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In one's own way; to the best of one's ability
Definition
The grammar pattern "名詞 / 動詞・形容詞の普通形 + なり + に" is used to indicate that an action or state is appropriate to the status, ability, or level of the subject. It often implies that while something isn't perfect, it is acceptable given the constraints. This pattern is often used to express that something is done to the best of one's ability or in one's own way, rather than striving for perfection. For example, "子供は子供の力で、大人には分からない悩みがあるものだ" means that children have problems that adults can't understand, and it's not because they're trying to be perfect, but because they're doing their best with their limited abilities.
Structure
| Form | Pattern | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 動詞・形容詞の普通形 | 名詞 / 動詞・形容詞の普通形 + なり + に | 子供は子供の力で、 |
| 動詞・形容詞の普通形 | 名詞 / 動詞・形容詞の普通形 + なり + に | 自分は自分で |
| 名詞 | 名詞 + なり + に | 生活は生活なり |
Examples
子供は子供の力で、大人には分からない悩みがあるものだ。
Kodomo wa kodomo no chikara de, otona ni wakaranai nayami ga aru mono da.
Children have problems that adults can't understand, and it's not because they're trying to be perfect, but because they're doing their best with their limited abilities.
子供は子供の力で (children do their best with their limited abilities) + 大人には分からない悩みがあるものだ (they have problems that adults can't understand)
つたない文章ですが、自分で精一杯書いてみました。
Tsutawai no monogatari desu ga, jibun de saikinchō shigai shite mimita.
I wrote it to the best of my ability, even though it's not a good story.
自分で (I did it myself) + 精一杯 (to the best of my ability) + 書いてみました (I wrote it)
収入が減ったら、それで生活を工夫しなければならない。
Shūnyū ga hettara, sore de seikatsu o kōfū shinaubekaranai.
If our income decreases, we'll have to adjust our lifestyle accordingly.
収入が減ったら (if our income decreases) + それで (therefore) + 生活を工夫しなければならない (we'll have to adjust our lifestyle)
彼は彼の力で、困難な問題を解決した。
Kare wa kare no chikara de, konnan na mondai o kaiketsu shita.
He solved the difficult problem to the best of his ability.
彼は彼の力で (he did it to the best of his ability) + 困難な問題を解決した (he solved the difficult problem)
彼女は彼女の意志で、困難な目標を達成した。
Kanojo wa kanojo no ishi de, konnan na mokuhyō o tassei shita.
She achieved the difficult goal with her own will.
彼女は彼女の意志で (she did it with her own will) + 困難な目標を達成した (she achieved the difficult goal)
Context
This pattern is often used to express that something is done to the best of one's ability or in one's own way, rather than striving for perfection. It's a humble expression that acknowledges one's limitations and accepts the outcome. It's not suitable for expressing high-level perfection or achievement, as it implies that something is done with limited abilities. Instead, it's used to convey a sense of effort and dedication.
Watch out
This pattern is not suitable for expressing high-level perfection or achievement, as it implies that something is done with limited abilities.
～なり ～なり is used to express a choice between two options, while ～なり + に is used to express that something is done to the best of one's ability.
The particle 'ni' is used when the subject is a noun, while the particle 'no' is used when the subject is an adjective or a noun with a possessive meaning.
Strategy
Pay attention to the context and the subject of the sentence. If the subject is a noun, use the particle 'ni'. If the subject is an adjective or a noun with a possessive meaning, use the particle 'no'. Also, be careful not to confuse this pattern with ～なり ～なり, as they have different meanings.
In context
Worked examples drawn from JLPT N1 test-style questions. Each sentence shows 名詞 / 動詞・形容詞の普通形 + なり + に used correctly, with a brief note on what the pattern is doing.
子供は子供なりに、大人には分からない悩みがあるものだ。
Pattern used: なりに
Children have troubles 'in their own way' corresponding to their level/status.
つたない文章ですが、自分なりに精一杯書いてみました。
Pattern used: なりに
'jibun nari ni' means 'in my own way' or 'to the best of my ability'.
収入が減ったら、それなりの生活を工夫しなければならない。
Pattern used: なりの
Before 'seikatsu' (noun), 'narino' is used as an adjective meaning 'a lifestyle corresponding to that'.
Interactive
子供は子供______、大人には分からない悩みがあるものだ。
Adaptive practice
Our adaptive engine will quiz you on this grammar pattern and track your progress toward mastery.