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.

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.

   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.

   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.

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.