GRAMMAR
〜なりに
in one's own way
Explanation
NOTE
〜なりに means in one's own way — doing something to the best of one's own ability or position.
子供は子供なりに考えている。
A child thinks in their own way.
NOTE
It accepts that the effort fits that person's limits — not perfect, but sincere and suited to who they are.
私なりに頑張ったつもりだ。
I believe I did my best in my own way.
なりに often softens a claim of effort, acknowledging it may be imperfect.
NOTE
Attach なりに directly to a noun, often a person or role whose own standard is meant.
STRUCTURE
N辞
なりに彼は彼なりに努力している。
Kare wa kare nari ni doryoku shite iru.
He is making an effort in his own way.
新人なりに工夫してみた。
Shinjin nari ni kufuu shite mita.
As a newcomer, I tried to be creative in my own way.
学生は学生なりに悩んでいる。
Gakusei wa gakusei nari ni nayande iru.
Students have worries in their own way.
彼は彼なりに考えて行動しています。
Kare wa kare narini kangaete koudou shite imasu.
He is acting based on his own way of thinking.
子供には子供なりに悩みがあるものです。
Kodomo ni wa kodomo narini nayami ga aru mono desu.
Children have their own worries in their own way.
私は私なりに一生懸命頑張っています。
Watashi wa watashi narini isshoukenmei ganbatte imasu.
I am doing my best in my own way.
Practice exercises
1
子供は子供なりに考えている。
A child thinks in their own way.
Answer
なりに
2
私なりに頑張ったつもりだ。
I believe I did my best in my own way.
Answer
なりに
3
学生は学生なりに悩んでいる。
Students have worries in their own way.
Answer
なりに
4
自分なりに、会社の方針に即して考える。
I will think in my own way, in accordance with the company's policy.
Answer
なりに
5
彼女は彼女なりに、状況を踏まえて判断した。
She made a judgment in her own way, considering the situation.
Answer
なりに
6
彼も彼なりに、事実に基づいて発言する。
He also speaks in his own way, based on the facts.
Answer
なりに
7
新入社員も新入社員なりに、懸命に業務に取り組んでいる。
Even new employees are diligently tackling their tasks in their own way.
Answer
なりに
8
経験不足ではあるが、彼なりに問題の解決策を模索した。
Although he lacks experience, he searched for solutions to the problem in his own way.
Answer
なりに