Meaning
Used when something is done in advance as preparation for a future situation.
Formation
- て form + おく: 買っておきます
- Colloquial contraction: ておく → とく, でおく → どく
When to use it
- Core use
- Do it in advance
Example
寝る前にドアを閉めておきます
I close the door in advance before going to bed.
Important notes
- Pay attention to the word form before the construction and to the particles around it.
Common mistakes
- Do not translate the pattern word for word; first identify its function in the whole situation.