Meaning & Usage
Looking to offer advice or suggestions in Japanese with a natural, sophisticated touch? The N1 grammar point 〜なり〜なり (nari nari) is exceptionally useful. While fundamentally meaning "either X or Y," this pattern adds a nuanced layer. It suggests flexible options, provides representative examples, or offers gentle suggestions for action.
Consider 〜なり〜なり when you want to tell someone, "You could do X, or Y, or something similar – whatever works best!" It's not a strict command or a simple list. Rather, it presents a range of possibilities, often to solve a problem, aid decision-making, or illustrate potential actions. The options presented with 〜なり〜なり are usually of a similar type or serve the same purpose, providing a flexible framework for action.
In English, we might say "either...or," "X or Y, whichever you prefer," or "do X, or Y, or something along those lines." For example, if a friend is bored, you might suggest, "Go to the park or read a book." In Japanese, using 〜なり〜なり conveys a gentle recommendation. It implies these are just a couple of good ideas among many possibilities. The specific choice between X and Y isn't paramount; instead, the act of choosing something productive or beneficial is the main point.
This grammar point is highly adaptable. It's frequently used when giving advice, brainstorming solutions, or simply illustrating possible courses of action. It's often employed when addressing someone else, prompting them to consider one of the presented options. This pattern conveys a thoughtful and considerate tone, implying a readiness to accept whichever option is chosen, or even another similar option not explicitly mentioned. Essentially, it says, "Here are some ideas; feel free to pick one or come up with your own version that fits the spirit of these suggestions."
While it can be used in both written and spoken contexts, 〜なり〜なり tends to lend a slightly more formal or polished air than simpler alternatives like 〜とか〜とか (toka toka). While 〜とか〜とか can simply list examples, 〜なり〜なり often implies a call to action or encourages consideration of choices. It prompts the listener to take initiative based on the provided examples. Think of it as presenting an "example set" from which the listener is encouraged to draw, rather than a definitive, exhaustive list.
Structure & Formation
The structure for 〜なり〜なり is simple, primarily connecting to verbs and nouns. You present two (or sometimes more) options, separating them with なり.
Connecting to Verbs
When connecting to verbs, use the dictionary form (basic form) of the verb.
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb | Verb (dictionary form) + なり + Verb (dictionary form) + なり | 食べるなり、飲むなり (taberu nari, nomu nari) |
You can also use this with expressions that act like verbs, or adverbial forms that lead to actions. For instance, 「静かにするなり、部屋を出るなり」 (shizuka ni suru nari, heya o deru nari - either be quiet or leave the room) uses the verb form of an adverbial phrase.
Connecting to Nouns
When connecting to nouns, simply attach なり directly after the noun.
| Type | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Noun | Noun + なり + Noun + なり | 私なり、彼なり (watashi nari, kare nari) |
Example Sentences
General Advice and Suggestions
わからないことがあったら、先生に聞くなり、友達に相談するなりしてみなさい。
Wakaranai koto ga attara, sensei ni kiku nari, tomodachi ni soudan suru nari shite minasai.
If there's something you don't understand, try asking your teacher or consulting with a friend.
困っているなら、私に言うなり、誰かに助けを求めるなりすべきだ。
Komatte iru nara, watashi ni iu nari, dareka ni tasuke wo motomeru nari subeki da.
If you're in trouble, you should either tell me or ask someone for help.
もっと健康になるためには、運動するなり、食生活を見直すなりした方がいいよ。
Motto kenkou ni naru tame ni wa, undou suru nari, shokuseikatsu wo minaosu nari shita hou ga ii yo.
To become healthier, you should either exercise or review your diet.
Problem Solving and Options
この問題を解決するには、時間をかけて調べるなり、専門家に相談するなり、どちらかにするしかない。
Kono mondai wo kaiketsu suru ni wa, jikan wo kakete shiraberu nari, senmonka ni soudan suru nari, dochiraka ni suru shika nai.
