Japanese word

頼り

Pronunciation

Romajitayori

Meaning

  • nounreliance

Example

困ったときは、友達が頼りです。koma tta to ki wa tomo dachi ga tayo ri de su

When I am in trouble, I rely on my friends.

Illustration for 頼り (reliance)

More examples

初めての場所では、地図が頼りになります。haji me te no ba sho de wa chi zu ga tayo ri ni na ri ma su

In an unfamiliar place, I rely on a map.

Core concept

頼り (tayori) presents a person or thing as a dependable source that someone turns to when facing difficulty.

Common phrases

  • 頼りになるtayo ri ni na ru

    be dependable

  • 頼りにするtayo ri ni su ru

    rely on

Similar words

頼みtanomi: Someone or something relied on to provide help or improve a situation.
当てate: A person or thing expected to provide practical help or support.
支えsasae: A person or thing that helps someone remain secure or continue through hardship.

Definition in Japanese

困難なときに力を借りる相手や支えとなるもの。kon nan na to ki ni chikara o ka ri ru ai te ya sasa e to na ru mo no

Word origin

The native Japanese noun 頼り (tayori, "reliance") is formed from the continuative form of 頼る (tayoru, "to rely"), with the verb form becoming a noun for something or someone relied on.

Usage tips

  • The phrase 頼りになる (tayori ni naru) is common in everyday speech when a person or tool can be trusted to help in a difficult situation.

Other meanings

  • supportnoun

Opposites

Related words

  • 頼りがいtayorigaidependabilitynoun
  • 頼りないtayorinaiunreliablei-adjective
  • 頼りなさtayorinasaunreliabilitynoun

Word lists with this word