Translation guide
The English word 'dependency' covers several distinct concepts: reliance on something or someone, a territory controlled by another country, and addiction to a substance. This guide separates these meanings and provides natural Japanese equivalents for each.
Expressing that someone or something needs support from another person, thing, or system to function or survive.
The most direct and common translation for 'dependency' in the sense of reliance. Often used in compound nouns like 依存関係 (dependency relationship) or 依存度 (degree of dependency).
彼は親に経済的に依存している。
He is financially dependent on his parents.
この国の経済は石油輸出に依存している。
This country's economy depends on oil exports.
Emphasizes reliance on someone or something as a source of support or help. Often used in phrases like 頼りにする (to rely on).
彼は友達を頼りにしている。
He relies on his friends.
Refers to the property or tendency of being dependent. Often used in technical or analytical contexts.
このシステムは外部サーバーへの依存性が高い。
This system has a high dependency on external servers.
A grammar pattern meaning 'depending on'. Used to express that something is contingent on another factor.
成功は努力次第だ。
Success depends on effort.
Referring to a dependent territory, colony, or possession.
The standard term for a dependent territory or possession.
この島はかつてイギリスの属領だった。
This island was once a British dependency.
Specifically a protectorate, a type of dependency with some autonomy.
その地域はフランスの保護領として統治された。
The region was governed as a French dependency.
Colony. While not an exact synonym, it is often used in historical contexts where 'dependency' might appear in English.
Referring to physical or psychological dependence on drugs, alcohol, etc.
The medical/clinical term for addiction or substance dependency.
彼はアルコール依存症の治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment for alcohol dependency.
Literally 'poisoning', but commonly used for addiction, especially in compounds like 薬物中毒 (drug addiction). Slightly more colloquial than 依存症.
Used to describe a substance as having dependency-forming properties.
この薬は依存性があるので注意が必要だ。
This medication has a dependency risk, so caution is needed.
When expressing emotional dependency in a relationship, directly translating 'dependency' as 依存 can sound overly clinical or negative. Instead, use phrases like 頼りすぎる (rely too much) or 依存しすぎる (depend too much) to soften the nuance, or rephrase entirely.
依存 implies a stronger, often one-sided or unhealthy reliance, while 頼り suggests a more mutual or positive reliance on someone's help or support. Use 依存 for systemic or problematic dependence, and 頼り for everyday reliance on people or things.
多くのアフリカ諸国はヨーロッパの植民地だった。
Many African countries were European dependencies.
薬物中毒は深刻な問題だ。
Drug dependency is a serious problem.