N4 practice question - Leave the computer on

Bunpro
#1

Got this one wrong, think it’s exposing some underlying misconceptions on my part on てある vs ておく

A [このパソコン、使わないなら、消してもいいですか]
B [あ、すぐ、使うので、（ ）ください]

１．つけてみて
２．つけてあって
３．つけてしまって
４．つけておいて

I picked 2 as I thought this represented ‘leave the computer switched on’ - てある being remaining state on transitive verbs. I believe the state of the computer to be currently on (A is asking whether to turn it off).

I looked at 4 and thought it meant ‘could you switch it on (in preparation of me using it later)’ implying the computer is currently off.

不正解 :tired_face:

I’ve re-read the ておく explaination and seen the part about ‘leave something alone’ - so I guess my question is really ‘why is 2 wrong’

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#2

てある is used to express that an object remains in a certain state now due to an action that took place in the past. So it has the nuance of the action being done already.

Meanwhile ておく is used for an action you’re planning on doing (future oriented).

So that’s why person B asking “… please leave it on” has to be ておく.

Almost got it! You’re right about つける meaning “to turn on”, but with ておく attached to it, it means “to leave it on”. When person A asks “is it okay if I turn it off?” it is implied that the computer is on already.

I hope this helped!

4 Likes
#3

Yep, exactly like @Redglare said, the only difference here is the nuance of whether it needs doing, or if it just continues to be in the state its on.

3 Likes
#4

Thanks very much for the help

1 Like