Japanese word

頼る

Pronunciation

Romajitayoru

Meaning

  • verbrely on

Example

困ったときは家族に頼ります。koma tta to ki wa ka zoku ni tayo ri ma su

I rely on my family when I have trouble.

Illustration for 頼る (rely on)

More examples

わからないときは先生に頼ります。wa ka ra na i to ki wa sen sei ni tayo ri ma su

When I do not understand, I rely on my teacher.

忙しいときは同僚に頼っています。isoga shi i to ki wa dō ryō ni tayo tte i ma su

I rely on my coworkers when I am busy.

Core concept

Describes turning to a person or thing for support when dealing with a problem.

Common phrases

  • 友達に頼るtomo dachi ni tayo ru

    rely on friends

  • 親に頼るoya ni tayo ru

    rely on one's parents

Similar words

依存するizonsuru: To rely on a person or thing so much that independent action becomes difficult.
すがるsugaru: To turn to someone or something with a strong need for help.
甘えるamaeru: To depend on someone's kindness or willingness to help.

Definition in Japanese

困ったときに、問題を解決するため人や物の助けを求める。koma tta to ki ni mon dai o kai ketsu su ru ta me hito ya mono no tasu ke o moto me ru

Word origin

頼る (tayoru) is a native Japanese verb, and its noun form 頼り (tayori, "support or reliance") names what one depends on.

Usage tips

  • In everyday conversation, 頼る (tayoru) often uses に (ni) to mark the person or source someone depends on, as in 家族に頼る (kazoku ni tayoru).

Other meanings

  • turn to ___ for helpverb

Opposites

  • 自立するjiritsusurube independentverb

Related words

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

Word lists with this word