What it means
ておく expresses doing something in advance so that it will be useful or ready later. It often shows preparation for a known situation, and it can also emphasize leaving the result of an action in place. Attach it to a verb's te-form. The familiar form uses おく, while the polite form uses おきます.
Usage note
Do not confuse this grammar with the independent verb 置く, meaning “to put” or “to place.” In casual speech, ておく is often shortened to とく, but the full form is preferable for clear, standard writing.
How to use it
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約しておきます。
I will reserve a hotel before the trip.
旅行の前に、ホテルを予約しておく。
I will reserve a hotel before the trip.
Example sentences
旅行の前に、必要な薬を買っておきます。
Before the trip, I will buy the necessary medicine in advance.
試験の前に、重要な言葉をノートに書いておきます。
Before the exam, I will write the important words in my notebook in advance.
会議の前に、資料を人数分コピーしておきます。
Before the meeting, I will make enough copies of the materials for everyone.