頼る

• Reading: たよる
• Romaji: tayoru
• Kanji breakdown: 頼 (rai/tayo) — to rely on, to request
• Pronunciation: /ta.jo.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To rely on; to depend on; to count on. Used when needing help or support from someone or something.

A Group 1 (godan) verb conjugated with the る row. Used for depending on people, things, or circumstances. Can carry slightly negative nuances when implying over-dependence. Related to 頼み (request/favor) and 信頼 (trust/confidence). Commonly paired with に particle: ～に頼る.

Examples

1. 困ったときは友達に頼ることが多い。 When I'm in trouble, I often rely on my friends.
2. ナビに頼らないで自分で道を覚えよう。 Let's try to learn the roads ourselves instead of relying on GPS.
3. 親に頼ってばかりではいけない。 You shouldn't always depend on your parents.

Usage Guide

Context: relationships, daily life, self-improvement

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

The kanji 頼 combines 束 (bundle/tie) and 頁 (head/page), originally suggesting binding oneself to someone dependable — to rely upon.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal