なり

なり
auxiliary
is; forms (classical copula)
1. is; forms (classical/literary copula)
Classical copula equivalent to だ/である, often seen in proverbs and formal expressions.
継続(けいぞく)は力(ちから)なり。
Persistence is power. (Continuity is strength.)
Famous proverb
沈黙(ちんもく)は金(きん)なり。
Silence is golden.
Proverb
少年(しょうねん)よ、大志(たいし)を抱(いだ)け、これ青年(せいねん)の志(こころざし)なり。
Boys, be ambitious; this is the aspiration of youth.
Literary style

なり is a classical copula, equivalent to modern だ or である.

USAGE:

Primarily found in:

  • Proverbs and maxims
  • Literary or archaic expressions
  • Formal/elevated writing
  • Buddhist/philosophical texts

FAMOUS PROVERBS:

  • 継続(けいぞく)は力(ちから)なり: Persistence is power
  • 時(とき)は金(かね)なり: Time is money
  • 沈黙(ちんもく)は金(きん)なり: Silence is golden
  • 知(し)は力(ちから)なり: Knowledge is power

GRAMMAR NOTE:
In classical Japanese, なり served as the copula. In modern Japanese, this has been replaced by だ (plain) and です (polite). なり survives in fixed expressions and creates a formal, literary tone.

NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH:

  • ～なり (as soon as): 来(く)るなり = as soon as coming
  • ～なりに (in one's own way): 自分(じぶん)なりに = in one's own way
general
Added 2026.2.4 12:55
09500/09883_nari