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当てにする (あてにする) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
expression, suru verb (irregular)
count on ; rely on ; expect
usually written using kana alone
Used when someone depends on a person, thing, or event happening, often with a sense of anticipation or trust. Common in negative or cautionary contexts.
ボーナス を 当あ て に し て 新あたら しい 車くるま を 買か っ た 。
I bought a new car counting on the bonus.
Similar words 頼たよ る 頼る is a more general verb for relying or depending on someone/something, while 当てにする often implies expecting a specific outcome or benefit.
期き 待たい する 期待する is a straightforward 'expect' or 'look forward to', whereas 当てにする can carry a nuance of counting on something as part of one's plans, sometimes with a risk of disappointment.
Etymology From 当て (expectation, aim) + にする (to make into). The phrase literally means 'to make something into one's expectation', i.e., to count on it.