How to say "dependence" in Japanese
Choosing the right word
- 依存いぞんnoun, suru verb, transitive verb, intransitive verbThe default word for dependence or reliance on a person, thing, or substance, often with a negative nuance of over-reliance. Use it for drug, alcohol, or economic dependence in general statements.
- 頼りたよりnounReliance or dependence viewed from the side of the person or thing one leans on; it suggests someone or something serving as a support. It is the natural choice when speaking of having something to rely on.私は何も頼りにするものがない。↗I have nothing to fall back on.
- 依拠いきょnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbDependence in the sense of basing oneself on something, such as relying on a source, precedent, or theory as a foundation. It is a formal, written-style word rather than one for everyday talk of depending on someone.
- 依存症いぞんしょうnounSpecifically dependence on alcohol, drugs, and similar substances, in the medical or addictive sense. When 'dependence' means addiction, this is the word to reach for rather than plain 依存.
- 依頼いらいnoun, suru verb, intransitive verbAlthough its glosses include dependence and reliance, this word is really about request or commission — asking someone to do something. It is seldom the word you want for 'dependence'; beware of confusing it with 依存.
For general dependence or reliance use 依存 or 「頼り」; 依拠 covers depending on something as a basis; 依存症 is specifically addiction-type dependence; 依頼 is really 'request', seldom the word you want.
Usage comparisons are AI-assisted and cross-checked by multiple models; for study reference only
Japanese equivalents
See also
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