independiente
/een-deh-pehn-dee-EHN-teh/
independent
To be independiente means to be free from control, like a balloon floating untethered.
independiente(adjective)
independent
?not controlled by others
self-sufficient
?able to manage alone
,autonomous
?self-governing
📝 In Action
Mi hermana es muy joven, pero ya es económicamente **independiente**.
A2My sister is very young, but she is already financially **independent**.
Necesitamos crear un sistema de justicia **independiente** del gobierno.
B1We need to create a justice system **independent** of the government.
💡 Grammar Points
Always Stays the Same
Unlike most Spanish adjectives (like 'rojo' or 'roja'), 'independiente' is special because its form does not change when describing masculine or feminine nouns. You say 'el país independiente' and 'la persona independiente'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Adding an 'a' for women
Mistake: "Ella es muy independienta."
Correction: Ella es muy independiente. ('Independiente' works for both genders, so don't try to change the ending!)
⭐ Usage Tips
Describing Personality
Use it with the verb 'ser' (to be) to describe someone's core personality: 'Mi jefe es muy independiente' (My boss is very self-reliant).
As a self-employed worker, or independiente, you set your own schedule and environment.
📝 In Action
Como **independiente**, tengo que gestionar mi propio seguro médico.
B1As a **freelancer** (self-employed person), I have to manage my own health insurance.
El candidato **independiente** ganó inesperadamente las elecciones locales.
B2The **independent** candidate unexpectedly won the local elections.
💡 Grammar Points
Noun Use and Gender
When used as a noun describing a person, 'independiente' keeps the same spelling but you change the article ('el' or 'la') to match the person's gender: 'el independiente' (male freelancer) or 'la independiente' (female freelancer).
⭐ Usage Tips
Tax Context
In many Spanish-speaking countries, this noun is the official term used on tax forms and paperwork for people who don't work for a company.
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: independiente
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence uses 'independiente' as a noun (referring to a person)?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
¿'Independiente' is the same for men and women?
Yes, when used as an adjective, 'independiente' does not change its ending for masculine or feminine nouns. It is the same for 'el hombre' and 'la mujer.' The only thing that changes is the article (el/la) if you use it as a noun.