N466/179

ておく

V-ておく

Meanings

  • do something in advance
  • prepare for future needs
  • leave something in a ready state for later

About this pattern

Explanation

The ておく form expresses doing something now to prepare for a future situation or to have things ready later. It often indicates intentional preparation or setting things up in advance, sometimes with a sense of convenience or foresight. It can also imply that the action is done for someone else or as a precaution, and the result will be useful later. This is commonly used for routine preparations, arrangements, or ensuring a smooth future outcome.

Learn in context

Example sentences

出かける前に鍵をかけておく。

I’ll lock the door before I go out.

明日使う資料は今のうちに揃えておく。

I’ll gather the materials I’ll use tomorrow in advance.

来週の会議の準備をしておく。

I’ll take care of the preparations for next week’s meeting.

彼は早めに返信を書いておく。

He will write back in advance.