なり
As soon as, The moment, When
Structure
Explanation
The particle なり is a classical Japanese expression with various functions. In this usage, it signifies 'the instant (A) happened, (B) occurred', or simply 'as soon as (A), (B)'. It attaches to the dictionary form of a verb and functions as a conjunction particle.
The event described in (B) is often unexpected and happens due to a powerful impulse or feeling. Furthermore, なり is generally used when observing someone else's actions, not when talking about your own.
- 兄は帰宅するなり、かばんを放り投げてベッドに倒れ込んだ。The moment my older brother got home, he tossed his bag aside and collapsed onto the bed.
- 店長はオフィスに入るなり、みんなに大声で文句を言い始めた。As soon as the manager walked into the office, he started complaining loudly to everyone.
- 彼女は電話を切るなり、わっと泣き出したので驚いた。I was surprised because she burst into tears the moment she hung up the phone.
Fun Fact
While it may look like a form of the う-Verb なる ('to become'), this なり actually comes from one of the readings of 形, which means 'shape'. It refers to the completed state of action (A), in a way that is similar to ところ.
Examples
店長は売り上げのレポートを見るなり、顔を真っ赤にして怒り出した。
The moment the manager saw the sales report, his face turned bright red and he flew into a rage.
僕が告白するなり、彼女は逃げ出してしまった。
The moment I confessed my feelings, she ran away.
部屋のドアを開けるなり、弟が散らかしたゴミの山が目に入った。
As soon as I opened the door to my room, I was met with the sight of a mountain of trash my little brother had made.
祖父は椅子に座るなりテレビをつけて相撲を見始める。
The moment my grandfather sits down in his chair, he turns on the TV and starts watching sumo.
赤ちゃんは熱い鍋に触るなり、火がついたように泣き叫んだ。
The moment the baby touched the hot pot, it began to shriek as if it were on fire.
ランナーはゴールラインを越えるなり、その場に倒れ込んだ。
As soon as the runner crossed the finish line, they collapsed right there on the spot.
子供はプレゼントを受け取るなり、ビリビリと包装紙を破いた。
The moment the child received the present, they tore the wrapping paper to shreds.
スタートの合図のピストルが鳴るなり、選手たちは一斉に飛び出した。
The moment the starting pistol sounded, the athletes all burst out of the blocks at once.
財布を忘れたことに気づくなり、家に引っ返した。
The moment I realized I'd forgotten my wallet, I turned right back around and headed home.
こちらが挨拶するなり、無視して行ってしまうとは、なんて失礼な人だ。
For him to just ignore me and walk away the moment I greeted him... what a rude person.
家に帰って来るなり部屋に閉じこもった妹を見て、学校で何かあったのかと心配になった。
Seeing my little sister lock herself in her room the moment she got home made me worry that something might have happened at school.
会社を出ようとするなり、部長に呼び止められるのがお決まりだ。
It's a classic routine: the moment I try to leave the office, the department manager calls me over.