当(あ)てにする

あてにする
expression
to count on; to rely on; to expect
daily-lifeabstract
1. to count on; to rely on; to depend on; to expect something from someone or something
To place one's expectations or reliance on someone or something. Often used in the negative or with a warning nuance, suggesting that relying on it may lead to disappointment.
彼(かれ)を当(あ)てにしないほうがいい。
You'd better not count on him.
ボーナスを当(あ)てにして旅行(りょこう)を計画(けいかく)した。
I planned a trip counting on my bonus.
天気(てんき)予報(よほう)は当(あ)てにならないこともある。
Weather forecasts can sometimes be unreliable.
親(おや)の援助(えんじょ)を当(あ)てにしていては自立(じりつ)できない。
You can't become independent if you keep relying on your parents' support.

当(あ)て means "aim" or "expectation," and 当(あ)てにする means to make something one's expectation or reliance. The negative form 当(あ)てにならない (unreliable) is extremely common and is one of the most natural ways to say something is unreliable in Japanese.

Common patterns

  • 〜を当(あ)てにする: to count on ~
  • 当(あ)てにならない: unreliable; can't be counted on
  • 当(あ)てにしないほうがいい: you'd better not count on it
  • 当(あ)てにしていた: was counting on it

Similar words

Related Words

Compare: 頼(たよ)りにする (to rely on)
Compare: 期待(きたい)する (to expect)
Compare: 信用(しんよう)する (to trust)
Compare: 依存(いぞん)する (to depend on)
Compare: 当(あ)てがない (to have no prospect)
general
Added 2026.4.28 0:17 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:02
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