頼(たよ)り

たより
noun
reliance; dependence; someone to rely on
See also: 便(たよ)り (letter, news)
1. reliance; dependence; someone or something to count on
A person, thing, or quality that one depends on for help or support. Often used to describe someone who is dependable.
彼(かれ)だけが頼(たよ)りだ。
He's the only one I can count on.
記憶(きおく)を頼(たよ)りに道(みち)を探(さが)した。
I searched for the way relying on my memory.
地図(ちず)もなく、星(ほし)の光(ひかり)だけを頼(たよ)りに歩(ある)き続(つづ)けた。
With no map, I kept walking relying only on the starlight.

The noun form of 頼(たよ)る (to rely on). Refers to what one depends on for support or guidance.

Common patterns

  • Xを頼(たよ)りにする: to rely on X, to use X as a guide
  • Xが頼(たよ)りだ: X is what one counts on
  • 頼(たよ)りになる: to be dependable/reliable
  • 頼(たよ)りにならない: to be unreliable
  • Xを頼(たよ)りに + verb: doing something relying on X

Watch out

Do not confuse with 便(たよ)り (news, letter, communication from someone). They are written with different kanji but share the same reading たより.

Similar words

Related Words

Related: 頼(たよ)る (to rely on (verb))
Compare: 支(ささ)え (support)
Compare: よすが (means of support)
Compare: 頼(たの)み (request)
general
Added 2026.3.2 18:29 · Revised 2026.10.6 21:38
14500/14634_tayori