〜なり: meaning and usage

How to form it

• verb (dictionary form)+なり

How it is used

'As soon as A, (suddenly) B': B is an unexpected, sudden action, usually by the same person, mostly in past narration. Not used for the speaker's intentions or commands. More written than 「〜たとたん」.

Examples

1. 私は退院した父を見るなり涙が出た。

   I started crying the moment I saw my Dad (who had left the hospital).

2. 弟は布団に入るなり、いびきをかき始めた。

   The moment my brother got into bed, he started snoring.

3. その客は店に入ってくるなり、大声で店員を呼んだ。

   The moment the customer walked in, they called loudly for a member of staff.