頼りない · i-adjective
| Form | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Dictionary | 頼りない | 頼りなくない |
| Polite | 頼りないです | 頼りなくないですalso 頼りなくありません |
| Past polite | 頼りなかったです | 頼りなくなかったですalso 頼りなくありませんでした |
| Past | 頼りなかった | 頼りなくなかった |
| Te-form | 頼りなくて | 頼りなくなくて |
| Adverbial | 頼りなく | |
| Conditional | 頼りなければ | 頼りなくなければ |
| Tara conditional | 頼りなかったら | 頼りなくなかったら |
unreliable; undependable; vague
Describes a person, thing, or information that cannot be relied on; often implies a lack of certainty or firmness.
What he says is always unreliable.
この地図は頼りなくて、道に迷ってしまった。
This map was so vague that I got lost.
Describes a person who looks weak, lonely, or in need of support; often used for someone who seems pitifully dependent.
一人で立っている子供が頼りなさそうに見えた。
The child standing alone looked helpless.
彼女は頼りない声で助けを求めた。
She asked for help in a forlorn voice.
Describes a feeling of anxiety or lack of confidence about a situation; often used when one feels unsettled or insecure.
明日の試験のことを考えると、なんだか頼りない気持ちになる。
Thinking about tomorrow's exam makes me feel somewhat uneasy.
彼の返事が遅いので、頼りなく待っていた。
Since his reply was late, I waited anxiously.
The new boss still seems unreliable.
He was walking with an unsteady gait.
The child standing alone looked somehow helpless.
Being alone in an unfamiliar place makes me feel uneasy.
All I got from him was a vague reply.
頼りない describes someone or something unreliable, contrasting with 間違いない used to praise a person or method as trustworthy.