1.
is (classical/literary copula)
Classical copula equivalent to だ/である, often seen in proverbs and formal expressions.
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
Common expressions
Common patterns
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 In modern Japanese, this has been replaced by だ (plain) and です (polite).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.