Grammar Info

N1 Lesson 2: 6/17

なりAs soon as, The moment, When

Structure

Verb［る］+ なり

Details

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About なり

なり is an old-fashioned particle in Japanese that has several different uses. One of those uses is to convey the meaning of 'as soon as (A), (B)', or 'the moment of (A), (B)'. This structure will follow the dictionary form of verbs and is classified as a conjunction particle.

(B) is usually something that is surprising, and brought about by a strong sense of will or emotion. Additionally, なり is almost always used in relation to other people, rather than oneself.

Fun Fact

Despite appearing to be a conjugation of the う-Verb なる 'to become' at first glance, なり is actually one of the readings of 形(なり), meaning 'shape', and refers to the overall situation of (A) in a similar way to ところ.

Examples

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    父(ちち)が出張(しゅっちょう)から帰(かえ)るなり母(はは)は泣(な)きだした。

    The moment father returned home from a business trip, mother started crying.

    彼女(かのじょ)はジョークを聞(き)くなり笑(わら)い出(だ)してしまった。

    As soon as she heard the joke, she bursted out laughing.

    うちの奥(おく)さんは毎日(まいにち)起(お)きるなりスマホで電子(でんし)メールを見(み)ている。

    As soon as my wife wakes up, she checks mail on her smartphone.

    踊(おど)りを止(や)めるなり、彼女(かのじょ)が急(きゅう)にキスしてくれたんだ。気持(きも)ちいい。

    As soon as I stopped dancing, she suddenly kissed me. I feel great.

    実家(じっか)のお母(かあ)さんからの電報(でんぽう)が来(く)るなり、山田(やまだ)さんは青(あお)ざめた。

    As soon as the telegram from his mother came, Yamada became pale.

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