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How to Say "independent" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “independent” is “independiente” — use this word when referring to someone or something that is not controlled or influenced by others, especially in a financial or personal sense.

English → Spanish

independiente

een-deh-pehn-dee-EHN-tehin.de.penˈdjen.te

adjectiveA2general
Use this word when referring to someone or something that is not controlled or influenced by others, especially in a financial or personal sense.
A bright red balloon floating high in a clear blue sky, completely untethered, symbolizing freedom and independence.

Examples

Mi hermana es muy joven, pero ya es económicamente **independiente**.

My sister is very young, but she is already financially **independent**.

Necesitamos crear un sistema de justicia **independiente** del gobierno.

We need to create a justice system **independent** of the government.

Como **independiente**, tengo que gestionar mi propio seguro médico.

As a **freelancer** (self-employed person), I have to manage my own health insurance.

El candidato **independiente** ganó inesperadamente las elecciones locales.

The **independent** candidate unexpectedly won the local elections.

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'.

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).

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!)

autónomo

adjectiveB1general
Choose this word when emphasizing the ability to act or function on one's own, especially in terms of self-governance or self-direction, like children learning to manage tasks.

Examples

Queremos que los niños sean más **autónomos** en el colegio.

We want the children to be more **independent** at school.

libre

LEE-brehˈli.βɾe

adjectiveA2general
Use 'libre' when you mean 'free' in the sense of not being imprisoned or restricted, often in a political or personal liberty context.
A small blue bird flying joyfully away from a large, open, wooden cage, symbolizing freedom and being at liberty.

Examples

Nelson Mandela no fue un hombre **libre** durante 27 años.

Nelson Mandela was not a **free** man for 27 years.

Nelson Mandela no fue un hombre libre durante 27 años.

Nelson Mandela was not a free man for 27 years.

En este país, la prensa es libre.

In this country, the press is free.

Quiero ser libre para tomar mis propias decisiones.

I want to be free to make my own decisions.

An 'Easy' Adjective

'Libre' is a helpful adjective because it doesn't change its ending for masculine or feminine things. You say 'el hombre libre' and 'la mujer libre'. It only adds an '-s' for plural things: 'los pájaros libres'.

soberano

so-be-RA-nosobeˈɾano

adjectiveB2formal
This term is used for countries or states that are politically independent and have supreme authority over their own affairs.
A single, bright green island in a calm blue ocean, standing alone and free.

Examples

Chile es un país **soberano**.

Chile is a **sovereign** country.

Chile es un país soberano.

Chile is a sovereign country.

Debemos respetar la voluntad soberana del pueblo.

We must respect the sovereign will of the people.

Esa decisión es un derecho soberano de cada estado.

That decision is a sovereign right of every state.

Changing the Ending

This word changes its ending to match the thing it describes. Use 'soberano' for masculine words (like 'país') and 'soberana' for feminine words (like 'nación').

Word Order

Mistake: “Un soberano estado.”

Correction: Un estado soberano.

independiente

nounB1general
This noun refers to a person who is not affiliated with a political party or, more commonly in modern usage, a freelancer or self-employed individual.

Examples

Como **independiente**, tengo que gestionar mi propio seguro médico.

As a **freelancer** (self-employed person), I have to manage my own health insurance.

Independiente vs. Autónomo

The most common confusion is between 'independiente' and 'autónomo'. Use 'independiente' for general lack of control by others (especially financial). Use 'autónomo' when focusing on self-sufficiency and the ability to manage oneself or tasks independently.

Related Translations

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