Japanese grammar
What does ～を頼りに（して） mean? Japanese grammar N2
～を頼りに（して） means relying on…; depending on….
| Level (estimated, JLPT framework) | N2 |
|---|---|
| Structure | N + を頼りに（して） |
| Romaji | wotayorini(shite) |
| Meaning | relying on…; depending on… |
Forming it
| Tool | 地図 → 地図を頼りに |
|---|---|
| Person | 兄 → 兄を頼りに |
How to use it
Uses A as the sole SOURCE OF SUPPORT to get by in a difficult situation. A is a clue, a tool, or a person.
- 「Nを頼りに」 = relying on N…: 「地図を頼りに、知らない町を歩いた」.
- Implies a difficult situation where A is a scant source of support — if conditions are ample, this pattern is not used.
- The required particle is 「を」; 「に頼る」 is the plain verb form: 「兄に頼る」.
Examples
古い地図を頼りに、知らない町を歩き回った。
Relying on an old map, I wandered around the unfamiliar town.
来日した当時は、兄一人を頼りに生活していた。
When I first came to Japan, I lived depending on my brother alone.
Keep in mind
- The particle is 「を」 (different from 「に頼る」).
- Implies a difficult situation.
Common mistakes
-
Wrong兄に頼りに生活していた。
I lived depending on my brother.
Correct兄を頼りに生活していた。
This pattern uses 「を」; 「に頼る」 is the one that uses 「に」.
-
Wrong十分なお金を頼りに、旅行を楽しんだ。
Since I had enough money, I enjoyed my trip comfortably.
Correct十分なお金があったので、旅行を楽しんだ。
This pattern implies a scant source of support in a difficult situation.
Exam tips
- 「を頼りに」 = relying on (a scant source of support); uses 「を」, different from 「に頼る」.