Translation guide
The concept of depending on or trusting someone or something. Japanese expresses this through nouns, verbs, and adjectives that emphasize trust, dependence, or counting on someone/something.
Expressing that you trust or depend on someone or something to provide support, help, or reliability.
The most common and natural noun for 'reliance' in the sense of trust and confidence in someone's ability or character. Often used in formal and everyday contexts.
彼は上司からの信頼が厚い。
He has the deep trust of his boss.
信頼関係を築くことが大切だ。
Building a relationship of trust is important.
Means 'dependence' or 'reliance' with a nuance of being unable to function without something. Often used in negative contexts like addiction or over-reliance.
彼はアルコールに依存している。
He is dependent on alcohol.
インターネットへの依存が問題になっている。
Dependence on the internet has become a problem.
A noun meaning 'reliance' or 'something/someone to rely on'. Often used in phrases like 頼りになる (to be reliable).
彼は本当に頼りになる人だ。
He is a really reliable person.
地図だけが頼りだった。
The map was my only reliance.
Expressing that you are counting on someone or something to do something or to be available.
The most common verb phrase for 'to rely on'. Can be used for people, things, or systems. Neutral in nuance.
困ったときは友達に頼る。
I rely on my friends when I'm in trouble.
彼はいつも親に頼ってばかりいる。
He is always relying on his parents.
Means 'to count on' or 'to expect something from someone/something'. Often implies a sense of expectation or reliance that may be disappointed.
彼の助けを当てにしてはいけない。
You shouldn't count on his help.
ボーナスを当てにして新しい車を買った。
I bought a new car counting on the bonus.
Means 'to cling to' or 'to rely on desperately'. Used when someone is in a desperate situation and has no other choice.
彼は藁にもすがる思いで神に祈った。
He prayed to God in desperation, clinging to any hope.
Expressing the idea of relying on oneself, being independent, or not depending on others.
The standard term for 'independence' or 'self-reliance'. Used for financial, emotional, or social independence.
親から自立したい。
I want to become independent from my parents.
自立した生活を送る。
To lead an independent life.
A common phrase meaning 'to manage by oneself' or 'to handle things on one's own'. Implies self-reliance in a practical sense.
もう大人だから、自分で何とかするよ。
I'm an adult now, so I'll manage on my own.
Expressing that something is relied upon as a source of information, evidence, or support.
Means 'to be based on' or 'to rely on as a basis'. Used for decisions, theories, or actions that depend on certain information or principles.
この結論は最新のデータに基づいている。
This conclusion is based on the latest data.
A more formal phrase meaning 'to rely on as grounds' or 'to be grounded in'. Often used in legal or academic contexts.
その主張は確かな証拠を根拠としている。
The claim is grounded in solid evidence.
信頼 (shinrai) is positive trust/confidence. 依存 (izon) often implies unhealthy dependence. 頼り (tayori) is neutral and can be used for people or things you count on. Use 信頼 for professional or personal trust, 依存 for addiction or over-reliance, and 頼り for everyday reliance.
English 'reliance' is often translated as 信頼, but in many contexts, Japanese uses verb phrases like 頼る or 当てにする. Using the noun 信頼 when a verb is more natural can sound stiff or unnatural.
彼が運に頼っているのは心配だ。
His reliance on luck is worrying.
自立は大切な能力だ。
Self-reliance is an important skill.