買っておく becomes 買っとく. When the verb ends in ~で, it becomes ~どく, such as 読んでおく becoming 読んどく.



Radicals of radicals