Translation guide
Expressing dependence on someone or something, from trust-based reliance to practical dependence. Japanese uses different words and grammar depending on whether the reliance is emotional, practical, or involves counting on a person versus a thing.
Expressing that you trust someone and depend on them for support, help, or reliability.
The most common verb for relying on someone, implying trust and dependence. Often used when you count on someone for help or support.
困ったときは、いつも彼に頼っています。
When I'm in trouble, I'm always relying on him.
彼女は頼りになる人だ。
She is a person you can rely on.
A common phrase meaning 'to count on' or 'to rely on' someone. Slightly more deliberate than 頼る alone.
あなたを頼りにしています。
I'm counting on you.
Formal term for dependence, often used in psychological or economic contexts. Can imply excessive reliance.
彼は親に経済的に依存している。
He is financially dependent on his parents.
Expressing that an outcome or action depends on a particular factor, condition, or thing.
A grammar pattern meaning 'it depends on ~'. Used to say that something is determined by a certain factor.
成功は努力次第だ。
Success depends on effort.
明日の天気次第で、ピクニックに行くかどうか決める。
Depending on tomorrow's weather, we'll decide whether to go on a picnic.
Means 'depending on' or 'according to'. Used to indicate that something varies based on a condition.
料金は時間帯によります。
The fee depends on the time of day.
The te-iru form of 頼る, used when describing an ongoing state of relying on something. Often used for depending on tools or methods.
彼はいつも辞書に頼っている。
He always relies on a dictionary.
Expressing that you are leaving a task or responsibility to someone else, often with a nuance of entrusting.
Means 'to entrust' or 'to leave something to someone'. Implies relying on their ability to handle it.
この仕事は彼に任せよう。
Let's rely on him for this job. / Let's leave this job to him.
細かいことは君に任せるよ。
I'll leave the details to you. (relying on you to handle them)
Polite phrase meaning 'I'll leave it to you' or 'I'll rely on you to decide'. Common in restaurants or when deferring to an expert.
料理はシェフにお任せします。
I'll rely on the chef for the meal. (omakase)
Expressing that you use something as a foundation, evidence, or means of support.
Means 'to be based on' or 'to rely on as a basis'. Used for facts, data, or principles.
この結論は事実に基づいている。
This conclusion is based on (relies on) facts.
Means 'to support' physically or emotionally. Can imply relying on something for stability.
頼る is neutral or positive, implying healthy reliance. 依存する often carries a negative nuance of excessive dependence, similar to 'addiction' or 'over-reliance'.
彼は友人に頼っている。
He relies on his friends. (positive)
彼はアルコールに依存している。
He is dependent on alcohol. (negative)
English 'relying on' can often be translated directly with 頼る, but in many cases, Japanese uses different structures like 次第, 任せる, or 基づく. Using 頼る for all situations can sound unnatural.
彼の言葉が私を支えている。
His words are what I rely on for support.