JLPT N1 grammar

〜なら〜なりmeaning and usage

Meaning

If A/B is the case, in a manner appropriate to A/B

How to form it

  • nounならnounなりに/なりの
  • な-adjective (stem)ならな-adjective (stem)なりに
  • い-adjectiveならい-adjectiveなりに
  • verb (nai-form)ならverb (nai-form)なりに

How it is used

The same word is repeated: 'if it is A, then do B in a way that suits A', accepting the situation and making the best of it. A stronger form of 「〜なりに」.

Examples

  1. ピアノが好きなら好きなりに熱心にやってみたらいい。

    If you like the piano, you should try (using that feeling and) giving it your all.

  2. 時間がないならないなりに、できることから始めよう。

    If we're short of time, then let's work with that and start with what we can do.

  3. 子供なら子供なりに、家族のためにできることがある。

    A child can do things for the family in a child's own way.