At the A1 level, the word dépendant is introduced in its most basic form to describe simple relationships of need. For a beginner, the most important thing to learn is that it means 'needing someone or something'. You might use it to talk about pets needing their owners or young children needing their parents. At this level, you don't need to worry about complex economic or medical meanings. Focus on the simple construction: 'Subject + être + dépendant + de + noun'. For example, 'Le bébé est dépendant de sa mère'. Remember that if the subject is a girl or a woman, you add an 'e' to make it 'dépendante'. This is a great word to practice the 'de' preposition, which is very common in French. Don't worry about the silent 't' for now, just try to remember that it changes based on who you are talking about. It is a helpful word for describing family roles and basic life needs in simple sentences. You will likely see it in exercises about family members or daily routines.
At the A2 level, you are expected to use dépendant in more varied contexts, such as discussing the weather or simple financial situations. You should be comfortable with the gender and number agreement: dépendant (m), dépendante (f), dépendants (m.pl), and dépendantes (f.pl). A key skill at this level is correctly using the contractions of the preposition 'de'. For instance, 'dépendant du soleil' (de + le) or 'dépendant des amis' (de + les). You should also begin to recognize the opposite word, 'indépendant', which is very common when talking about personality or living situations. You might use 'dépendant' to explain why you can't do an activity: 'Ma promenade est dépendante de la pluie'. This allows you to create slightly more complex sentences that show cause and effect. You will also start to hear this word in short news clips or simple health discussions, especially regarding daily habits. Practice saying the feminine form 'dépendante' to make sure you pronounce the 't' sound clearly, as this is a common marker of the A2 level's improved pronunciation.
At the B1 level, dépendant becomes a tool for expressing nuanced opinions and describing social or psychological states. You should be able to discuss 'la dépendance' (the noun form) in the context of society, such as 'être dépendant de la technologie' or 'être dépendant de son téléphone'. At this stage, you are expected to move beyond simple physical needs and talk about emotional or habit-based reliance. You will also encounter the word in more professional or academic settings, such as project management ('Cette tâche est dépendante de la précédente'). You should be aware of the difference between the adjective 'dépendant' and the verb 'dépendre'. For example, knowing when to say 'Ça dépend' versus 'C'est dépendant'. Your vocabulary should also expand to include adverbs that modify the intensity, such as 'totalement dépendant' or 'en partie dépendant'. This level requires you to be more precise with your prepositional use, ensuring you never use 'sur' after 'dépendant'. You might also explore the cultural aspect of 'dépendance' in France, particularly regarding the social security system and how it supports those who are 'dépendants'.
At the B2 level, you should use dépendant with full grammatical accuracy and a sense of its stylistic impact. You will use it to analyze complex issues like 'la dépendance énergétique' (energy dependence) or 'les territoires dépendants' (dependent territories). You should be able to contrast 'dépendant' with more sophisticated synonyms like 'tributaire' or 'assujetti' depending on the formality of the situation. At this level, you can use the word to describe abstract concepts, such as how a country's GDP is 'dépendant des fluctuations du marché'. You are also expected to handle the word in medical or sociological discussions about 'les personnes âgées dépendantes' (the dependent elderly), understanding the societal implications of this term in France. Your writing should reflect the correct agreement even in complex sentences with multiple subjects or inverted structures. You should also be able to recognize and use the word in idiomatic expressions or more formal structures like 'être étroitement dépendant de'. This level marks the transition from using the word for simple descriptions to using it as part of a logical argument or a detailed analysis of relationships between variables.
At the C1 level, your use of dépendant should be sophisticated and context-aware. You should understand the subtle connotations the word carries in different registers. For instance, in a philosophical or literary text, 'dépendant' might be used to describe the human condition or the nature of existence. You should be able to discuss the nuances of 'dépendance affective' versus 'interdépendance' in social theories. Your command of the language allows you to use the word in high-level debates about sovereignty, economics, and ethics. You should also be familiar with the historical and etymological roots of the word, which can help in interpreting classical French literature where the word might appear in slightly different contexts. At C1, you are expected to avoid any common errors and to use the word fluidly in spontaneous conversation, even when discussing complex, abstract topics. You should also be able to critique the use of the word in media, identifying when it is used to create a certain emotional response, such as in political rhetoric about 'les populations dépendantes'. Your ability to use synonyms like 'subordonné' or 'conditionné' should be precise, choosing the one that fits the exact logical relationship you are describing.
At the C2 level, you possess a native-like mastery of dépendant. You can use it in highly specialized fields such as law, advanced mathematics, or medicine with complete precision. In legal French, you might discuss 'les droits dépendants' or the status of 'territoires dépendants' with an understanding of the specific legal frameworks involved. In mathematics, you handle 'variables dépendantes' and 'indépendantes' with ease in complex statistical analysis. You are also capable of using the word in creative and poetic ways, playing with its literal and figurative meanings. You understand the deepest cultural nuances, such as how the concept of 'dépendance' has shaped French social policy and political philosophy over the centuries. Your pronunciation is perfect, including the subtle differences between the masculine and feminine forms in various regional accents. You can write long, complex essays where 'dépendant' is used to weave together intricate arguments about global interconnectedness, economic theory, or psychological development. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a flexible tool that you can manipulate to express the most subtle shades of meaning in any professional or academic environment.

