〜おきます

Meaning

The pattern ~te okimasu has two main uses: (1) maintaining a state—leaving something in its current condition for a continued duration, often used with expressions like 'kono mama' or 'sono mama'; (2) preparing in advance—doing something beforehand to prepare for a future purpose or event. In casual speech, 'te oku' is often shortened to 'toku.'

Formation

Examples

1. 窓を 開けておいて ください。
   Please keep the window open.

2. 電気は そのまま つけておいて ください。
   Please leave the light on just as it is.

3. A：この書類は どこに 置きますか。 B：机の上に 置いといて。
   A: Where should I put this document? B: Just leave it on the desk.

4. 出かける前に、天気よほうを 調べておいて ください。
   Before going out, please check the weather forecast in advance.

5. 試験の 前に よく 復習 しておいてね。
   Before the exam, please review your lessons well beforehand.

6. あのレストランは とても 人気ですから、予約しておかないと 入れません。
   That restaurant is very popular, so you can't get in without making a reservation in advance.

Summary

• Use ~te okimasu to express maintaining a current state or condition over time
• Use ~te okimasu to show preparing or doing something beforehand for future needs
• In casual speech, ~te oku is commonly shortened to ~toku (e.g., oite oku → oitoku)