dependencia
“dependencia” means “dependency” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
dependency
Also: addiction, reliance
📝 In Action
Muchos países quieren reducir su dependencia del petróleo.
B1Many countries want to reduce their dependency on oil.
La dependencia emocional no es saludable en una pareja.
B2Emotional dependency is not healthy in a relationship.
El paciente sufre de una fuerte dependencia a la nicotina.
B2The patient suffers from a strong addiction to nicotine.
department
Also: room, office
📝 In Action
Esta casa tiene varias dependencias para el servicio.
B2This house has several rooms/outbuildings for the staff.
Tiene que ir a una dependencia municipal para renovar el carnet.
C1You have to go to a municipal office to renew your ID card.
Limpiaron todas las dependencias del palacio.
C1They cleaned all the rooms and sections of the palace.
Translate to Spanish
Words that translate to "dependencia" in Spanish:
addiction→department→dependency→office→reliance→room→✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dependencia
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence correctly expresses a reliance on coffee?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb 'dependere', which literally means 'to hang from'. It suggests that one thing is supported by or attached to another.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'dependencia' used for drug addiction?
Yes, it is very common and considered a more clinical or formal term than 'adicción'.
Can I use 'dependencia' to mean a shop clerk?
No. The person is a 'dependiente' (masculine) or 'dependienta' (feminine). 'Dependencia' only refers to the state or the place.
How do I say 'co-dependency' in Spanish?
The word is 'codependencia'. It follows the same rules as 'dependencia'.