Not doing it now — parking it for later

Where the picture shows up in ておく

1. 1

   read it in advance

   会議の前に資料を読んでおきます。

   kaigi no mae ni shiryō o yonde okimasu

   I'll read the documents before the meeting.

   Before the meeting starts, you set the papers you have already read and marked up on the desk.

2. 2

   get it ready beforehand

   ビールを冷やしておいて。

   bīru o hiyashite oite

   Put the beer in to chill, would you.

   Hours before the guests come, you push the beer to the back of the fridge.

   In speech ~ておく shrinks to ~とく: 冷やしといて.

3. 3

   leave it as it is

   窓は開けておいてください。

   mado wa akete oite kudasai

   Please leave the window open.

   You stop your hand halfway to closing the window, leave the latch where it is, and step back.

   Both 'do it in advance' and 'leave it that way' are ておく. Often it just means: don't touch it.

4. 4

   say it in advance

   部長に言っておきました。

   buchō ni itte okimashita

   I've already mentioned it to the manager.

   Before the meeting-room door opens, you stop by the manager's desk, say your one line, and leave.

5. 5

   write it down so it keeps

   電話番号を控えておきました。

   denwa bangō o hikaete okimashita

   I noted the phone number down.

   Before the call drops, you copy the number into your notebook and slip it into your pocket.