〜ている (Teiru) vs 〜てある (Tearu) vs 〜ておく(Teoku)

You may need additionally seen trying intently on the instance that the expression used is てる as an alternative of 〜ている. It isn’t a typo — each types are grammatically appropriate. 〜ている is often shortened in informal conversations.

Out of the three makes use of of 〜ている, that is the one one which can be utilized interchangeably with 〜てある or 〜ておく (or fairly 〜ておいた, the previous tense). Which means you would additionally use 〜てある or 〜ておく to elucidate that you just deliberately opened the lid and left it that means, like this:

フタ、開け [てある・ておいた] んだよ！

Why? The brief reply is that this use of 〜ている implies an “intention” and you’ll inform that by the context. We’ll get right into a deeper comparability of ～ている, ～てある, and ～ておく in a bit, so for now, simply needless to say this very particular use of ～ている is the one one that may be interchangeable with the opposite two.

てある

〜てある signifies that the scenario was prompted deliberately, typically for a specific goal.

Now on to 〜てある. To begin with, 〜てある describes the present state of one thing with the implication that somebody did one thing to it earlier and left it that means. That “somebody” can both be your self or another person, relying on the particle that precedes it.

It is also essential to notice that 〜てある is at all times used with a transitive verb, as a result of a transitive verb is a sort of verb that signifies an intentional motion.

〜を〜てある for a Scenario Attributable to Your self

As I briefly talked about, 〜てある can be utilized when describing a scenario that resulted from both your individual or another person’s motion. And there is a straightforward option to differentiate between the 2: every makes use of a distinct particle.

Earlier than we actually get into the mechanics of issues, let’s circle again to utilizing 〜てある to explain a scenario that is the results of your individual motion. Bear in mind the bento instance from earlier? We talked about that you should utilize 〜てある to elucidate that you just opened the bento field and are leaving it open, like this:

• お弁当のフタを開けてある。
• I am leaving the lid of the bento field open.

Though を can typically be omitted in spoken Japanese, this 〜を〜てある sample is the construction used when speaking a few scenario attributable to your self.

On this instance, を marks the lid as the item of the sentence. Which means that the probably topic, though not clearly acknowledged, is the speaker, or 私 that means “I,” which could be understood from the context.

Let’s keep on the bento-making state of affairs for an additional instance. Attempting to think about one thing that can pair properly with the bento for dessert, you do not forget that you obtain some yogurt to have readily available for an event like this. On this case, you should utilize 〜てある and say to your self:

• ヨーグルトを買ってある。
• There’s some yogurt (as a result of I purchased some).

Bear in mind you can additionally use 〜ている or 〜ておく to specific one thing comparable. We’ll discuss this in additional element in a while.

〜が〜てある For a Scenario Attributable to Somebody Else

One distinctive side of 〜てある is how it may be used to explain a scenario that is attributable to another person.

Take for instance a scenario that is barely completely different from the earlier one — you come throughout some yogurt within the fridge when on the lookout for a dessert for the bento. However on this case, you might be not the one who purchased it. You would possibly say one thing like:

• ヨーグルトが買ってある！
• There’s some yogurt (that somebody will need to have purchased)!

What 〜てある is doing right here is describing that the yogurt is within the fridge, whereas additionally implying that somebody (not you) purchased it earlier. Whereas the sentences are almost an identical, the distinction is in the usage of particles.

This would possibly really feel difficult, however this is a tip. Take into consideration ある on the finish because the verb used for non-living issues’ existence. The verb ある pairs up with が and signifies “there’s…” proper? So ヨーグルトがある means “there’s some yogurt,” and that is simply describing what’s there objectively. ヨーグルトが買ってある is much like this, but it surely simply provides the implication that the motion (“yogurt was purchased,” on this case) was carried out by somebody in addition to you.

Identical to 〜がある, you might be describing the scenario type of objectively as a result of you weren’t concerned within the motion — another person was. And identical to ある typically expresses the sense of realization when it is paired with the topic marker が, 〜てある carries the nuance that you just got here to a realization, too. So ヨーグルトが買ってある hints that it was a shock to you (and it was a pleasant one).

And identical to ある typically expresses the sense of realization when it is paired with the topic marker が, 〜てある carries the nuance that you just got here to a realization, too.

To summarize, 〜てある can take the particle が to mark one thing that is seemingly an object (“yogurt,” on this case) although it’s used with a transitive verb. And when it does that, it implies that somebody apart from you carried out the motion that resulted within the state it describes. That is one thing distinctive to 〜てある, and what makes it completely different from 〜ている and 〜ておく. In different phrases, ヨーグルトが買っている or ヨーグルトが買っておく should not legitimate sentences — truly, these sound like yogurt is the topic who’s shopping for (one thing). It would be tremendous bizarre except the particular person’s title was Yogurt (which would definitely be a twist).

