「〜なり」- As Soon As

Explanation

「〜なり」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express "as soon as," indicating that two actions or events happen almost simultaneously. It emphasizes that the second action occurs immediately after the first one.

Grammar Pattern

Grammar Point	Connection	Explanation
Verb Dictionary Form + なり	Verb Dictionary Form + なり	Indicates that the second action happens immediately after the first one.

Basic Usage

「〜なり」 is used to describe two actions or events that happen almost simultaneously, emphasizing the immediacy of the second action following the first. It is commonly used in spoken language to convey a sense of urgency or quick response.

Examples

• 家いえに着つくなり、電話でんわを掛かけた。
• Ie ni tsuku nari, denwa o kaketa.
• As soon as I got home, I made a phone call.
  

• 彼かれは会議かいぎが終おわるなり、出でかけた。
• Kare wa kaigi ga owaru nari, dekaketa.
• As soon as the meeting ended, he left.
  

• 子供こどもは学校がっこうから帰かえるなり、遊あそびに行いった。
• Kodomo wa gakkou kaeru nari, asobi ni itta.
• As soon as the child came home from school, they went out to play.
  

• 彼女かのじょは部屋へやに入はいるなり、泣なき出だした。
• Kanojo wa heya ni hairu nari, naki dashita.
• As soon as she entered the room, she started crying.
  

Comparison and Differences

「〜なり」 and 「〜とたんに」 both mean "as soon as," but they differ in tone and usage.

Grammar Point	Tone	Usage Context
〜なり	More colloquial, emphasizes quick response	Everyday conversation
〜とたんに	More formal, emphasizes a sudden change	Written or formal contexts

Example:

• 彼かれはドアドアを開あけるとたんに、雨あめが降ふり出だした。
• Kare wa doa o akeru totan ni, ame ga furi dashita.
• As soon as he opened the door, it started raining.
  

Deep Dive

「〜なり」 is primarily used to describe two actions or events that happen almost simultaneously, emphasizing the immediacy of the second action following the first. It is commonly used in spoken language to convey a sense of urgency or quick response.

Summary

「〜なり」 is a Japanese grammatical structure used to express "as soon as," indicating that two actions or events happen almost simultaneously. It emphasizes the immediacy of the second action following the first. Mastering this structure will help you better express quick responses and a sense of urgency in everyday conversations.