request / rely
N3- Onyomi
- ライ
- Kunyomi
- たの(む)・たよ(る)
- Stroke count
- 16
- JLPT
- N3
Onyomi are readings often used in compound words. Kunyomi are native Japanese readings. Learn each reading with an example word.
Memory tip
Break 頼 down and you get 束 (bundle / bind) — branches tied at the middle, and beside it 頁 (head / page) — a head bent over a page. Picture a document marked with an official stamp, put 頼 inside it, and let that scene stand for "request" — request / rely. The odder the picture, the better it sticks.
Stroke Order
Stroke count: 16
General writing tips
These general rules have exceptions. Follow the animation and numbered frames for this character.
- •上から下へ書きます。Write from top to bottom.
- •左から右へ書きます。Write from left to right.
- •横の画を先に、縦の画を後に書きます。Write horizontal strokes before the vertical strokes that cross them.
- •外側の囲みを先に書き、中を後で書きます。Draw an outer enclosure first, then fill in what is inside.
- •中央を先に、左右を後に書きます。In symmetric shapes, write the centre before the left and right sides.
- •この漢字は16画です。下の練習エリアで順番に書いてみましょう。This kanji has 16 strokes — trace them in order in the practice area below.
Step by step
Practice Writing
Free writing practice — compare your writing with the example. This canvas does not check your shape or stroke order. Draw with a mouse, finger, or pen; scroll outside the square to move down the page.
Trace the faded character, or hide the outline to practise from memory.
Writing Tips
- Follow the order strictly: top-to-bottom and left-to-right. Correct order makes the shape balanced and natural.
- Keep each stroke in one smooth motion — don't lift the pen in the middle of a stroke.
- Close enclosing strokes cleanly so the character does not look open or broken.
- Common mistake: drawing strokes bottom-to-top or right-to-left. Even if the result looks similar, the wrong order shows in handwriting and makes it harder to read.
Example words
依頼
irai
request (formal)
信頼
shinrai
trust
頼る
tayoru
to rely on
頼む
tanomu
to request
頼って
tayotte
rely on — te-form
頼んで
tanonde
request — te-form
Example sentences (5)
デザインの仕事を依頼されました。
でざいん の しごと を いらい されました。
dezain no shigoto o irai saremashita.
I was asked to do a design job.
急な依頼でしたが、なんとか間に合いました。
きゅうな いらい でした が、なんとか まにあいました。
kyuuna irai deshita ga, nantoka maniaimashita.
It was a sudden request, but I somehow made it in time.
お客様との信頼関係が大事です。
おきゃくさま と の しんらい かんけい が だいじ です。
okyakusama to no shinrai kankei ga daiji desu.
A relationship of trust with customers matters.
約束を守ることで、信頼されるようになります。
やくそく を まもる こと で、しんらい される よう に なります。
yakusoku o mamoru koto de, shinrai sareru you ni narimasu.
By keeping your promises, you come to be trusted.
分からないときは先輩に頼ります。
わからない とき は せんぱい に たよります。
wakaranai toki wa senpai ni tayorimasu.
When I do not understand, I rely on a senior colleague.