Translation guide
The English word 'dependable' describes someone or something that can be relied upon consistently. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize reliability, trustworthiness, and consistency. The most common and natural ways to convey 'dependable' depend on the context—whether describing a person, an object, or a service.
To say that someone is dependable, trustworthy, and can be counted on.
This is the most common and natural way to describe a dependable person. It literally means 'becomes a reliance' and is used for people you can count on for help, support, or getting things done.
He is a really dependable person.
I have a dependable friend who is always there when I'm in trouble.
This means 'trustworthy' or 'reliable' and is slightly more formal. It emphasizes that the person can be trusted to do what they say or to keep promises.
She is a dependable colleague.
This noun describes a person who is steady, reliable, and has their act together. It often implies a sense of responsibility and maturity.
My younger sister is a dependable person and always supports the family.
Similar to 頼りになる, but slightly more casual and can sometimes imply reliance on someone's ability or promise. Often used in negative form to say someone is unreliable.
He's not dependable, so you'd better do it yourself.
To say that a machine, tool, service, or system is dependable and works consistently well.
This phrase means 'high reliability' and is commonly used for products, machines, or systems. It is a standard way to describe dependability in technical or commercial contexts.
This car is dependable and lasts a long time.
Means 'stable' or 'steady'. It is used for things that perform consistently without unexpected failures, like internet connections or software.
The potential form of 頼る (to rely on), used as an adjective. It can describe both people and things, but for objects it often sounds slightly personified or casual.
This watch is really dependable.
To describe someone who is dependable in a job setting, meaning they are responsible and can be trusted with tasks.
Literally 'has a sense of responsibility'. This is a key trait of a dependable employee or colleague. It implies they take their duties seriously.
He is dependable and sees every task through to the end.
Means 'can be entrusted with work'. It directly conveys that someone is dependable enough to handle tasks without supervision.
Both mean 'dependable', but 頼りになる is more about being able to lean on someone for support or help in daily life, while 信頼できる emphasizes trust and integrity, often in more formal or professional relationships. 頼りになる is warmer and more personal.
He's a dependable big-brother figure.
He is a dependable business partner.
The English word 'dependable' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Avoid trying to use a word like 依存できる (which means 'can be depended on' in a needy sense) or a direct translation of 'dependable' as an adjective. Instead, use the phrases and words above that fit the context.
I need a dependable car for my long commute.
She's the most dependable person I know.
This app is dependable and doesn't crash.
She is someone you can depend on with work.