dépendant 30초 만에

  • Dépendant describes a state of reliance or contingency, meaning one thing needs another to function or exist properly in various contexts.
  • It requires the preposition 'de' in French, which is a common point of error for English speakers who often mistakenly use 'sur'.
  • The word must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies: dépendant, dépendante, dépendants, or dépendantes are all possible forms.
  • It is used across many fields, including psychology for addiction, economics for resource reliance, and everyday life for family or weather-related plans.
The French adjective dépendant is a versatile and essential term used to describe a state of reliance, contingency, or subordination. At its core, it signifies that one entity—be it a person, an object, a concept, or a country—requires another to function, exist, or be determined. In everyday French, you will encounter this word in a variety of contexts ranging from emotional relationships and financial situations to scientific observations and political structures. Understanding dépendant requires recognizing that it almost always implies a connection; it is rarely used in isolation because the very nature of being 'dependent' necessitates an object of dependence.
Emotional Context
In psychology and personal relationships, it describes someone who relies heavily on another for emotional support or validation. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation of 'needing' someone too much, often linked to the concept of 'dépendance affective'.

Il est encore financièrement dépendant de ses parents malgré son âge.

In the financial and economic realm, dépendant is used to describe individuals who lack financial autonomy or nations whose economies rely on specific exports or foreign aid. For instance, a country might be described as 'dépendant des importations d'énergie' (dependent on energy imports). This usage is neutral and factual, often appearing in news reports and academic papers.
Logical and Causal Context
This refers to outcomes that are contingent upon certain conditions. In mathematics or logic, a variable is 'dépendante' if its value changes according to another variable. In daily life, plans are often 'dépendants de la météo' (dependent on the weather).
Furthermore, the word is frequently used in medical and social contexts to discuss addiction. A person can be 'dépendant à une substance' (addicted to a substance), although the noun 'dépendant' (an addict) is also used, the adjective form describes the state of the individual. In the context of elderly care, 'personnes âgées dépendantes' refers to seniors who require daily assistance for basic tasks.

Le succès de ce projet est dépendant de votre engagement total.

Grammatical Structure
The most important grammatical rule to master is the use of the preposition 'de'. Unlike English, where we say 'dependent on', French speakers say 'dépendant de'. Using 'sur' is a common anglicism that should be avoided at all costs.
In summary, dépendant is a high-frequency adjective that covers physical, emotional, logical, and economic reliance. Whether you are discussing a child's need for their parents, a scientist's experimental variables, or a patient's struggle with addiction, this word provides the necessary linguistic framework to describe the intricate web of connections that define our world. It is a word that highlights our lack of isolation and the many ways in which things are linked together.
Using dépendant correctly in French involves mastering three key areas: gender agreement, the correct preposition, and its position relative to the noun. Because it is an adjective, it follows the standard French rules for modification.
Gender and Number Agreement
1. Masculine Singular: dépendant (Le garçon est dépendant). 2. Feminine Singular: dépendante (La fille est dépendante). 3. Masculine Plural: dépendants (Ils sont dépendants). 4. Feminine Plural: dépendantes (Elles sont dépendantes).

