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〜なり (as soon as)

the moment (and then, unexpectedly)

Verb dictionary form + なり

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なり after a dictionary-form verb means "the moment", and the second action is usually unexpected or abrupt: 彼女は私の顔を見るなり、泣き出した, "the moment she saw my face, she burst into tears".

Both actions have the same subject, and it's a third person. You don't use it about yourself, or for plans and requests.

It's close to や否や and が早いか. What makes なり distinct is the same subject and the sense of surprise at what they did next.

Don't confuse it with なりに (N2), "in one's own way", or with 〜なり〜なり (N1), "either … or". And the た-form + なり is a different pattern again: 出かけたなり帰ってこない, "went out and never came back".

Examples

  • 彼かれは家いえに帰かえるなり、部屋へやに閉とじこもった。

    The moment he got home, he shut himself in his room.

  • 彼女かのじょは私わたしの顔かおを見みるなり、泣なき出だした。

    The moment she saw my face, she burst into tears.

  • 父ちちは電話でんわに出でるなり、怒鳴どなり始はじめた。

    The moment my father picked up the phone, he started shouting.

  • 息子むすこは座すわるなり、「お腹なかすいた」と言いった。

    The moment my son sat down, he said "I'm hungry".

  • 彼かれは一口食ひとくちたべるなり、顔かおをしかめた。

    He grimaced as soon as he took a bite.

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