Loading
LingakuLingakuMeaning 1: On par with / Same level as
Meaning 2: Average / Ordinary (standalone)
並み (なみ) is a suffix/noun that expresses the idea of being on par with, equal to, or at the same level as something. It can also mean average or ordinary when used on its own or with certain words. It attaches to nouns to create a comparison, suggesting that something matches the standard or quality of the referenced noun.
When attached to a noun, 並み indicates that something is comparable to or rivals the level of that noun. This is its most common N1-level usage.
The pattern is typically Noun + 並み + の + Noun (modifying a noun) or Noun + 並み + に (modifying a verb/adjective).
When used with words like ひと人, 並み can mean average or ordinary – nothing special, just the normal standard.
On its own, なみ並み can also function as a noun or な-adjective meaning "average" or "ordinary":
並み often carries a sense of surprise or impressiveness – that something unexpectedly reaches the level of the comparison target. For example, saying a child has おとな大人なみ並みのちしき知識 implies it is remarkable that a child has adult-level knowledge. However, when used to mean "average" (as in ひとなみ人並み), the nuance is neutral or even modest.