JLPT N1
なりに
In one's own way
Structure
Noun なりに
How it works
This expression indicates that someone is doing something to the best of their ability or within their specific limitations. It acknowledges that while a result might not be perfect or conventional, it reflects the subject's personal effort or characteristic style. It can follow nouns or adjectives, often taking the form 'Noun+なりに' or 'Adjective-stem+なりに'.
Examples
子供なりに、今の状況を一生懸命理解しようとしている。
In his own way as a child, he is trying his best to understand the current situation.
収入が増えれば、それなりの悩みも出てくるものだ。
If your income increases, worries corresponding to that level will also emerge.
下手なりに、心を込めて手紙を書きました。
Despite being poor at writing, I wrote this letter with all my heart.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse 'なりに' with 'なり'. While 'なりに' means 'in one's own way', 'なり' as a suffix can mean 'as soon as' or 'either... or...', which have completely different grammatical functions.
Tip
Think of this as 'appropriately for that person/thing'. It's often used to show respect for someone's effort even if the results are modest.
More JLPT N1 grammar
See なりに in real Japanese
Import an article and tap any sentence using it. The explanation comes back about the sentence in front of you, not a textbook example.
Try InputDojo free