ておく

〜ておく can serve two capabilities relying on the tense. Within the current tense, it appears you might be finishing a activity for future comfort so to “put” it out of your thoughts. Alternatively, prior to now tense, 〜ておいた denotes the state of a accomplished activity.

ておく For Future Actions To Full Duties

Particularly used within the current tense, 〜ておく is a bit completely different from the opposite two patterns mentioned up to now. Whereas 〜ている and 〜てある can be utilized to explain the present state of issues, 〜ておく signifies a future motion. Particularly, the longer term completion of a activity so you’ll be able to “put” it out of your thoughts.

For instance, if you happen to’re at the moment within the course of of constructing a bento and resolve to go away the lid off to let some steam out, you should utilize 〜ておく and say:

• お弁当のフタを開けておく。
• I am going to depart the lid of the bento field open (to let the steam out so I will not have to fret about it getting musty and spoiling).

It is a slight distinction that is essential to notice right here between utilizing 〜ておく within the current tense and the earlier examples with 〜ていく and 〜てある. The place they have been used to explain a scenario the place a bento field is left open deliberately, right here 〜ておく is indicating your (very close to) future plan of leaving the lid open.

You are utilizing 〜ておく since you need to specific that you just’re doing this to your future comfort.

On this case, you need to let the steam out to forestall it from getting musty contained in the bento field.

You is perhaps questioning “Why does 〜ておく point out a future motion, not the present state of one thing like 〜ている and 〜てある?” Nicely, it’d assist if you happen to consider it like this. 〜ておく comes from the verb 置（お）く that means “to place.” Identical to every other motion verb, when used within the current tense, it may point out a future motion, along with a normal act or a behavior.

Compared, take into consideration 〜ている and 〜てある, and their roots — the verbs いる and ある. These verbs are a bit particular, differing barely from common motion verbs in that they point out the existence of issues, or describe the way in which issues are fairly than one thing that wants “doing.” Hopefully, that helps you higher perceive how 〜ておく works within the current tense.

Now, let’s check out one other instance. Say you are on the grocery retailer to purchase yogurt to your bento. You should utilize 〜ておく and say:

• ヨーグルトを買っておく。
• I am going to purchase some yogurt (so as to add to my bento).

Right here, 〜ておく carries the nuance that you’ll do one thing as a way to “get it carried out,” or out of the way in which. And once more, be aware that it is the future motion or plan that you’re utilizing 〜ておく to explain.

ておいた For Accomplished Duties

To this point, we have mentioned the variations within the nuance of 〜ておく within the current tense to speak a few future motion. Now let’s check out the way it’s used prior to now tense (〜ておいた) to speak a few present scenario that’s the direct results of an motion carried out prior to now, i.e. one thing you took care of prior to now that resulted within the current state of issues.

Let’s carry again the earlier instance of leaving the bento field lid open. To say you left it open, it is advisable to conjugate 〜ておく to the previous tense and say ^:

• お弁当のフタを開けておいた。
• I left the lid of the bento field open (to let the steam out so I will not have to fret about it getting musty and spoiling).

On this case, the main target is extra in your previous motion (opening the lid), however it may additionally point out the present state ensuing from the motion (the lid is left open), relying on the context.

Now, do not forget that yogurt from earlier than? If you wish to point out that there is some yogurt for the bento since you purchased it earlier for that goal, you should utilize 〜ておいた and say:

• ヨーグルトを買っておいた。
• I’ve purchased some yogurt (for bento making).

Though these conditions could be described in the same method utilizing 〜ている or 〜てある, let’s not overlook the particular nuance of 〜ておいた — it at all times implies that you just carried out an motion with the intention of inflicting the present scenario since you needed to get one thing out of the way in which. On this case, perhaps you felt you wanted to have a backup bento filler and to serve the aim you obtain some yogurt. So this stresses that you just purchased the yogurt in preparation for the longer term. Consequently, out of the three patterns 〜ておいた most strongly implies your intention behind the motion.

ておく For Recurring Actions To Full Duties

Earlier, we talked about how 〜ておく can be utilized to explain a future motion, however that is not the one factor 〜ておく can specific within the current tense. In truth, relying on the context it can be used to specific a recurring motion. Bear in mind, the foundation of 〜ておく is the motion verb 置（お）く (“to place”), and motion verbs when used within the current tense can specific a normal act or behavior of doing one thing, not solely a future motion. Let’s check out yet another instance of ～ておく within the current tense, bringing again the primary instance on this article, the window:

• いつも夜は窓を開けておく。
• I often maintain the window open at night time.

