Search pages and navigate
A or B; either... or (as examples)
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞／動詞辞書形＋なり（名詞／動詞辞書形＋なり）" is used to give two or more options as examples for someone to choose from. It is often followed by a suggestion, command, or expression of intent. This pattern is used to present hypothetical options or choices, and it is commonly used in situations where the speaker is offering alternatives or possibilities. For example, if someone is unsure about what to do, the speaker might say "分からないことがあれば、先生に聞く______自分で調べる______してください." This pattern is often used in formal or polite language, and it can be used to add a sense of politeness or consideration to the speaker's message.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Verb form name: 連用形 (Ren'yōkei) | 名詞／動詞連用形＋なり（名詞／動詞連用形＋なり） | 読むなり書くなり |
| Verb form name: 連体形 (Rentaikei) | 名詞／動詞連体形＋なり（名詞／動詞連体形＋なり） | 読むなり書くなり |
| Verb form name: 仮定形 (Katei-kei) | 名詞／動詞仮定形＋なり（名詞／動詞仮定形＋なり） | 読むなり書くなら |
Examples
分からないことがあれば、先生に聞くなり自分で調べるなりしてください。
Fukan de aru koto ga areba, sensei ni kiku na ri jibun de sore o shiru na ri shite kudasai.
If you don't understand something, you can ask the teacher or look it up yourself.
分からないことがあれば (If you don't understand something) /先生に聞くなり (ask the teacher) /自分で調べるなり (look it up yourself)
昼休みは、読書をするなり昼寝をするなり、好きなように過ごしていい。
Hiru yasumi wa, dokusho o suru na ri hiru nemu o suru na ri, suki na yō ni sugoshite ii.
During the afternoon break, you can either read a book or take a nap, whichever you prefer.
昼休みは (During the afternoon break) /読書をするなり (read a book) /昼寝をするなり (take a nap)
電話するなりメールを送るなりして、至急連絡を取ってください。
Denwa o suru na ri meiru o okuru na ri shite, shikyū renraku o toratte kudasai.
Either call or send a message, and please let me know as soon as possible.
電話するなり (call) /メールを送るなり (send a message)
Context
This pattern is used to present hypothetical options or choices, and it is commonly used in situations where the speaker is offering alternatives or possibilities. It is often used in formal or polite language, and it can be used to add a sense of politeness or consideration to the speaker's message. This pattern can be used to add a sense of flexibility or options to the speaker's message, and it can be used to present different possibilities or scenarios.
Watch out
The pattern is used to present hypothetical options or choices, and it is not suitable for describing past events. Using the past tense can make the sentence sound unnatural or awkward.
～たり～たり is used to describe actions that are done alternately or in a sequence, while this pattern is used to present different possibilities or scenarios.
This pattern is used to present hypothetical options or choices, and it is not suitable for describing past events. Using the past tense can make the sentence sound more natural and accurate.
Strategy
When using this pattern in the JLPT exam, make sure to use the correct verb form and to present the options in a clear and concise manner. Avoid using the past tense or confusing it with other patterns.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞／動詞辞書形＋なり（名詞／動詞辞書形＋なり） used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
分からないことがあれば、先生に聞くなり／なり自分で調べる______してください。
Pattern used: なり／なり
‘Nari... nari’ is used to present options for action (asking or researching) to the listener.
昼休みは、読書をするなり／なり昼寝をする______、好きなように過ごしていい。
Pattern used: なり／なり
‘Nari... nari’ suggests choices for spending time, whereas ‘dano’ often sounds like complaining.
電話するなり／なりメールを送る______して、至急連絡を取ってください。
Pattern used: なり／なり
The sentence gives two options for communication, making ‘nari... nari’ the correct choice.
Interactive
分からないことがあれば、先生に聞く______自分で調べる______してください。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.