This is a polite way to say someone important did something early. They did it to get ready for later.
Verb [て-form] + おかれるPrimary
This is a polite way to say someone important did something early. They did it to get ready for later.
部長は会議の資料をすべてコピーしておかれました。
The department head (respectfully) copied all the materials for the meeting in advance.
先生は、学生が困らないように、参考書を図書館に注文しておかれるそうです。
I hear that the professor (respectfully) orders reference books for the library in advance so that the students won't have trouble.
その件については、まだ会長は何も決めておかれないようです。
Regarding that matter, it seems the chairman has not yet decided anything in advance.
先生が準備しておかれたスライドを使って、プレゼンテーションが行われました。
The presentation was given using the slides that the teacher had prepared in advance.
お客様がお見えになる前に、社長が自ら部屋を暖めておかれました。
Before the client arrived, the company president himself (respectfully) warmed the room in advance.
This phrase is very polite. It is like wearing a fancy suit. You use it for important people or in serious letters. Using it with friends might sound strange or even funny.
This is different from "~te oku" and "~te okimasu". Those forms are for yourself or others. This form is only for someone important. It shows respect for their actions.
Don't use this when you talk about yourself. For example, you cannot say "私が準備しておかれる" (watashi ga junbi shite okareru). This form is for showing respect to others. It is for what they do. You use different words for your own actions. For your own actions, you might say "準備しておきます" (junbi shite okimasu). This shows humility.
More formal alternatives(1)
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