寄(よ)り掛(か)かる

よりかかる
verb (godan)
to lean against; to depend on
1. to lean against; to rest against
To support one's body by leaning against something.
壁(かべ)に寄(よ)り掛(か)かって休(やす)む。
To rest by leaning against the wall.
彼女(かのじょ)は彼(かれ)の肩(かた)に寄(よ)り掛(か)かった。
She leaned against his shoulder.
2. to depend on; to rely on
To depend on someone for support or assistance.
親(おや)に寄(よ)り掛(か)かってばかりいてはいけない。
You shouldn't just depend on your parents all the time.

寄(よ)り掛(か)かる has both physical (leaning against) and figurative (depending on) meanings.

CONJUGATION (godan verb):

  • 寄(よ)り掛(か)かる (dictionary form)
  • 寄(よ)り掛(か)からない (negative)
  • 寄(よ)り掛(か)かった (past)
  • 寄(よ)り掛(か)かって (te-form)

SIMILAR WORDS:

  • もたれる: also means to lean against, often more casual

Related Words

Synonym: 凭(もた)れる (similar)
general
Added 2026.1.16 17:07 · Revised 2026.1.19 21:17
05500/05542_yorikakaru