～なり～なり
Or, Either or
Structure
Noun (A) + （Particle(1)）+ なり + Noun (B) + （Particle(1)）+ なり
Noun (A) + なり + Noun (B) + なり + （Particle(1)）
Verb［る］+ なり + WH-Word + （Particle）+ なり + する
Noun + （Particle(1)）+ なり + WH-Word + （Particle(1)）+ なり
(1) Particles を and が cannot be used in this case
Explanation
The classical adverbial particle なり presents a list of suggested possibilities, indicating that one of them should be chosen. Using なり implies that the given options, like (A) or (B), are just examples, and that other similar choices from the same category would also be acceptable. This makes the list non-exhaustive.
なり is considered a somewhat formal expression. It can follow verbs in their dictionary form, or nouns. In some situations, a noun might be followed by another particle before なり, especially when that particle provides crucial information for the suggested choice, such as に to mark a person or place.
- まだ時間があるみたいだから、テレビを見るなりゲームをするなりして、ゆっくりしてていいよ。終わったら声をかけるから。It looks like we still have some time, so feel free to watch TV or play a game and just relax. I'll call you when I'm done.
- この服はもう着ないので、誰かにあげるなり寄付するなり、ご自由にどうぞ。I don't wear these clothes anymore, so you can give them to someone or donate them; feel free to do whatever you like.
- 先に帰るなら、置き手紙なりメッセージなり一言くらい残すのが普通だろう！If you're going to leave first, it's common courtesy to leave a note or send a message to let someone know!
- そんなに悩んでいるなら、先生になり先輩になり聞けばいいじゃないか。If it's bothering you that much, you should just ask a teacher or one of the upperclassmen!
Just like other adverbial particles, なり cannot be used immediately after the particles が or を.
Caution
The key difference between (A) なり (B) なり and similar grammar like など or や is its focus on presenting options from which a choice is expected. Because of this, なり is used for making 'either this, or that' type suggestions, and not for simply listing examples with the meaning of 'such as'.
Examples
海なり山なり、自然の多いところに旅行したいなあ。
Whether it's the sea or the mountains, I'd love to travel somewhere with lots of nature.
休日は、映画を見るなり本を読むなりして、ゆっくり過ごしたいです。
On my days off, I want to relax by doing things like watching a movie or reading a book.
困ったことがあったら、先生なり先輩なりに相談した方がいいよ。
If you ever have a problem, you should talk to a teacher or an upperclassman.
上司が部下に：「疲れているなら、少し休むなりコーヒーを飲むなりして、リフレッシュしなさい。」
Boss to subordinate: 'If you're tired, refresh yourself by taking a short break or drinking some coffee.'
どうぞ、お茶なりジュースなり、好きなものを飲んでください。
Please, have whatever you'd like to drink, whether it's tea or juice.
友達にアドバイスする：「一人で悩んでないで、誰かに聞くなりネットで調べるなりしてみたら？」
Giving advice to a friend: 'Instead of worrying by yourself, why don't you try asking someone or looking it up online?'
詳しいことが知りたければ、メールなり何なりで担当者にご連絡ください。
If you'd like to know the details, please contact the person in charge by email or some other method.
お医者さんが患者に：「健康のために、散歩するなり軽い運動をするなり、体を動かす習慣をつけましょう。」
Doctor to patient: 'For your health, let's make a habit of moving your body, whether it's taking a walk or doing some light exercise.'
仕事をしていれば、好きなり嫌いなり、色々な人と関わることになる。
When you're working, you end up dealing with all sorts of people, whether you like them or not.
親が子供に：「『つまらない』って言わないの。外で遊ぶなり宿題をするなり、やることはあるでしょ！」
Parent to child: 'Don't just say "I'm bored." There are things you can do, like playing outside or doing your homework!'
プレゼントは、アクセサリーなり服なり、彼女が喜びそうなものにしよう。
For the present, let's choose something she would like, such as accessories or clothes.
このプロジェクトを成功させるためなら、徹夜するなり休日出勤するなり、何でもします。
To make this project a success, I'll do whatever it takes, whether that means pulling an all-nighter or working on a holiday.