A1 Expression Neutral

To zależy

It depends

Significado

Common neutral answer.

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Contexto cultural

Poles value 'szczerość' (sincerity). Using 'To zależy' is often seen as more sincere than a quick 'Yes' that might not be fulfilled. In Polish meetings, 'To zależy' is a standard way to signal that a proposal is being seriously considered but needs more data. On Polish TikTok/Instagram, 'To zależy' is often used in 'POV' videos to mock indecisive friends or complicated dating rules. Polish students are taught to use 'To zależy' to show they understand the complexity of a problem in oral exams.

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The Shrug

In Poland, 'To zależy' is often paired with a slight shoulder shrug and a pouted lip. This non-verbal cue adds to the 'realistic' tone.

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The 'Od' Rule

Never use 'na' after 'zależy' when you mean 'depends on'. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.

Significado

Common neutral answer.

💡

The Shrug

In Poland, 'To zależy' is often paired with a slight shoulder shrug and a pouted lip. This non-verbal cue adds to the 'realistic' tone.

⚠️

The 'Od' Rule

Never use 'na' after 'zależy' when you mean 'depends on'. It is the most common mistake for English speakers.

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Buying Time

Use 'To zależy...' as a filler while you translate the rest of your sentence in your head. It sounds much more natural than 'Uhhh...'

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Nuance is King

Don't be afraid to use it often. In Polish culture, being too certain can sometimes be seen as being naive.

Ponte a prueba

Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.

To zależy ___ pogody.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: od

In Polish, the verb 'zależeć' always pairs with the preposition 'od'.

Fill in the missing word to say 'It depends'.

___ zależy.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: To

The standard neutral form of the phrase is 'To zależy'.

Match the question with the most logical 'To zależy' response.

1. Idziemy na spacer? 2. Ile kosztuje bilet? 3. Czy film był dobry?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C

Walking depends on weather, cost depends on price, and quality depends on taste.

Complete the dialogue with the correct form.

A: Chcesz iść do restauracji? B: To zależy od tego, ___ masz pieniądze.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: czy

When expressing 'depends on whether', we use 'od tego, czy'.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Ayudas visuales

Banco de ejercicios

4 ejercicios
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence. Choose A1

To zależy ___ pogody.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: od

In Polish, the verb 'zależeć' always pairs with the preposition 'od'.

Fill in the missing word to say 'It depends'. Fill Blank A1

___ zależy.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: To

The standard neutral form of the phrase is 'To zależy'.

Match the question with the most logical 'To zależy' response. Match A2

Empareja cada elemento de la izquierda con su par de la derecha:

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: 1-B, 2-A, 3-C

Walking depends on weather, cost depends on price, and quality depends on taste.

Complete the dialogue with the correct form. dialogue_completion B1

A: Chcesz iść do restauracji? B: To zależy od tego, ___ masz pieniądze.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: czy

When expressing 'depends on whether', we use 'od tego, czy'.

🎉 Puntuación: /4

Preguntas frecuentes

12 preguntas

Yes, in informal speech, dropping the 'To' is very common and sounds natural.

No, it is neutral. However, if you don't explain *what* it depends on, it can be slightly frustrating.

The Genitive case (Dopełniacz). For example: 'od pogody', 'od czasu'.

You say 'To zależy ode mnie'. Note that 'od' becomes 'ode' before 'mnie'.

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable in professional correspondence.

'To zależy' is for nouns. 'To zależy od tego' is used before a clause starting with 'czy', 'kto', 'co', etc.

Not a direct one, but phrases like 'Kwestia dogadania' (A matter of agreement) are used in similar contexts.

Yes: 'To zależy od osoby'.

No! That's a common mistake. Always use 'od'.

Use 'Wszystko zależy'.

Yes, many Polish pop and rock songs use it to describe the uncertainty of love or life.

Yes: 'To zależy od sytuacji'.

Frases relacionadas

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Zależy mi na tobie

similar

I care about you

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Wszystko jedno

contrast

It's all the same / I don't care

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To zależy od punktu widzenia

specialized form

It depends on the point of view

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Bez względu na...

contrast

Regardless of...

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W zależności od...

builds on

Depending on...

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