なり

The grammar structure なり expresses that as soon as or the moment one action occurs, another action immediately follows. It conveys a sense of surprise, unexpectedness, or immediacy – the second action happens so quickly after the first that there is virtually no gap between them.

Basic usage

なり attaches to the dictionary form (plain non-past) of a verb. The subject of the first clause and the subject of the second clause are typically the same person.

Key nuances

• The second action is usually involuntary, surprising, or dramatic. This sets なり apart from similar grammar like 〜～たとたん or 〜～やいなや. Using なり implies something noteworthy or unexpected happened right away.

• The second clause typically describes a completed action (past tense). It is unnatural to use なり with commands, requests, intentions, or volitional expressions in the second clause.

• The subject of the なり clause and the main clause should generally be the same person. If you need different subjects, other structures like 〜～たとたん are more appropriate.

Comparison with similar grammar

• 〜～たとたん: Also means "the moment ~", but uses the た-form and does not carry the same nuance of surprise or drama. It can be used with different subjects.
• 〜～やいなや: Very similar to なり in meaning and formality, but やいなや can more freely take different subjects and is slightly more literary.
• 〜～かから～ないかのうちに: Emphasizes the overlap between the two actions ("barely had time to ~").

Important notes

• なり is a literary/written expression commonly found in novels, essays, and formal narration. It sounds stiff in casual conversation.
• Do not confuse this なり with the classical copula なり (meaning "is/are") or the pattern ～なり～なり (meaning "either ~ or ~").