〜ておく
do in advance
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ておく” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ておく」 means "do in advance". Structure: Verb te-form + おく. This is a JLPT N3 pattern — the examples below slot different everyday and workplace words into the same structure so you can see how it behaves. Learn the structure, then swap in your own words.
When to use it
Read the example aloud, then replace one detail with something from your own life.
Tone: Neutral
A general pattern; let the sentence ending and situation set the politeness level.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1職場を予約しておきました。
しょくば を よやく して おきました。
shokuba o yoyaku shite okimashita.
I booked the workplace in advance.
Everyday life
Example 2地方を予約しておきました。
ちほう を よやく して おきました。
chihou o yoyaku shite okimashita.
I booked the region in advance.
At home
Example 3故郷を予約しておきました。
ふるさと を よやく して おきました。
furusato o yoyaku shite okimashita.
I booked the hometown in advance.
Everyday life
Example 4会場を予約しておきました。
かいじょう を よやく して おきました。
kaijou o yoyaku shite okimashita.
I booked the venue in advance.
Everyday life
Example 5窓口を予約しておきました。
まどぐち を よやく して おきました。
madoguchi o yoyaku shite okimashita.
I booked the service counter in advance.
Make it yours
Choose one example. Replace one person, place, object, or time with a detail from your life, then say the new sentence aloud.
Recall
Test your memory
Recall practice
Can you say it?
1 of 5
Read the situation, look away from the answer, and say the Japanese aloud.
Your situation
I booked the workplace in advance.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ておく.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.