Translation guide
To depend on or trust someone or something for support, help, or to function properly.
Expressing that you count on someone to assist you or be there for you.
The most common and versatile way to say 'rely on' a person. Can be used in various contexts.
I rely on my friends when I'm in trouble.
He always relies on his parents.
Often used when counting on someone to do something specific, or expecting something from them. Slightly more colloquial.
I'm counting on his help.
Formal, often used for psychological or economic dependence. Can imply an unhealthy reliance.
She is financially dependent on her parents.
Expressing confidence in someone's reliability or character.
Expressing that something is necessary for a process or outcome.
Also used for things, not just people. Very common.
This machine relies on electricity.
He always relies on a dictionary.
Used to say something depends on a condition. Often in the pattern 〜次第で.
Success depends on effort.
Means 'depends on' or 'is based on'. Very common in both spoken and written Japanese.
That depends on the situation.
Formal, often used in technical or economic contexts for dependence on resources or systems.
Expressing that you use something as your primary means.
頼る is the most general 'rely on' for people and things. 信頼する is specifically about trust in a person. 依存する implies a stronger, often one-sided dependence, and can be negative.
There is no single Japanese verb that covers all uses of 'rely on'. Always use a phrase with a particle (に, を) and a verb (頼る, 信頼する, etc.). Using リライオン is not Japanese.
I'll decide whether to go out depending on tomorrow's weather.
The fee varies depending on the time.
Japan relies on imports for oil.