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なり

Grammar & Usage

auxiliary verb, particle, suffix, conjunction

varies from archaic/literary to neutral/casual, depending on usage

How it works

The form 'なり' has multiple functions: it can be an archaic/literary copula (equivalent to だ/です), a particle indicating 'or' (AなりBなり), a particle indicating 'as soon as' or 'immediately upon doing' (Vるなり), or a suffix indicating 'like/resembling' or 'a certain kind of' (Nなり). Its precise meaning is determined by context and the part of speech it attaches to.

Sample sentences

電車を降りるなり、走り出した。

As soon as I got off the train, I started running.

わからないことがあれば、先生なり友達なりに聞けばいい。

If there's something you don't understand, you should ask either the teacher or a friend.

これはこれで、彼なりの意見だろう。

This is probably his own opinion, in his own way.

Quick facts

polysemy:Highly polysemous, requiring careful contextual interpretation. Distinguish from the verb 'なる' (to become/to be).

etymology:Multiple origins for different usages, including the auxiliary verb 'なる' (to become) and the copula 'にあり'.

historical_context:The copula 'なり' (from にあり) is primarily found in classical Japanese literature and more formal or literary modern expressions, often replaced by 'だ' or 'です' in contemporary speech.

Often used with

AなりBなり (A or B)

Vるなり (as soon as V)

Nなり (like N / a certain kind of N)

～であるなり (to be / it is that)

なきなり (it is not / there is no - archaic)

Mnemonic

Get an AI-generated memory hook for なり — a vivid scene that locks the word in your brain 🧠

Example

電車を降りるなり、走り出した。

As soon as I got off the train, I started running.

わからないことがあれば、先生なり友達なりに聞けばいい。

If there's something you don't understand, you should ask either the teacher or a friend.