〜ておきます
do in advance
Use this pattern to shape a complete, natural Japanese thought.
Remember it
Connect the meaning to its sound: say “〜ておきます” aloud once.
Understand
Build the pattern
Sentence formula
How it works
「〜ておきます」 means "do in advance". Structure: Verb te-form + おきます. This is a JLPT N4 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: Polite
A safe choice for everyday conversations, shops, school, and the workplace.
Use
Hear it in real life
At work
Example 1会議の準備をしておきます。
かいぎ の じゅんび を して おきます。
kaigi no junbi o shite okimasu.
I will prepare for the meeting in advance.
Everyday life
Example 2紹介の準備をしておきます。
しょうかい の じゅんび を して おきます。
shoukai no junbi o shite okimasu.
I will prepare for the introduction in advance.
Everyday life
Example 3経験の準備をしておきます。
けいけん の じゅんび を して おきます。
keiken no junbi o shite okimasu.
I will prepare for the experience in advance.
Everyday life
Example 4翻訳の準備をしておきます。
ほんやく の じゅんび を して おきます。
hon'yaku no junbi o shite okimasu.
I will prepare for the translation in advance.
Everyday life
Example 5給料の準備をしておきます。
きゅうりょう の じゅんび を して おきます。
kyuuryou no junbi o shite okimasu.
I will prepare for the salary 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 will prepare for the meeting in advance.
The answer is hidden. Try to use 〜ておきます.
Remember tomorrow
Save this pattern as a flashcard
Review the meaning and formula later so today’s lesson moves into long-term memory.