To solve this problem, you have no choice but to either spend time investigating it or consult with an expert.
引っ越すなら、早めに荷物を整理するなり、不用品を処分するなりして、準備を始めるべきだ。
Hikkosu nara, hayame ni nimotsu wo seiri suru nari, fuyouhin wo shobun suru nari shite, junbi wo hajimeru beki da.
If you're moving, you should start preparing by either organizing your belongings or getting rid of unnecessary items early.
週末は映画を見るなり、買い物に行くなりして過すつもりだ。
Shuumatsu wa eiga wo miru nari, kaimono ni iku nari shite sugosu tsumori da.
This weekend, I plan to spend it either watching a movie or going shopping (or something similar).
Personal Choice and Flexibility
明日の会議には、私が出席するなり、佐藤さんが代理で出るなり、どちらでも構いません。
Ashita no kaigi ni wa, watashi ga shusseki suru nari, Satou-san ga dairi de deru nari, dochira demo kamaimasen.
For tomorrow's meeting, it's fine if either I attend or Mr./Ms. Sato attends as a substitute.
メニューは、和食なり洋食なり、お好きなものをどうぞ。
Menyuu wa, washoku nari youshoku nari, osuki na mono wo douzo.
For the menu, please choose either Japanese food or Western food, whichever you like.
どうしても気になるなら、本人に直接聞くなり、友人にそれとなく尋ねるなりしてみたらどうですか。
Doushitemo ki ni naru nara, honnin ni chokusetsu kiku nari, yuujin ni sore to naku tazuneru nari shite mitara dou desu ka?
If you're really curious, why don't you try asking the person directly or subtly inquiring with a friend?
When You're Stuck
インターネットで情報を集めるなり、図書館で本を読むなりして、自分で考えてごらん。
Intaanetto de jouhou wo atsumeru nari, toshokan de hon wo yomu nari shite, jibun de kangaete goran.
Try thinking for yourself by either gathering information on the internet or reading books at the library.
わからない単語は、辞書で調べるなり、スマートフォンのアプリを使うなりして覚えましょう。
Wakaranai tango wa, jisho de shiraberu nari, sumaatofon no apuri wo tsukau nari shite oboemashou.
For words you don't know, let's learn them by either looking them up in a dictionary or using a smartphone app.
困ったときは、遠慮なく上司に相談するなり、同僚に手伝いを求めるなりしてください。
Komatta toki wa, enryo naku joushi ni soudan suru nari, douryou ni tetsudai wo motomeru nari shite kudasai.
When you're in trouble, please don't hesitate to either consult with your boss or ask a colleague for help.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Confusing with simple listing (〜とか〜とか)
While 〜とか〜とか can also list examples, 〜なり〜なり carries a stronger implication: it suggests or encourages choosing from the given options (or similar ones) for action. In contrast, 〜とか〜とか can be a mere enumeration without that underlying call to action.
❌ 映画を見るとか、本を読むとかして過したらどう？ (This isn't grammatically wrong, but lacks the nuance of an active recommendation.)
✅ 映画を見るなり、本を読むなりして過したらどう？
Explanation: The correct sentence using 〜なり〜なり suggests "either watching a movie or reading a book (or something like that) as a way to spend time," carrying a more proactive suggestion for the listener to choose one of those actions. 〜とか〜とか just lists possibilities without the same persuasive or advising nuance.
Mistake 2: Incorrect verb or noun form
Always use the dictionary form for verbs and the plain form for nouns. Other conjugations or particles can make the phrase sound unnatural or incorrect.
❌ 食べたいなり、飲みたいなり ✅ 食べるなり、飲むなり
Explanation: The dictionary form (basic form) is required. 「食べたい」 (tabetai) is the -tai form (desire), not the dictionary form. For nouns, ensure they are used directly without extra particles like が or を if the focus is on the noun itself as an option.
Mistake 3: Using for unrelated or contrasting items
〜なり〜なり is most effective when the options are similar in nature, serve a similar purpose, or belong to a general category of suggestions. Using it for wildly disparate or contrasting items can sound odd.
