noun
mutual reliance; leaning on each other
Describes a relationship where two or more parties depend on each other, often with a nuance of interdependence that may be positive (supportive) or negative (co-dependency).
あの二人はもたれ合いの関係で、どちらかが欠けると立ち行かなくなる。
Those two have a mutually dependent relationship; if one is missing, things fall apart.
もたれ合いではなく、自立した個人として付
I want to interact as independent individuals, not in a relationship of mutual dependence.
A more formal term for interdependence, often used in economic or systemic contexts, without the emotional or relational nuance of もたれ合い.
Specifically refers to codependency, a psychological pattern where one person enables another's addiction or poor behavior; もたれ合い is broader and less clinical.
Compound of もたれ (continuative form of もたれる 'to lean on') + 合い (mutual action). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word transparently combines leaning and reciprocity.