Translation guide
The state of relying on or being controlled by something or someone. This guide covers how to express physical, emotional, financial, and technological dependence in Japanese, as well as addiction and reliance.
Expressing that you need someone or something to function or survive, such as emotional, financial, or practical support.
The most direct and common word for dependence. It can be used for emotional, financial, or technological reliance. Often used in compounds like 依存症 (addiction).
彼はまだ親に経済的に依存している。
He is still financially dependent on his parents.
現代社会はテクノロジーに依存している。
Modern society depends on technology.
A verb meaning 'to rely on' or 'to depend on'. It implies trust and seeking help. More everyday and less formal than 依存.
困ったときは友達に頼っていいよ。
You can rely on your friends when you're in trouble.
彼女はいつも私に頼ってばかりいる。
She is always depending on me.
Attached to a noun to mean 'depending on ~'. Used to express that something is determined by or contingent on something else.
明日の天気次第で、ピクニックに行くかどうか決める。
We'll decide whether to go on a picnic depending on tomorrow's weather.
Means 'depending on' or 'according to'. Used to show that something varies based on a factor. More formal than 次第.
料金は時間帯によります。
The fee depends on the time of day.
Describing a physical or psychological need for a substance or behavior, such as drugs, alcohol, or gambling.
The standard term for addiction. Used for substance abuse (alcohol, drugs) and behavioral addictions (gambling, internet).
彼はアルコール依存症で治療を受けている。
He is receiving treatment for alcohol dependence.
スマホ依存症は現代の大きな問題だ。
Smartphone addiction is a big problem today.
Literally 'poisoning', but commonly used for addiction, especially in casual contexts. Often implies a strong, harmful craving.
中毒 can also mean literal poisoning (e.g., food poisoning), so context is important.
A casual expression meaning 'to be hooked on' or 'obsessed with'. Not as strong as addiction, but indicates strong enthusiasm.
最近、オンラインゲームにはまっている。
Lately, I've been hooked on online games.
Expressing that an outcome or state is contingent on a factor, often used in formal or abstract contexts.
Means 'to be influenced by' or 'to depend on'. Often used for factors like weather, economy, or mood.
農作物の出来は天候に左右される。
Crop yields depend on the weather.
Literally 'hanging on ~', meaning that something hinges on or depends entirely on a particular factor.
成功は努力にかかっている。
Success depends on effort.
Describing an unhealthy emotional reliance on another person, such as codependency or clinginess.
The psychological term for codependency, where one person enables another's addiction or poor mental health.
彼らの関係は共依存だ。
Their relationship is codependent.
An onomatopoeic adverb describing someone who is clingy or overly attached, often in a romantic or familial context.
彼女は彼氏にべったりだ。
She is clingy with her boyfriend.
依存 (izon) is a noun/suru-verb that often implies a stronger, sometimes unhealthy reliance, and is used in formal or technical contexts (e.g., economic dependence, addiction). 頼る (tayoru) is a verb that suggests seeking help or support from someone you trust, and is more common in everyday conversation about personal relationships.
English 'depend on' can be translated many ways. Using 依存する for casual reliance (like 'I depend on my friends') can sound too heavy or clinical. Use 頼る instead. For 'it depends on...', use ～による or ～次第, not 依存.
甘いもの中毒で、毎日チョコレートを食べてしまう。
I'm addicted to sweets and end up eating chocolate every day.