Japanese word

依存

Pronunciation

Romajiizon

Meaning

  • noundependence

Example

私は家族に依存しています。watashi wa ka zoku ni i zon shi te i ma su

I depend on my family.

Illustration for 依存 (dependence)

More examples

子どもの成長には、親への依存から少しずつ離れることも大切です。ko do mo no sei chō ni wa oya e no i zon ka ra suko shi zu tsu hana re ru ko to mo tai setsu de su

As children grow, it is also important to gradually move away from dependence on their parents.

Core concept

Expresses reliance on another person or source when independent support is not enough.

Common phrases

  • 親への依存oya e no i zon

    dependence on parents

  • 人への依存hito e no i zon

    dependence on people

  • 依存を減らすi zon o he ra su

    reduce dependence

Similar words

頼りtayori: A person or thing counted on to provide needed help or support.
甘えamae: Relying on another person's kindness or care for help or protection.

Definition in Japanese

他人や外部のものに頼り、それなしでは成り立たない状態。ta nin ya gai bu no mo no ni tayo ri so re na shi de wa na ri ta ta na i jō tai

Word origin

依存 (izon, "dependence") is a Sino-Japanese compound made from 依 (i, "rely on") and 存 (son, "exist").

Usage tips

  • The compound スマホ依存 (sumaho izon, "smartphone dependence") shows how 依存 (izon) can describe reliance on a modern device as well as on a person.

Other meanings

  • reliancenoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 依存するizonsurudependverb
  • 依存的izontekidependentna-adjective

Word lists with this word