Meaning
This grammar pattern is used when presenting two options. It expresses the idea of choosing one from among listed or parallel items. It carries the same meaning as 「…か…か」(whether ... or ...).
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (dictionary form) | 辞書形 + なり…なり |
| Noun | 名詞 + なり…なり |
Examples
-
旅行の二日目の午前中は自由時間ですから、散歩するなり買い物するなり、自由に過ごしてください。
The morning of the second day of the trip is free time, so whether you take a walk or go shopping, please spend it however you like. -
もう着ない服は捨てるなり売るなり処分しなさい。
Get rid of clothes you no longer wear — either throw them away or sell them. -
母：お母さんは明日の朝早く出掛けちゃうから、朝ごはんパンなりごはんなり自分で用意して食べてね。息子：はい！
Mom: I'm leaving early tomorrow morning, so whether it's bread or rice, prepare your own breakfast and eat, okay? Son: Okay!
Summary
- 「〜なり…なり」means "whether ... or" or "either ... or"
- Attaches to the dictionary form of verbs or to nouns
- This is an N1-level grammar pattern used to present alternatives