do ~ in advance, do ~ for later

Beginner

10-15 min

common

Expert Reviewed

Explanation

Indicates doing something in preparation or for future convenience.

[Te-form] + おく

明日のために準備しておきます。

Ashita no tame ni junbi shite okimasu.

I'll prepare in advance for tomorrow.

ドアを開けておいてください。

Doa wo akete oite kudasai.

Please leave the door open.

Can contract to ～とく in casual speech.

～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 ~

JLPTBooks Editorial Team

Japanese Language Education Specialists

Last updated: Jan 10

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