❌ 空なり、海なり ✅ 赤ワインなり、白ワインなり、お好きな方をどうぞ。
Explanation: While 「空なり、海なり」 isn't strictly ungrammatical, it lacks the contextual coherence that 〜なり〜なり usually implies for suggestions or choices. The corrected sentence offers similar items (types of wine) from which a choice is to be made, making the usage natural.
Mistake 4: Using for definite, singular choices
〜なり〜なり implies a flexibility of choice among several representative options. If the choice is very specific, definite, or between two utterly distinct, non-representative options, other grammar patterns might be more suitable.
❌ 今日なり、明日なり、私は行く。
✅ 今日なり明日なり、都合のいいときに連絡してください。
Explanation: The incorrect sentence suggests a choice of day for an action by the speaker. However, 〜なり〜なり implies offering options to someone else (or to oneself) within a flexible context. The corrected sentence uses it appropriately to offer flexible timing for the listener to contact. If the speaker is simply stating they will go on one of two days, a simple "今日か明日" (kyou ka ashita) would be more natural.
Cultural Notes
In Japanese culture, offering suggestions or advice without being overly prescriptive is highly valued. 〜なり〜なり wonderfully captures this nuanced communication style. When a Japanese speaker uses this pattern, it often reflects politeness and consideration, signaling to the listener that their autonomy and preferences are respected.
You might hear a manager tell a subordinate, 「困ったら私に相談するなり、先輩に尋ねるなりして解決しなさい」 (Komatara watashi ni soudan suru nari, senpai ni tazuneru nari shite kaiketsu shinasai - If you're stuck, resolve it by either consulting me or asking a senior colleague). This isn't a strict command, but a helpful guide that gives options without dictating a single path. It encourages initiative within a flexible framework.
Similarly, when inviting someone, instead of saying, 「来てください」 (kite kudasai - please come), one might say, 「都合がいいなら電話するなり、メールするなりしてください」 (Tsugou ga ii nara denwa suru nari, meeru suru nari shite kudasai - If it's convenient, please either call or email). This provides multiple convenient ways to respond, showing respect for the recipient's schedule and preferences.
It's less commonly used for expressing personal indecision in a casual way (e.g., "I don't know whether to eat ramen or sushi" would likely be 「ラーメンにするかお寿司にするか」). Instead, it's particularly effective for giving or seeking advice, offering solutions, or illustrating possibilities for action in a considerate manner, whether to oneself (as a self-suggestion) or to others.
JLPT Tips
When you encounter 〜なり〜なり on the JLPT N1 exam, concentrate on its core nuance: offering representative options or suggestions for action. Don't simply look for "either...or" as a basic choice. Instead, consider the underlying implication that the speaker is guiding or advising someone on potential courses of action.
Pay close attention to the forms preceding なり. It will almost always be the dictionary form of a verb or a noun. If you see other verb conjugations, it's likely incorrect. This is a common trap in sentence formation questions.
Distinguish 〜なり〜なり from similar-looking patterns like 〜とか〜とか or 〜にしろ〜にしろ. While all deal with multiple items, their nuances are distinct. 〜なり〜なり suggests flexible, illustrative options for doing something or choosing among similar types of things. 〜とか〜とか is primarily for listing casual examples. 〜にしろ〜にしろ emphasizes that an outcome remains the same regardless of two states or choices. Understanding these subtle differences will help you select the most appropriate pattern for the given context.
Also, pay attention to the sentence's context. Is someone giving advice? Suggesting ways to solve a problem? Or offering choices to someone else? These are all reliable clues that 〜なり〜なり is likely the correct grammar point. Look for phrases that follow, like 「〜してみなさい」 (shite minasai - try doing X), 「〜すべきだ」 (subeki da - should do X), or 「〜してください」 (shite kudasai - please do X), which reinforce the idea of an encouraged action based on the options provided.