dependiente
“dependiente” means “shop assistant” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
shop assistant
Also: sales clerk
📝 In Action
La dependiente fue muy amable y me ayudó con la ropa.
A1The shop assistant was very kind and helped me with the clothes.
Hay tres dependientes trabajando en la zapatería hoy.
A2There are three clerks working in the shoe store today.
Busco un trabajo como dependiente en un supermercado.
B1I am looking for a job as a shop assistant in a supermarket.
dependent
Also: reliant
📝 In Action
Mi abuela es un poco dependiente y necesita ayuda en casa.
B1My grandmother is a bit dependent and needs help at home.
El precio final es dependiente de los impuestos.
B2The final price is dependent on taxes.
Somos muy dependientes de la tecnología hoy en día.
B1We are very reliant on technology nowadays.
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: dependiente
Question 1 of 3
If you are in a clothing store and need help with a size, who do you look for?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin verb 'dependere', which literally means 'to hang down from'. It's the same root that gave us the English word 'pendant'.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does 'dependiente' change to 'dependienta'?
Historically, no, it stays 'dependiente' for both genders. However, in modern daily Spanish (especially in Spain), many people say 'dependienta' for a female clerk. Both are now generally understood and accepted.
Can I use 'dependiente' for an office worker?
Not usually. 'Dependiente' is very specific to retail and stores. For an office, use 'oficinista' or 'empleado'.
Is it the same as 'dependant' in English?
Yes, both as a noun (a person who relies on you, like a child) and as an adjective (relying on something).