なり
Meanings
Used after a noun to suggest an example or a tentative choice, implying there are other possibilities. Often softens a suggestion.
Would you like something to drink, like tea or coffee?
... or ...
Used in the pattern ...なり...なり to list options, often implying that either choice is fine or that the listener can decide.
Please contact me by phone or email.
Follows the dictionary form of a verb. Indicates that the second action happens immediately after the first.
As soon as I got home, it started raining.
while still; with the previous state continuing
Follows the past tense of a verb. Describes an action done while the result of the previous action remains unchanged.
He sat down and wouldn't move, staying just as he was.
Usage patterns
- 〈物〉なり(something) or the like, as one option
How about some tea, for instance?
- 〈物〉なり〈物〉なりeither (this) or (that), whichever is fine
Please contact me by phone or email, whichever is easier.
- 〈動詞〉なり、〈事〉as soon as (someone does something), (something else happens)
The moment he got home, he collapsed.
- 〈動詞〉たなりleft just as it was after doing something
The shoes were left right where he'd taken them off at the entrance.