Translation guide
The English word 'dependent' can refer to a person who relies on another for financial support, or to a state of relying on something. In Japanese, different words and patterns are used depending on whether you mean a family dependent, being addicted, relying on someone, or being contingent on a condition.
A person, such as a child or spouse, who relies on someone else for financial support.
Standard term for a dependent family member, often used in official contexts like tax forms.
He has three dependents.
Formal term for a dependent person, used in legal or insurance contexts.
You can receive deductions based on the number of dependents.
Being addicted to or reliant on a substance like alcohol or drugs.
Needing the support of someone or something to function or survive.
Common pattern meaning 'to depend on ~'. Used for both concrete and abstract reliance.
That country is dependent on oil imports.
He is still dependent on his parents.
Verb meaning 'to rely on', often with a nuance of leaning on someone for help. Less formal than 依存する.
Phrase meaning 'to count on' or 'to depend on' someone.
He is a dependable person.
Something that depends on a condition or factor.
Drug dependence is a serious problem.
困ったときは友達に頼っていいよ。
You can depend on your friends when you're in trouble.