To request, beg, or ask someone to do something.
友達にレポートを手伝ってくれるように頼んだ。
I asked a friend to help me with the report.
上司に休暇を取る許可を頼んだ。
I asked my boss for permission to take leave.
店員に商品の在庫を確認するよう頼んだ。
I asked the clerk to check whether the item was in stock.
To call for, order, or reserve (e.g., ordering food or reserving a seat).
レストランに電話して席を頼んだ。
I phoned the restaurant and reserved a table.
カフェでコーヒーを頼む。常用の表現だ。
Order a coffee at a cafe — a common expression.
To entrust someone with something — to leave a task or care to another person.
旅行中、犬の世話を妹に頼んだ。
I entrusted my sister with taking care of the dog while I traveled.
大事な仕事は信頼できる人に頼むべきだ。
Important tasks should be entrusted to someone trustworthy.
To rely on someone or count on them (colloquial usage, e.g., 'I'm counting on you').
この仕事、君に頼むよ。よろしく。
I'm counting on you for this job. Thanks in advance.
緊急のときは家族を頼むしかない。
In emergencies, you can only rely on family.
An interjection used colloquially to plead or urge someone (e.g., 'Please!').
頼む、今日だけは遅刻しないでくれ！
Please, just today don't be late!
テストでこの問題だけは当ててくれ、頼む！
Please, just get this question right on the test!