Inklingo

How to Say "dependent" in Spanish

English → Spanish

dependiente

deh-pen-dyen-tehdepenˈdjente

adjectiveB1general
Use 'dependiente' when someone or something needs help or support from another person or entity, often in a personal or physical sense.
A small bird in a nest opening its mouth to be fed by a parent bird.

Examples

Mi hermano pequeño todavía es muy dependiente de nuestros padres.

My little brother is still very dependent on our parents.

Mi abuela es un poco dependiente y necesita ayuda en casa.

My grandmother is a bit dependent and needs help at home.

El precio final es dependiente de los impuestos.

The final price is dependent on taxes.

Somos muy dependientes de la tecnología hoy en día.

We are very reliant on technology nowadays.

The 'De' Connection

When you want to say you are dependent 'on' something, Spanish always uses 'de' (of). Think of it as 'hanging from' something.

Avoid using 'en'

Mistake: “Es dependiente en su madre.”

Correction: Es dependiente de su madre.

subordinado

soo-bor-dee-NAH-dohsuβoɾðiˈnaðo

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'subordinado' to describe something or someone that has a lower rank or is controlled by a main part, often in hierarchical structures like organizations or systems.
A line of colorful birds on a branch, with one smaller bird sitting on a lower branch looking up at the others.

Examples

El asistente tiene un rol subordinado al del director.

The assistant has a subordinate role to that of the director.

Este departamento tiene un papel subordinado en la empresa.

This department has a subordinate role in the company.

Tus deseos personales están subordinados al bienestar de la familia.

Your personal desires are secondary to the family's well-being.

Hay una idea principal y varias ideas subordinadas.

There is one main idea and several secondary ideas.

Using 'A'

When you want to say something is subordinate 'to' something else, always use the little word 'a' after subordinado.

Don't forget to match plurals

Mistake: “Los planes subordinado.”

Correction: Say 'Los planes subordinados'. Adjectives must match the plural 's' of the thing they describe.

sujeto

adjectiveB2formal
Use 'sujeto' when a person or thing is bound by or must obey certain conditions, rules, or laws.

Examples

Los empleados están sujetos a las normas de la empresa.

The employees are subject to the company's rules.

Dependiente vs. Sujeto

Learners often confuse 'dependiente' with 'sujeto.' Remember that 'dependiente' implies needing support (like a child needing a parent), while 'sujeto' means being under the obligation of rules or laws (like citizens under the law).

Related Translations

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