Translation and Meaning of: 依 - i

If you have ever wondered how to say "depending on" in Japanese, the word 依[い] is one of the most elegant ways to express this idea. In this article, we will explore its etymology, everyday usage, and even curiosities about the kanji that composes it. Additionally, you will discover how to memorize it with practical tips and real examples — perfect for adding to your Anki or another spaced repetition system. Suki Nihongo, the largest online Japanese dictionary, provides details that go beyond the basic translation, such as the pictogram and useful phrases to boost your studies.

Why does this word deserve attention? It appears in formal contexts and even in technical manuals, but it also has its charm in everyday conversations. Want to understand how the Japanese use 依[い] to talk about variable conditions or situations that change according to context? Keep reading and uncover the secrets behind this versatile kanji.

Etymology and Origin of the Kanji 依

The kanji 依 is formed by the radical 亻 (person) combined with 衣 (clothing), suggesting the idea of "depending on something like a garment." In ancient China, this visual association represented the need for protection or support. Interestingly, in modern Japanese, the meaning has expanded to encompass concepts such as "based on" or "conditional to."

In archaic writing, the lower right stroke of the kanji resembles someone leaning on an object — a perfect metaphor for its current use. Unlike words like 頼る (to rely), 依 carries a more objective, almost technical tone. You may have seen it in official documents, such as contracts or regulations, where precision is essential.

Practical Use and Common Phrases

In everyday life, 依[い] frequently appears in the structure ～に依る (yoru), indicating that something varies according to a factor. For example: 天気に依って予定が変わります ("Plans change depending on the weather"). Do you notice how natural the sentence sounds? This construction is so common that even children use it to explain why a picnic was canceled.

Another interesting use is in fixed expressions like 依頼心 (iraishin), which means "dependent mentality". Here, the kanji takes on a psychological nuance. A tip for memorization? Think of 依 as an "axis" that rotates depending on the circumstances — just like a door depends on hinges to function.

Memory Tips and Curiosities

To fix 依, try associating its pictogram with a scene: imagine someone (亻) wearing a jacket (衣) only when it’s cold. This silly image creates a mental connection between the kanji and the concept of conditionality. It worked for me when I was learning — and I really struggled to memorize abstract characters!

A common trick is to confuse 依 with 拠 (base), but there's an infallible trick: the first always involves people (note the radical 亻), while the second refers to physical locations. Want to test your knowledge? Try to translate this sentence from an electronics manual: 電圧に依り動作が異なります ("The operation varies depending on the voltage").