Signification
Stating that context matters.
Contexte culturel
Poles value honesty and realism. Giving a 'Zależy od sytuacji' answer is often seen as more trustworthy than a quick 'Yes' that might not be fulfilled. In Polish business, this phrase is used to manage expectations. It signals that the speaker is considering all variables (market, staff, budget). Using this phrase is a polite way to avoid saying a direct 'No' to an invitation, allowing the speaker to 'blame' the situation rather than their own lack of interest. The phrase highlights the Polish focus on 'circumstances' (okoliczności). There is a cultural belief that individuals are often at the mercy of external situations.
The 'To' Trick
Adding 'To' at the beginning ('To zależy...') makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just saying 'Zależy'.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'Zależy na sytuacji'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'od'.
Signification
Stating that context matters.
The 'To' Trick
Adding 'To' at the beginning ('To zależy...') makes you sound much more like a native speaker than just saying 'Zależy'.
Preposition Trap
Never say 'Zależy na sytuacji'. This is the most common mistake for English speakers. Always use 'od'.
Don't be afraid to use it
In some cultures, 'it depends' sounds evasive. In Poland, it sounds thoughtful. Use it freely!
Teste-toi
Choose the correct preposition for the phrase 'It depends on the situation'.
To zależy ___ sytuacji.
In Polish, 'zależeć' always takes the preposition 'od'.
Fill in the correct form of the word 'sytuacja' (Genitive).
Wszystko zależy od _________.
The preposition 'od' requires the Genitive case. The genitive of 'sytuacja' is 'sytuacji'.
Match the response to the question.
Czy pójdziesz z nami na kawę?
This is a natural way to give a non-committal, conditional answer.
Complete the dialogue with the most natural phrase.
A: Ile czasu potrzebujesz? B: ________, ale około godziny.
It sets the stage for a conditional estimate.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Od vs Na
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesTo zależy ___ sytuacji.
In Polish, 'zależeć' always takes the preposition 'od'.
Wszystko zależy od _________.
The preposition 'od' requires the Genitive case. The genitive of 'sytuacja' is 'sytuacji'.
Czy pójdziesz z nami na kawę?
This is a natural way to give a non-committal, conditional answer.
A: Ile czasu potrzebujesz? B: ________, ale około godziny.
It sets the stage for a conditional estimate.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, in informal conversation, 'Zależy' on its own is a very common way to say 'It depends'.
'Zależy od' means 'it depends on'. 'Zależy mi na' means 'I care about' or 'It is important to me'.
In this phrase, it is singular Genitive. The plural would be 'sytuacji' as well (they look the same), but we usually mean the general singular concept.
It is neutral. You can use it with your boss, a waiter, or your grandmother.
You say 'To zależy od ciebie'.
Yes, but in formal writing, 'W zależności od sytuacji' or 'To zależy od okoliczności' is slightly better.
Because the preposition 'od' always forces the following noun into the Genitive case.
When meaning 'it depends', it stays in the third-person singular 'zależy'.
It's a rhyming slang version of 'it depends', literally 'it depends on how it lies'.
Poles often text 'zalezy' or 'to zalezy'.
Expressions liées
To zależy
synonymThat depends
Zależy mi na
contrastI care about / It is important to me
W zależności od
specialized formDepending on...
To zależy od punktu widzenia
builds onIt depends on the point of view
Zależy jak leży
similarIt depends on how things are