As you noticed beforehand on this instance, ～ている, ～てある, and ～ておく can be utilized interchangeably within the current tense to explain a recurring motion or one thing you do often for a purpose. Nevertheless, there are delicate variations in nuance between them.

Of the three, 〜ておく is definitely essentially the most nuanced — it implies that you just did one thing to your future comfort. On this case, perhaps you retain the window open so you will not have to fret about getting too scorching and waking up in the midst of the night time. Or, perhaps as a result of your youngsters fantasize about Peter Pan coming by means of the window and taking them to Neverland.

Regardless of the purpose, 〜ておく implies that no matter you are describing is one thing you need to get out of the way in which.

In any case, you don’t need your youngsters waking you up in the midst of the night time and complaining that you just did not depart the window open for Peter Pan, you realize?

Now that we have coated all of the fundamentals, within the subsequent part we’ll take a deeper have a look at how the nuance adjustments with every sample relying on the scenario.

So…What is the Distinction In Conditions When They’re All Interchangeable?

Now let’s lastly get into the comparisons of the three patterns: 〜ている, 〜てある, and 〜ておく. As a fast evaluate, they’re primarily interchangeable when used to explain the present state of one thing that resulted from a previous motion (often one thing intentional).

So, what precisely is the distinction in these conditions after they can be utilized interchangeably? Let’s discover out by going by means of a couple of examples and evaluating the nuances.

Completely different Ranges of Intention

expresses intention much less expresses intention extra
ている	てある		ておく

One of many primary variations in nuance between 〜ている (or fairly, its shortened model てる), 〜てある, and 〜ておく is the extent of intention.

For the primary instance, let’s return to bento once more. Say that you just’re cooking (or have cooked) rice as a result of it is a vital component of bento.

ご飯を 炊（た）い [てる・てある・ておいた] 。

Damaged down, ご飯 is “rice,” and the verb paired with it that means “to cook dinner” is 炊（た）く. So what precisely is the distinction in nuance once we use every completely different sample?

〜ている

Let’s check out ご飯を 炊（た）いてる. This sentence can truly be interpreted in a few methods. The primary is:

• ご飯を炊いてる。
• I am cooking rice.

This is without doubt one of the potential translations — the current steady use of 〜ている to elucidate what you are at the moment doing — means you might be in the midst of cooking rice. (Be aware that 〜てある and 〜ておく can’t be used to specific an motion that’s at the moment underway.)

The opposite potential that means of this sentence is:

• ご飯を炊いてる。
• The rice is cooked.

Keep in mind that 〜ている also can denote the ensuing state of an motion, i.e. the state of the rice that’s already cooked. So how have you learnt when it means what? That can depend upon the context of the dialog. Say your child requested a sandwich for lunch, and also you say this to inform them that you just already made rice. (Too late, kiddo!) That is when 〜ている is interchangeable with 〜てある or 〜ておいた.

By way of intention, 炊（た）く is a transitive verb, and “rice being cooked” will not occur by itself (somebody’s gotta cook dinner rice, you realize?) so technically talking there’s some implication of this right here. Nevertheless, in comparison with the opposite two patterns, 〜ている does not emphasize the intentional nuance as a lot. So this model with 〜ている sounds such as you’re simply merely stating that you just cooked the rice and the rice is prepared.

〜てある

Now, what about 炊（た）いてある? As a fast reminder, 〜てある describes a scenario the place you probably did one thing and also you left it that means for a purpose.

• ご飯を炊いてある。
• The rice is cooked (for a purpose).

In comparison with 〜ている, the 〜てある model has a stronger and clearer indication of the intention behind the scenario being described, as if you’re saying, “I cooked rice for a purpose.” This model is usually used if you need to draw consideration to one thing you have carried out and particularly left that means. In different phrases, this virtually appears like a heads-up or the rationale for issues being the way in which they’re.

The explanation might be for making onigiri, or no matter different purpose you would possibly cook dinner rice. Implying that there is a purpose for it naturally provides a extra intentional nuance, particularly in comparison with 〜ている. In that sense, this might make a good stronger assertion to your child who requested a sandwich on the final minute.

〜ておく

Lastly, 〜ておいた carries the strongest stage of intention. To remind you, 〜ておく principally signifies the act of doing one thing for future comfort.

