depende
/depende/from spelling rules
The English phrase "depends" is translated into Spanish as depende.
Depende is used to indicate that an answer or a situation varies based on specific factors. You can use the standalone word Depende as a common response to a question to show that the answer is not a simple yes or no. Other ways to express similar concepts include Depende de la situación (It depends on the situation) or Varía según las circunstancias (It varies depending on the circumstances).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the phrase Dependiendo del caso is used to mean "Depending on the case" or "Depending on the situation."
How does it change in a sentence?
When you want to say that something "depends on" something else, the verb depende must be followed by the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
/depende/
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly say depende en when they are translating the English "depends on." Instead, always use the correct form depende de.
Did you know?
- While depende is used for logical conditions, Spanish speakers use the verb depender to describe physical suspension, such as a lamp that depende from the ceiling.
- The word pendiente comes from the same root as depende and is used to describe something that is physically hanging, such as an earring, as well as something that is 'pending' or unfinished.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, answering a direct question with a simple Depende can be perceived as evasive or indecisive rather than just nuanced.
Examples in context
- Tom depende de Mary.Tom depends on Mary.This sentence shows how to use depende to express dependency on a person.Tatoeba #1296887 by marcelostockle, translation #1029354 by CK
- Eso depende de usted.That depends on you.This sentence demonstrates using depende to express dependency on a person.Tatoeba #1240448 by Shishir, translation #3593975 by CK
- Todo depende de cuándo.It really depends on when.This sentence shows how to use depende to express dependency on a time-related factor.Tatoeba #2056464 by lazarus1907, translation #281078 by CM
- ¿Vienes a la fiesta esta noche? / Depende, ¿a qué hora empieza?Are you coming to the party tonight? / Depends, what time does it start?
- 78 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing whether they will go to the beach today.
- Elena¿Vamos a la playa hoy?Are we going to the beach today?
- JavierEso depende del clima.That depends on the weather.
- Elena¿Crees que lloverá?Do you think it will rain?
- JavierNo estoy seguro, depende de las nubes.I am not sure, it depends on the clouds.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry depende, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
