Translation guide
To rely on someone or something, or to expect something with confidence. This guide covers natural Japanese expressions for depending on people, things, and future events.
Expressing that you depend on someone for help, support, or to do something.
A common and natural way to say you rely on someone. The particle を marks the person you count on.
私は彼を頼りにしています。
I count on him.
I always count on my older brother when I'm in trouble.
Similar to 頼りにする, but can sound slightly more like 'depend on' or 'lean on'. Often used when the reliance is heavy or one-sided.
彼はいつも親に頼ってばかりだ。
He's always counting on his parents.
Means 'to count on' or 'to expect something from someone', often with a nuance of expecting a specific outcome or favor. Can sound slightly more calculating.
彼の助けを当てにしてはいけない。
You can't count on his help.
Expressing dependence on an object, tool, system, or abstract thing.
Used for depending on things like technology, luck, or systems. The particle に marks the thing relied upon.
最近の学生は辞書ではなくスマホに頼っている。
Students these days count on smartphones instead of dictionaries.
運に頼るな。
Don't count on luck.
Can also be used for things, especially when expecting a certain result or benefit.
ボーナスを当てにして新しい車を買った。
I counted on the bonus and bought a new car.
Expressing that you are counting on a future event or situation occurring.
A simple way to say you are counting on something happening, often with the nuance of 'I expect that...'. Use with a clause ending in plain form.
彼が来ると思っている。
I'm counting on him coming.
Expresses a strong expectation based on reason or logic. 'It should be that...' or 'I expect that...'.
彼はもう着いているはずだ。
He should have arrived by now. (I'm counting on it.)
Means 'to expect' or 'to hope for'. More formal and less casual than other options. Often used in written or formal contexts.
良い結果を期待しています。
I'm counting on a good result.
Specifically expressing reliance on a person to perform an action.
A natural pattern meaning 'to have someone do something for you', implying you are counting on them to do it. The person is marked by に, and the action is in て-form.
彼に手伝ってもらうつもりだ。
I'm counting on him to help me.
A more explicit way to say 'I'm counting on someone to do something for me'. くれる indicates the action is a favor.
彼が助けてくれると期待している。
I'm counting on him to help me.
The English phrase 'count on' cannot be directly translated into Japanese using the verb 数える (to count). Using 数える in this context will result in nonsense. Always use expressions of reliance or expectation.
頼りにする is the most common and neutral for relying on a person. 頼る can imply a heavier dependence, sometimes negative. 当てにする often carries a nuance of expecting a specific benefit or outcome, and can sound presumptuous if overused.
彼を頼りにしている。
I count on him (as a reliable person).
彼に頼ってばかりではいけない。
You shouldn't always count on him (depend too much).
彼の援助を当てにしている。
I'm counting on his financial support (expecting it).
私に任せてください。
You can count on me.
Natural Japanese often uses 任せる (entrust) instead of a direct 'count on' phrase.