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.
彼だけが頼りだ。
He's the only one I can count on.
記憶を頼りに道を探した。
I searched for the way relying on my memory.
地図もなく、星の光だけを頼りに歩き続けた。
With no map, I kept walking relying only on the starlight.
The noun form of 頼る (to rely on). Refers to what one depends on for support or guidance.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- Xを頼りにする: to rely on X, to use X as a guide
- Xが頼りだ: X is what one counts on
- 頼りになる: to be dependable/reliable
- 頼りにならない: to be unreliable
- Xを頼りに + verb: doing something relying on X
CONFUSION NOTE:
Do not confuse with 便り (news, letter, communication from someone). They are written with different kanji but share the same reading たより.
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 当て: something to rely on/count on (often in 当てにする)
- 支え: support (emotional or physical)