Depende (en. Depends)

/deˈpende/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishSpanish
verb
To be subject to the influence or decision of someone or something.
The success of the company depends on its ability to innovate.
El éxito de la empresa depende de su capacidad para innovar.
To need one thing from another in order to exist or function.
Life on Earth depends on the sun.
La vida en la Tierra depende del sol.
To vary or change according to certain circumstances.
The climate depends on the season of the year.
El clima depende de la estación del año.

Etymology

From Latin 'dependere', which means 'to hang from', 'to be subject to'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

depends on
Indicates that one thing is subject to another.
depende de
everything depends
Expression used to indicate that there is no single answer; it varies depending on the circumstances.
todo depende
it depends on you
Indicates that the responsibility or decision falls on the person being addressed.
depende de ti

Related Words

dependency
State of being under the influence or control of something.
dependencia
dependent
That depends on something or someone.
dependiente
independence
Condition of not depending on others.
independencia

Slang Meanings

It is often used in informal situations to evade a concrete answer.
When I asked him if he would come, he just said: depends.
Cuando le pregunté si vendría, solo me dijo: depende.
Sometimes used ironically to indicate that one has no control over something.
What are we going to do tonight? It depends on what my friends decide.
¿Qué vamos a hacer esta noche? Depende de lo que decidan mis amigos.