Japanese grammar
What does ～なり～なり mean? Japanese grammar N1
～なり～なり means either… or… (suggesting options).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + なり + N + なり V辞書形 + なり + V辞書形 + なり |
| Romaji | nari nari |
| Meaning | either… or… (suggesting options) |
Forming it
| Noun | メール + なり + 電話 + なり |
|---|---|
| Verb | 休む + なり + 相談する + なり |
How to use it
States a few representative alternatives for the listener to freely choose; usually a suggestion/piece of advice.
- 「～なり～なり」 lists a few representative alternatives, implying “either one is fine, just pick”. Usually used when advising/suggesting.
- The latter clause is often 「～したらどうですか」, 「～してください」 — i.e. it urges ACTIVE action.
- Different from 「～か～か」 (choosing one from two given options): 「なり」 only gives EXAMPLES; other alternatives are still fine.
Examples
メールなり電話なり、早めに連絡してください。
By email or phone — just contact me soon.
疲れたなら休むなり相談するなりしたらどうですか。
If you’re tired, why not rest or talk to someone?
Keep in mind
- Not used to talk about the speaker's own actions.
- The clause that follows is usually a suggestion or piece of advice.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong私はメールなり電話なりします。
Please contact me by email or phone, whichever.
Correctメールなり電話なり、連絡してください。
「なり～なり」 is used to suggest options for ANOTHER PERSON to choose, not to state one's own action.
-
Wrongメールなり電話なり、連絡がなかった。
Neither by email nor by phone was there any contact.
Correctメールなり電話なり、連絡してください。
The latter clause is a SUGGESTION/piece of advice for action, not a narration of a past event.
Exam tips
- 「なり～なり」 = either A or B (suggesting the other party choose); the latter clause is a suggestion.