• ご飯を炊いておいた。
• I cooked the rice (for future comfort).

So this sentence sounds such as you cooked the rice to make issues straightforward later. Now, remember, 〜ておく additionally offers off the vibe of doing one thing upfront so you’ll be able to put it out of your thoughts — such as you’re going forward and marking a activity off of your to-do listing. It is a very nuanced expression!

〜ておく additionally offers off the vibe of doing one thing upfront so you’ll be able to put it out of your thoughts — such as you’re going forward and marking a activity off of your to-do listing.

Perhaps you began cooking the rice very first thing within the morning. It takes a while for rice to cook dinner, and it’ll take a while for it to chill down so you’ll be able to pack it within the bento. As soon as your youngsters get up, you won’t get an opportunity to rinse the rice and begin the rice cooker. So, eager about the precise course of, it is sensible to cook dinner it sooner fairly than later so you will not have to fret about it not being prepared in time.

You could by no means have on condition that a lot thought to the logistics of cooking rice, or perhaps it is already a stable routine of yours, however on this sense 〜ておく implies that you just had a thought course of and there was some type of planning concerned. This provides extra of the “intention” nuance in comparison with the opposite two patterns.

What’s extra, with 〜ておく the main target is definitely in your motion fairly than the ensuing scenario — we’ll discuss extra about this within the following part. This sample stresses your contribution, whereas the opposite two spotlight the truth that rice is cooked. So utilizing 〜ておく emphasizes your intention barely greater than 〜てある and may even sound a bit extra braggy, such as you’re implying, “I did this to your comfort, okay?”

Scenario-Targeted vs Motion-Targeted

One other level of distinction is whether or not the emphasis is on the motion, or the ensuing state or scenario attributable to that motion. You may need seen the slight distinction within the earlier instance translations — “the rice is cooked” and “I cooked the rice.” Technically talking, this in the end relies on the context, however understanding the place the emphasis lies for every sample ought to make it easier to get the gist of the variations in nuance a bit higher.

Mainly, the primary distinction is that 〜てある focuses on the results of the motion (“the rice is cooked”) whereas 〜ておく focuses on the motion itself (“I cooked the rice”), and 〜ている is type of impartial and will give attention to both relying on the context.

situation-focused ⇔ action-focused
てある	ている		ておく

Here is an instance to elaborate on what this implies. For instance you set strawberries within the bento as a result of that is your child’s favourite fruit. To ship this excellent news, you should utilize any of the three: 〜ている (or its shortened, extra natural-sounding model 〜てる), 〜てある, or 〜ておく:

お弁当にいちごを入れ [てる・てある・ておいた] よ！

Now let’s check out how every of those patterns can have a barely completely different nuanced that means.

〜てある (Scenario-Targeted)

• お弁当にいちごを入れてあるよ！
• There are strawberries within the bento (since you like strawberries)!

The foundation verb ある means “to exist,” so it is used to explain the way in which issues are fairly than the motion that prompted the scenario.

Right here, 〜てある is describing the scenario, fairly than the motion that prompted it. In different phrases, it describes the state of the strawberries being within the bento. It is calling explicit consideration to the strawberries, so the implication of you placing them there takes a again seat to the strawberries themselves on this case.

Now, you is perhaps questioning about 〜ている as a result of its root verb additionally means “to exist.” It may actually be situation-focused, however we additionally want to consider how 〜ている can also be used to check with an motion, particularly steady motion. We’ll discuss extra about this within the following part.

〜ている (Motion-Targeted/Scenario-Targeted)

• お弁当にいちごを入れてるよ！
• I’m placing strawberries within the bento!
  There are strawberries within the bento!

〜ている could be each situation-focused and action-focused, and the main target varies relying on the context. It is because 〜ている has two main capabilities — one which emphasizes the motion itself (steady motion), and one which focuses on the scenario attributable to the motion (ensuing state). On this explicit instance, 〜ている can point out the “motion,” corresponding to what you are at the moment doing (“I am placing strawberries in as we converse”), or the state the place “strawberries are within the bento.”

〜ておく (Motion-Targeted)

We talked about that the main target of 〜ておく is on the motion itself, which on this case is “placing strawberries within the bento.”

• お弁当にいちごを入れておいたよ！
• I put strawberries within the bento (as a result of I do know you may get pleasure from them)!

Which means that 〜ておく is used to speak about an motion taken with the intention of making a sure scenario, whereas 〜ている and 〜てある describe the scenario that is attributable to the motion.

