Japanese grammar · ≈ JLPT N4 · Beginner 3
〜ておきます~te okimasu
leave in a state
Use 「〜ておきます」 to deliberately leave something in the state created by an action for a while.
How it works
After the key is put down, it stays in the same place even after some time. Look at the picture to see what maintaining a state means.
Add 「おきます」 to a verb’s て-form to show that you keep the resulting state unchanged for a while.
Here, you deliberately leave something as it is. It does not necessarily imply carelessness or neglect.
In the example 「置いておきます」, the first part, 「置いて」, is the て-form of the verb meaning “to put.”
「置きます」 focuses on the action of putting something down. 「置いておきます」 also means leaving it there.
Example sentences
- ここkokoにni置いoiてteおきます。okimasu
I'll leave it here.
- 休憩室kyuukeishitsuのno鍵kagi
In a conversation
- A午後の会議の準備はできましたか。
A: Are you ready for this afternoon's meeting?
- Bはい、資料は会議室に
Check yourself
Level 1 · Recognise
Which sentence is correct?
Level 1 · Recognise
Listen and choose the meaning
Level 2 · Build
Put the words in order
I'll prepare the materials for tomorrow's meeting in the conference room.
Level 3 · Use
What goes in the blank?
荷物はここに置い 。
I'll leave the luggage here.
More grammar in this theme
- 〜ておきますleave in a state