Translation guide
The concept of depending on or trusting someone or something. Japanese expresses this through nouns, verbs, and adjectives that emphasize trust, dependence, or counting on someone/something.
Expressing that you trust or depend on someone or something to provide support, help, or reliability.
The most common and natural noun for 'reliance' in the sense of trust and confidence in someone's ability or character. Often used in formal and everyday contexts.
He has the deep trust of his boss.
Building a relationship of trust is important.
Means 'dependence' or 'reliance' with a nuance of being unable to function without something. Often used in negative contexts like addiction or over-reliance.
He is dependent on alcohol.
Dependence on the internet has become a problem.
A noun meaning 'reliance' or 'something/someone to rely on'. Often used in phrases like 頼りになる (to be reliable).
He is a really reliable person.
The map was my only reliance.
Expressing that you are counting on someone or something to do something or to be available.
The most common verb phrase for 'to rely on'. Can be used for people, things, or systems. Neutral in nuance.
I rely on my friends when I'm in trouble.
He is always relying on his parents.
Means 'to count on' or 'to expect something from someone/something'. Often implies a sense of expectation or reliance that may be disappointed.
Means 'to cling to' or 'to rely on desperately'. Used when someone is in a desperate situation and has no other choice.
Expressing the idea of relying on oneself, being independent, or not depending on others.
The standard term for 'independence' or 'self-reliance'. Used for financial, emotional, or social independence.
I want to become independent from my parents.
To lead an independent life.
A common phrase meaning 'to manage by oneself' or 'to handle things on one's own'. Implies self-reliance in a practical sense.
Expressing that something is relied upon as a source of information, evidence, or support.
Means 'to be based on' or 'to rely on as a basis'. Used for decisions, theories, or actions that depend on certain information or principles.
This conclusion is based on the latest data.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to rely on as grounds' or 'to be grounded in'. Often used in legal or academic contexts.
信頼 (shinrai) is positive trust/confidence. 依存 (izon) often implies unhealthy dependence. 頼り (tayori) is neutral and can be used for people or things you count on. Use 信頼 for professional or personal trust, 依存 for addiction or over-reliance, and 頼り for everyday reliance.
English 'reliance' is often translated as 信頼, but in many contexts, Japanese uses verb phrases like 頼る or 当てにする. Using the noun 信頼 when a verb is more natural can sound stiff or unnatural.
His reliance on luck is worrying.
Self-reliance is an important skill.
You shouldn't count on his help.
I bought a new car counting on the bonus.
He prayed to God in desperation, clinging to any hope.
I'm an adult now, so I'll manage on my own.
The claim is grounded in solid evidence.