依赖 (yīlài) — to rely on; to depend on; dependence

依赖 (yīlài)

依赖 describes a state of needing someone or something for support, functioning, or well-being, and can imply either healthy reliance or unhealthy dependence.

Meanings

1. [verb] To rely on, to depend on, to be dependent on.
2. [noun] Dependence, reliance.

Example Sentences

过度依赖智能手机导致许多人失去了独立思考和解决问题的能力。 Guòdù yīlài zhìnéng shǒujī dǎozhì xǔduō rén shīqù le dúlì sīkǎo hé jiějué wèntí de nénglì. Excessive dependence on smartphones has caused many people to lose their ability to think independently and solve problems.

这个地区的经济长期依赖出口，一旦国际市场波动，便面临严峻挑战。 Zhège dìqū de jīngjì chángqī yīlài chūkǒu, yīdàn guójì shìchǎng bōdòng, biàn miànlín yánjùn tiǎozhàn. This region's economy has long relied on exports; once the international market fluctuates, it faces serious challenges.

孩子需要在父母的保护下成长，但也必须逐渐减少对父母的依赖。 Háizi xūyào zài fùmǔ de bǎohù xià chéngzhǎng, dàn yě bìxū zhújiàn jiǎnshǎo duì fùmǔ de yīlài. Children need to grow up under their parents' protection, but they must also gradually reduce their dependence on them.

科学家们正在研究如何降低人类对化石燃料的依赖，开发可再生能源替代方案。 Kēxuéjiāmen zhèngzài yánjiū rúhé jiàngdī rénlèi duì huàshí ránliào de yīlài, kāifā kě zàishēng néngyuán tìdài fāng'àn. Scientists are researching how to reduce humanity's dependence on fossil fuels and develop renewable energy alternatives.

Collocations

Usage Notes

依赖 often carries a slightly negative connotation of excessive or unhealthy reliance, distinguishing it from 依靠 (yīkào — to rely on), which is more neutral and can describe perfectly healthy support. 依赖性 (dependency) is used in medical contexts (药物依赖性 — drug dependency). Compare with 信赖 (xìnlài — to trust and rely on), which emphasizes confidence in a person's character.

Memory Hook

依 means "to lean against" and 赖 means "to depend on" — leaning your whole weight against something and depending on it not to move is the feeling of 依赖.