I was so surprised to read:
孝行をしたい時分に親はなし。
(paraphrase) When one finally wants to truly fulfill the obligation to his/her parents, they often have already passed away.
(note): I would have said "親たち", but that is not the real question I have. anyway...
I had expected:
孝行をしたい時分に親はいなし。
How about this example sentence:
日本人なしで、お店に入った。
This example is not a "set phrase" and uses "なし" for an animate thing
- That such a massive paraphrase was requited means that sentence is more of a "set phrase"?
- "無し{なし}" is used for both inanimate things and animate things?