〜ておく is used to speak about an motion taken with the intention of making a sure scenario

It is perhaps good to think about this from the viewpoint of the foundation verb 置（お）く(to place) as properly. 置（お）く is an motion verb, or a verb that signifies an motion — “placing.” Against this, the verbs いる and ある are stative verbs that means “to exist.” There is not any specific motion concerned; they merely point out the state of one thing. This would possibly make it easier to do not forget that 〜ておく is extra “action-focused” whereas the opposite two are “situation-focused,” describing how issues are as the results of the motion.

Speaking About Your Habits

Like we talked about earlier within the instance about retaining the window open at night time, 〜ている, 〜てある, and 〜ておく can be utilized interchangeably to speak about your habits. So let’s check out the ultimate nuance, evaluating the three patterns when speaking about habits, after which evaluate what you have discovered up to now.

Say you are on the park speaking to a different dad or mum whereas your youngsters are taking part in. However it’s awkward. You want some excuse to go away so that you casually drop in one thing about your each day schedule and say:

• いつも、６時にはお風呂をわかし [てる・てある・ておく] んだ。
• I often have the bathtub prepared by 6 p.m.

Once more, all three patterns are interchangeable right here, however with a really slight distinction in nuance between 〜ておく and 〜てある. Oh, and see that 〜ておく isn’t prior to now tense right here but it surely works effective since you’re speaking a few normal behavior. Now, let’s take a more in-depth have a look at how every one works.

〜ている

• いつも、６時にはお風呂をわかしてるんだ。
• I often have the bathtub prepared by 6 p.m.
  I often run a scorching tub by 6 p.m.

In the identical vein as describing what you are at the moment doing, 〜ている can be used to explain your habits, as a result of a behavior is one thing you do basically (not simply an motion going down within the present second). On this case, it is also describing the ensuing state of the bathtub being prepared by 6 p.m., so it is interchangeable with 〜てある and 〜ておく.

〜ている can be used to explain your habits, as a result of a behavior is one thing you do basically

Bear in mind how 〜ている could be situation-focused and action-focused? This explicit instance truly feels a bit obscure by way of the main target as a result of it is a mixture of each: 〜ている describing a recurring motion in addition to the ensuing scenario. In that sense, this sentence leaves it unclear whether or not you begin operating scorching water by 6 p.m. otherwise you have it prepared by 6 p.m. — It might be interpreted in each methods.

And, how else is that this use of 〜ている completely different from the opposite two? This 〜ている model is just explaining your behavior of getting the bathtub prepared by 6 p.m. Descriptive and simple, there’s not a lot further nuance to it in comparison with the opposite two.

〜てある

• いつも、６時にはお風呂をわかしてあるんだ。
• I often have the bathtub prepared by 6 p.m. (for a purpose).

Right here, 〜てある is describing the each day scenario that you just often have the bathtub prepared and crammed by 6 p.m. As a result of 〜てある is situation-focused, fairly than action-focused, the emphasis on this instance is on the bathtub and it being prepared and scorching. It additionally implies that there is a explicit purpose, which is perhaps type of apparent on this case — for you or your loved ones to take a shower. Perhaps you’ve got it prepared by 6 p.m. since you wish to take a shower after dinner. Or perhaps to let your pet capybaras soak and swim in it. Who is aware of, however 〜てある implies you probably did it for a purpose.

〜ておく

• いつも、６時にはお風呂をわかしておくんだ。
• I often have the bathtub prepared by 6 p.m. (so I will not have to fret in regards to the tub not being prepared by the point somebody wants it).

〜ておく right here is describing your recurring motion of operating the bathtub and having it prepared by 6 p.m., emphasizing that you just accomplish that to your future comfort. Bear in mind, 〜ておく is action-focused so it places an emphasis on the motion you carry out.

The nuance of 〜ておく is that you just carry out the motion so that you’re carried out with the duty and you’ll put it out of your thoughts. Perhaps your associate comes residence at 6:01 and takes a shower at 6:02 every single day. You’d need to mark off this activity of your to-dos in order that you do not fear about messing up their each day schedule by any likelihood.

Beginning a New Behavior

We may most likely put together 100 extra examples that can assist you grasp the nuanced variations between 〜ている, 〜てある, and 〜ておく, however for now let’s depart it right here so you’ll be able to put it apart and course of what you discovered.

Hopefully, you’ve got a good suggestion of how all three types differ, and the implications behind utilizing them to speak about one thing you are at the moment doing or do often, the present state of issues, or one thing you ready upfront to your future comfort.

Like many phrases in Japanese, rather a lot can depend upon the context. However the extra you observe, the extra progress you may make in mastering these types!