independiente
/indepenˈdjente/
The English word independent is translated into Spanish as independiente.
independiente is the most commonly used term for independent in Spanish. It is used to describe someone or something that is not dependent, not contingent on something else or free. Depending on the context, other words may be more appropriate: autónomo is often used for independent professionals or freelancers, libre can convey independence in certain contexts, soberano is used when discussing independent states or nations, autogobernado/a means self-governed, desligado/a means unattached and the phrase por cuenta propia means on one's own.
Meaning: not dependent, not contingent or depending on something else, free (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective independiente is gender-neutral and stays the same regardless of whether the subject is masculine or feminine. To make the adjective plural, add -s to form independientes. If you need to use the noun form, the word is independencia.
How do you pronounce it?
/indepenˈdjente/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term autónomo is the legal and official designation for an independent worker. It is used on tax forms and government documents where independiente would be too vague.
- The word independencia is central to the national identity of many Spanish-speaking countries, often appearing in the names of main streets and plazas as Plaza de la Independencia.
- In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you are working 'por cuenta propia', you are not just 'independent' but literally 'on your own account'.
Examples in context
- Quiero ser más independiente.I want to be more independent.This sentence is useful for expressing a desire to be more independent with independiente.Tatoeba #2971 by Shishir, translation #2115 by CK
- Es un pensador independiente.He's an independent thinker.This sentence is useful for describing an independent thinker with independiente.Tatoeba #1686605 by Shishir, translation #1666825 by Spamster
- Él quiere ser más independiente.He wants to be more independent.Tatoeba #1744964 by Shishir, translation #1737267 by Spamster
- Es importante ser independiente en el trabajoIt's important to be independent at work
- Ella es una escritora autónomaShe is an independent writer
- Tomó la decisión de vivir una vida libre e independienteShe made the decision to live a free and independent life
- El país declaró su soberanía e independenciaThe country declared its sovereignty and independence
- Me gusta la música indieI like indie music
- A ella le gusta vivir suelta, sin compromisosShe likes to live free, without commitments
- Me gusta ser independiente y tomar mis propias decisionesI like being independent and making my own choices
- 45 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Daniel are discussing their career paths at a cafe.
- MaríaDaniel, ¿quieres trabajar de forma independiente?Daniel, do you want to work independently?
- DanielSí, quiero ser un profesional independiente.Yes, I want to be an independent professional.
- MaríaEs difícil, pero eres muy independiente.It is difficult, but you are very independent.
- DanielGracias, María, eso significa mucho.Thanks, María, that means a lot.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “independent” translations and entries independiente, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
