なりに
In one's own way, Of someone's own, Do one's best in one's own way, As much as one can
Structure
それ + なりに
［い］Adjective + なりに
［な］Adjective + なりに
Noun (A) + なり + の + Noun (B)
それ + なりの + Noun
Explanation
When used as a noun, なり often indicates that something is acting or being judged within its own specific limits or capabilities. This is used regardless of whether that standard is considered high or low. It can be translated as 'in (one's) own way', 'for what it is', or 'to the best of (one's) ability'. This grammar point is derived from the word 形, meaning 'form' or 'shape', carrying the sense of acting 'in the form of' something.
In these sentences, (A) will be the specific subject, (B) will be the category or condition that defines the subject's capacity, and (C) will be the action or quality being expressed within the scope of (B).
The case marking particles に or の will always follow なり. なりに is used adverbially to modify a verb, while なりの is used to modify a noun. Both forms can attach to the plain form of most words, with the word before it representing the standard or group being described.
- お金が少なくても、少ないなりに楽しむことができる。Even with little money, you can enjoy yourself in your own way.
- 小さい町には小さいなりの良さがある。A small town has its own unique charm.
- 子供は子供なりに、親の手伝いをしようと考えている。Children think about helping their parents in their own little way.
- 下手は下手なりに、一生懸命ケーキを作った。I may be a clumsy cook, but I did my absolute best to make this cake.
This particular usage of なり is a neologism, meaning it is an existing word that has taken on a new meaning over time. When used this way, なり frequently suggests that the subject (A) is not performing at an ideal level, but is making a sincere effort given the 'form' or constraints of its situation.
Examples
彼は初心者なりにチームに貢献しようと努力している。
For a beginner, he is doing his best to contribute to the team.
この家は古いなりに住み心地がよくて、気に入っている。
Even though this house is old, it's comfortable in its own way and I've grown to like it.
大学生には大学生なりの社会に対する意見がある。
University students have their own opinions about society.
彼女は彼女なりに、落ち込んでいる僕を励まそうとしてくれた。
She tried to cheer me up in her own way when I was feeling down.
パーティーはシンプルなりに楽しい雰囲気だった。
The party was simple, but it had a fun atmosphere in its own way.
新人には新人なりの悩みがあるものだ。
New employees have worries of their own.
経験が少ないなりに一生懸命プレゼンを準備した。
Given my lack of experience, I still did my absolute best to prepare the presentation.
このレストラン、最高とは言えないけど、それなりにおいしいよ。
I wouldn't say this restaurant is the best, but it's delicious in its own way.
父は不器用なりに、私のために本棚を作ってくれた。
Even though he's clumsy, my father did his best to build a bookshelf for me.
これは私なりの感謝の気持ちです。どうぞ受け取ってください。
This is just my own small way of showing my gratitude. Please accept it.
自分なりに調べてみたのですが、結局よく分かりませんでした。
I tried looking into it as best I could, but in the end, I still didn't really understand it.
課長：「君のレポート、どうだった？」
佐藤：「完璧とは言えませんが、それなりに良くできたと思います。」
Section Chief: 'How did your report turn out?'
Sato: 'It wasn't perfect, but I think it turned out pretty well.'