当てにする

• Reading: あてにする
• Romaji: ate ni suru
• Kanji breakdown: 当 (tō/a) — hit, strike, apply
• Pronunciation: /a.te.ni.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To count on; to expect; to depend on. Placing one's trust or expectation in someone or something.

An expression combining 当て (expectation, reliance) with にする. Often used with negative implications, suggesting that what is relied upon may be unreliable. The negative form 当てにならない (unreliable) is extremely common in everyday conversation.

Examples

1. 天気予報を当てにして傘を持たなかった。 I relied on the weather forecast and didn't bring an umbrella.
2. 親の援助を当てにしないで自分で稼ぎなさい。 Don't count on your parents' help — earn your own money.
3. 彼の約束は当てにならないことが多い。 His promises are often unreliable.

Usage Guide

Context: daily life, advice, relationships

Tone: cautionary

Origin & History

From 当て (aim, expectation), derived from the verb 当てる (to hit a target). The idea of aiming at something as a target of reliance evolved into the meaning of counting on or depending on.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal