～なり～なり

• Reading: なり
• Romaji: nari ~ nari
• Formation: Noun A + なり + Noun B + なり / Verb dict. + なり + Verb dict. + なり

Meaning

A phrase used to indicate two representative choices or examples, implying 'whether A or B' or 'something like A or B.' It suggests that either option (or similar alternatives) would be acceptable.

なり～なり presents two representative examples from a broader set of possibilities, with the nuance that either one (or something similar) would be fine. It often carries a suggestive or advisory tone, as if saying 'you could do A or B or whatever works.' Unlike か～か, which asks the listener to choose, なり～なり offers examples without requiring a definitive selection. It is somewhat formal and can sound slightly commanding or prescriptive. The pattern can attach to nouns or verb dictionary forms. In casual speech, でも～でも is a more common alternative.

Examples

1. 紅茶なりコーヒーなり好きなものを注文してください。 Please order whatever you like, whether it's tea or coffee.
2. 電話なりメールなり連絡する方法はいくらでもある。 There are plenty of ways to get in touch, such as by phone or email.
3. 分からなければ先生なり先輩なりに聞いてみたらどうですか。 If you don't understand, why not ask your teacher or a senior student?

Usage Guide

Context: spoken, written

Tone: suggestive

Do Say

• 暇なら本なり映画なり何か楽しめるものを探しなさい。
• 困ったら上司なり同僚なりに相談すべきだ。
• 食べるなり飲むなり好きにしてください。

Don't Say

• 明日なり会いましょう。(Using なり only once — なり～なり requires two items to form the parallel listing structure) → 明日なりあさってなり会いましょう。
• 紅茶なりコーヒーなりを飲みました。(Using なり～なり to describe a completed past action — it is used for suggestions or possibilities, not reporting what actually happened) → 紅茶かコーヒーを飲みました。

Origin & History

なり derives from the classical copula なり, which also carried the sense of 'being in a state of.' Its use in listing representative alternatives developed during the late classical period and persists in modern formal Japanese.

Cultural Context

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal