Translation guide
The English word 'dependable' describes someone or something that can be relied upon consistently. In Japanese, this concept is expressed through various adjectives and phrases that emphasize reliability, trustworthiness, and consistency. The most common and natural ways to convey 'dependable' depend on the context—whether describing a person, an object, or a service.
To say that someone is dependable, trustworthy, and can be counted on.
This is the most common and natural way to describe a dependable person. It literally means 'becomes a reliance' and is used for people you can count on for help, support, or getting things done.
彼は本当に頼りになる人だ。
He is a really dependable person.
I have a dependable friend who is always there when I'm in trouble.
This means 'trustworthy' or 'reliable' and is slightly more formal. It emphasizes that the person can be trusted to do what they say or to keep promises.
彼女は信頼できる同僚です。
She is a dependable colleague.
This noun describes a person who is steady, reliable, and has their act together. It often implies a sense of responsibility and maturity.
妹はしっかり者で、いつも家族を支えている。
My younger sister is a dependable person and always supports the family.
Similar to 頼りになる, but slightly more casual and can sometimes imply reliance on someone's ability or promise. Often used in negative form to say someone is unreliable.
彼は当てにならないから、自分でやったほうがいい。
He's not dependable, so you'd better do it yourself.
To say that a machine, tool, service, or system is dependable and works consistently well.
This phrase means 'high reliability' and is commonly used for products, machines, or systems. It is a standard way to describe dependability in technical or commercial contexts.
この車は信頼性が高く、長持ちする。
This car is dependable and lasts a long time.
Means 'stable' or 'steady'. It is used for things that perform consistently without unexpected failures, like internet connections or software.
このアプリは安定していて、クラッシュしない。
This app is dependable and doesn't crash.
The potential form of 頼る (to rely on), used as an adjective. It can describe both people and things, but for objects it often sounds slightly personified or casual.
この時計は本当に頼れる。
This watch is really dependable.
To describe someone who is dependable in a job setting, meaning they are responsible and can be trusted with tasks.
Literally 'has a sense of responsibility'. This is a key trait of a dependable employee or colleague. It implies they take their duties seriously.
彼は責任感があって、どんな仕事も最後までやり遂げる。
He is dependable and sees every task through to the end.
Means 'can be entrusted with work'. It directly conveys that someone is dependable enough to handle tasks without supervision.
彼女は仕事を任せられる人だ。
She is someone you can depend on with work.
Both mean 'dependable', but 頼りになる is more about being able to lean on someone for support or help in daily life, while 信頼できる emphasizes trust and integrity, often in more formal or professional relationships. 頼りになる is warmer and more personal.
彼は頼りになる兄貴分だ。
He's a dependable big-brother figure.
彼は信頼できるビジネスパートナーだ。
He is a dependable business partner.
The English word 'dependable' does not have a single direct adjective equivalent in Japanese. Avoid trying to use a word like 依存できる (which means 'can be depended on' in a needy sense) or a direct translation of 'dependable' as an adjective. Instead, use the phrases and words above that fit the context.
長い通勤に耐えられる、信頼性の高い車が必要だ。
I need a dependable car for my long commute.
彼女は私が知る中で一番頼りになる人だ。
She's the most dependable person I know.