Japanese grammar
What does ～なり（動詞） mean? Japanese grammar N1
～なり（動詞） means the moment one does… (immediately).
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N1 |
|---|---|
| Structure | V辞書形 + なり |
| Romaji | nari(doushi) |
| Meaning | the moment one does… (immediately) |
Forming it
| Verb (arrive) | 着く + なり |
|---|---|
| Verb (go home) | 帰る + なり |
How to use it
States that as soon as A finishes, B immediately happens, usually unexpectedly. The same pattern as 「～なり」 already covered.
- 「V辞書形＋なり」 = as soon as A is done, B immediately follows. The same pattern as 「～なり」 (see that entry); kept as two rows per the source catalog.
- The subject of both clauses must be the SAME person; the latter clause is usually in the た form and carries a sense of the unexpected.
- The latter clause does NOT use the speaker's intention/a command.
Examples
彼は家に帰るなり、倒れるように眠った。
The moment he got home, he collapsed into sleep.
駅に着くなり、彼女は電話をかけてきた。
No sooner had she reached the station than she called.
Keep in mind
- Attaches to the dictionary form.
- The clause that follows expresses something unexpected, not a command.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong家に帰ったなり、寝てしまった。
The moment he got home, he fell straight asleep.
Correct家に帰るなり、寝てしまった。
「なり」 attaches to the DICTIONARY form (帰る), not the た form.
-
Wrong家に帰るなり、宿題をしなさい。
As soon as you get home, go do your homework.
Correct家に帰るなり、寝てしまった。
The latter clause is an UNEXPECTED action that already happened, not a command.
Exam tips
- 「Vる+なり」 = as soon as A, B immediately follows (unexpected); attaches to the dictionary form.