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Formation: V-dictionary + なり + V-dictionary + なり（する）; N + なり + N + なり

〜なり〜なり gives two examples of possible choices and says that any of them, or something similar, would do. It is used in suggestions, advice, requests and statements of intention, so the main clause is typically 〜しなさい, 〜てください, 〜たらどうか or 〜つもりだ. It is not used to describe past events. It is mainly spoken, and because it can sound bossy it is usually said to equals or people of lower status, not to superiors. Compare 〜やら〜やら, which lists things that actually happened ('what with X and Y'), and 〜にしろ〜にしろ or 〜であれ〜であれ, which mean 'whether X or Y, the result is the same' rather than offering options.

Variants: 〜なり何なり、何なりと、〜なり（と） (single use: or something)

Examples

• 分からなければ、先生に聞くなり辞書を引くなりしなさい。
  If you don't understand, ask the teacher, look it up in a dictionary, something.
• 電話なりメールなりで、早めに連絡してください。
  Please get in touch soon, by phone, email or whatever.
• 休日くらい、映画を見るなり散歩するなりしたらどうだ。
  On your day off at least, why not see a movie, go for a walk, something like that?

In real texts 0 occurrence(s)

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