Signification
Common neutral answer.
Contexte culturel
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.
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.
Signification
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.
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...'
Nuance is King
Don't be afraid to use it often. In Polish culture, being too certain can sometimes be seen as being naive.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition to complete the sentence.
To zależy ___ pogody.
In Polish, the verb 'zależeć' always pairs with the preposition 'od'.
Fill in the missing word to say 'It depends'.
___ zależy.
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?
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.
When expressing 'depends on whether', we use 'od tego, czy'.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTo zależy ___ pogody.
In Polish, the verb 'zależeć' always pairs with the preposition 'od'.
___ zależy.
The standard neutral form of the phrase is 'To zależy'.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Walking depends on weather, cost depends on price, and quality depends on taste.
A: Chcesz iść do restauracji? B: To zależy od tego, ___ masz pieniądze.
When expressing 'depends on whether', we use 'od tego, czy'.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
12 questionsYes, 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'.
Expressions liées
Zależy mi na tobie
similarI care about you
Wszystko jedno
contrastIt's all the same / I don't care
To zależy od punktu widzenia
specialized formIt depends on the point of view
Bez względu na...
contrastRegardless of...
W zależności od...
builds onDepending on...
