to do ~ in advance, to do ~ for later

Beginner

15-20 min

very common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates doing something in preparation for the future.

[Te-form] + おく (casual: とく)

明日のために資料を読んでおきます。

Ashita no tame ni shiryou wo yonde okimasu.

I will read the materials in advance for tomorrow.

部屋を掃除しておいた。

Heya wo souji shite oita.

I cleaned the room (in preparation).

Casual form: ～とく (e.g., 読んどく).

～てもいいです

may do ~, it's okay to do ~

～てはいけません

must not do ~, not allowed to do ~

～なければなりません

must do ~, have to do ~

～なくてもいいです

don't have to do ~, don't need to do ~

Very useful for daily preparatory actions.

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 2

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