Structure
Noun + なりに
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
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About なりに
When used as a noun, なり often presents an example group from which something exhibits traits of, regardless of whether that group is actually a good example of the trait being described. This use can be translated as 'for (A) do to (C) in the way of (B)'. Or more simply, 'to do its best in its own way', or 'to do as much as one can'. This use stems from 形, meaning 'shape' or 'pattern', and can be thought of as meaning 'in the pattern of'.
In these sentences, (A) will be a specific example from within a group, (B) will be representative of the whole group, and (C), will be the trait or behavior in question related to (B).
Either of the case marking particles に or の will come after なり, depending on whether なり is linked directly to a noun, or is being used adverbially. なりに and なりの may follow almost any word in its plain form, with the word it follows being the group or quality that is being represented.
This use of なり is considered a neologism, which is a pre-existing word that has been adapted to have a new meaning or nuance. When used this way, なり will almost always express that (A) is not doing something adequately or as desired, but is doing the best it can based on the 'pattern' or 'mold' that it comes from.
Examples
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なつみちゃん:「田舎って本当に不便だよね」
こまりちゃん:「田舎は不便な時もあるけど、それなりに魅力もあるよ。」
Natsumi: 'The countryside is really inconvenient, right?'
Komari: 'It might be inconvenient sometimes, but it also has its own charm.'
「子供はいいね。何にも心配ごとも無いし...」
「でも、子供には子供なりの苦しみがあるんだけど。」
'Children have it nice. No worries at all…'
'But children have worries of their own though.'
彼は下手なりに頑張ってラブレターを書いた。
For all of his lack of skill, he did the best that he could (in his own way) to write a love letter.
会計士は会計士なりに頑張って全ての手段を尽くしましたが、解決策を見つけられませんでした。
The accountants have done their best to leave no stone unturned, but they could not find a solution. (as much as one can)
「その問い合わせに対する私なりの回答をご紹介いたします。」
'I would like to present my own answer to that query.'
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Maggie Sensei
言いなり
Japanese Naturally... By Sasaki Mizue
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