Meaning
This grammar pattern expresses a state or degree that corresponds to a certain position or level. For example, 「自分なりに」means "in a way that matches one's own abilities" or "within the range of what one can do" — doing one's personal best given one's own circumstances.
Formation
| Part of speech | Formation |
|---|---|
| Verb (plain form) | 普通形 + なりに／なりの |
| い-adjective | い形容詞 + なりに／なりの |
| な-adjective | な形容詞 + なりに／なりの |
| Noun | 名詞 + なりに／なりの |
Examples
-
書道の授業で、自分なりに上手に書けたと思って先生に提出したら、書き直しを要求された。
In calligraphy class, I thought I had written it well in my own way and submitted it to the teacher, but I was asked to redo it. -
僕たちの提案を否定するなら、代わりにそれなりの案があるんですよね？
If you're going to reject our proposal, you have a suitable alternative plan, right? -
日本語能力試験を受けるのなら、それなりの努力はしてください。
If you're going to take the JLPT, please put in the appropriate amount of effort. -
子供たちは子供たちなりに考えて、母親の誕生日プレゼントを選んだ。
The children chose a birthday present for their mother, thinking about it in their own way.
Summary
- 「〜なりに／なりの」means "in one's own way" or "befitting; appropriate to"
- Attaches to plain form verbs, い-adjectives, な-adjectives, and nouns
- 「それなり」is an idiomatic expression meaning that while something may not be without issues or complaints, it is satisfactory to a certain degree