independencia
/indepenˈdenθja/feminine
The Spanish word for independence is independencia.
independencia refers to the state or quality of being independent.
Meaning: state or quality of being independent (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a cognate of the English word 'independence', as both share the same Latin roots.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, la independencia is commonly used. In Latin America, the term emancipación might be used to refer to independence.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la rather than el.
How do you pronounce it?
/indepenˈdenθja/
Did you know?
- While independencia refers to the state of being free, Spanish speakers often use the phrase independizarse to describe the specific act of a young adult moving out of their parents' home.
- Depending on the region, the pronunciation of the 'c' in independencia changes from a 'th' sound in most of Spain to an 's' sound in Latin America.
- In many Latin American countries, the term emancipación is not just a synonym but specifically evokes the legal process of a minor becoming an adult or a colony breaking from a crown.
Examples in context
- ¡Feliz día de la independencia!Happy Independence Day!This sentence is useful for wishing someone a happy Independence Day.Tatoeba #3496581 by cueyayotl, translation #3504372 by Salem
- Hoy es el fin de la independencia.Today is the end of independence.This sentence is useful for describing the end of independence.Tatoeba #1654672 by marcelostockle, translation #1654675 by marcelostockle
- Kenia consiguió la independencia en 1963.Kenya gained its independence in 1963.This sentence is useful for stating when a country gained its independence.Tatoeba #1292167 by Shishir, translation #11792010 by shekitten
- La independencia es un valor fundamental en nuestra sociedad.Independence is a fundamental value in our society.
- Busco independencia y libertad en mi vida.I seek independence and freedom in my life.
- Necesito más autonomía en mi trabajo.I need more independence in my job.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Two friends are talking about a young adult moving out of their parents' house.
- MateoValoro mucho tu independencia.I really value your independence.
- ElenaGracias, Mateo, es un gran paso.Thanks, Mateo, it is a big step.
- MateoLa independencia es difícil pero necesaria.Independence is difficult but necessary.
- ElenaSí, estoy lista para este reto.Yes, I am ready for this challenge.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “independence” translations and entries independencia, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
