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.
When I'm in trouble, I'm always relying on him.
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.
I'm counting on you.
Formal term for dependence, often used in psychological or economic contexts. Can imply excessive reliance.
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.
Success depends on effort.
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.
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.
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.
Let's rely on him for this job. / Let's leave this job to him.
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.
I'll rely on the chef for the meal. (omakase)
Expressing that you use something as a foundation, evidence, or means of support.
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'.
He relies on his friends. (positive)
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.
I'll leave the details to you. (relying on you to handle them)
彼の言葉が私を支えている。
His words are what I rely on for support.