Cette région est très dépendante du tourisme pour son économie.

The prepositional choice is the most common pitfall for English speakers. In English, we are 'dependent on' something. In French, you must use de. When 'de' is followed by a definite article, it contracts: 'de + le' becomes 'du', and 'de + les' becomes 'des'. For example: 'dépendant du résultat' (dependent on the result) or 'dépendant des circonstances' (dependent on the circumstances). In terms of sentence structure, dépendant usually follows the verb 'être' (to be) or other state verbs like 'paraître' (to seem) or 'devenir' (to become). It can also be used as an attributive adjective placed after the noun it modifies. For example: 'un enfant dépendant' (a dependent child).

Leurs horaires sont dépendants de la disponibilité des trains.

Negative Forms
To express the opposite, you simply add the prefix 'in-' to create 'indépendant'. This follows the same agreement rules: indépendant, indépendante, indépendants, indépendantes. Example: 'Elle est totalement indépendante'.
When using dépendant to describe a condition, it often introduces a subordinate clause or a noun phrase that explains the contingency. 'Tout est dépendant de si nous arrivons à l'heure' (Everything is dependent on whether we arrive on time). However, it is more common to use 'dépend de' (the verb) for such complex structures: 'Cela dépend de notre arrivée'.

Nous ne voulons pas être dépendantes des décisions d'autrui.

Finally, consider the nuances of intensity. You can modify 'dépendant' with adverbs like 'totalement', 'partiellement', 'fortement', or 'étroitement'. 'Étroitement dépendant' (closely dependent) is a common collocation in academic and professional writing to show a strong link between two factors. Mastering these variations allows you to describe relationships with precision and clarity in both spoken and written French.
The word dépendant is ubiquitous in French life, appearing in serious news broadcasts, medical consultations, and casual family discussions. Its frequency stems from its ability to describe the fundamental connections in society.
In the News and Media
You will frequently hear news anchors discuss 'la dépendance énergétique' or describe a country as 'dépendant des marchés extérieurs'. In the context of geopolitics, the term is used to analyze how nations rely on one another for resources like gas, oil, or technology.

L'Europe cherche à être moins dépendante du gaz étranger.

In a medical or therapeutic setting, dépendant is a technical term. Doctors use it to describe patients with physical or psychological addictions. If you visit a pharmacy or a clinic in France, you might see brochures about being 'dépendant au tabac' or 'dépendant à l'alcool'. It is also a key term in social work regarding 'la perte d'autonomie' (loss of autonomy) in the elderly. The 'Allocation Personnalisée d'Autonomie' (APA) is a French social benefit specifically designed for 'personnes âgées dépendantes'. In daily life and family conversations, the word is used to describe life stages. Parents often talk about their children being 'encore dépendants', referring to the fact that they still live at home or rely on parental income. Conversely, adult children might express concern about their aging parents becoming 'dépendants'.

À quel âge devient-on moins dépendant de l'opinion des autres ?

In Professional Environments
Project managers and engineers use 'dépendant' to describe tasks that cannot start until another is finished. 'Cette tâche est dépendante de la validation du client' (This task is dependent on client validation). It is a standard term in 'gestion de projet' (project management).
Finally, in the world of technology and computing, 'dépendances' (the noun form) refers to software requirements, but the adjective is used to describe systems. A mobile app might be 'dépendante d'une connexion internet' to function. Whether you are reading a technical manual, a political essay, or a medical report, dépendant serves as a crucial link in expressing the interconnectedness of modern existence.
Even for intermediate learners, the adjective dépendant can be a source of frequent errors. Most of these mistakes stem from direct translation from English or confusion with related French words.
The Preposition Error
The single most common mistake is saying 'dépendant sur'. Because English uses 'dependent on', learners naturally want to use 'sur'. In French, this is incorrect. You must always use 'de'. Incorrect: Il est dépendant sur son frère. Correct: Il est dépendant de son frère.

Ne dites pas « dépendant sur », dites toujours « dépendant de ».

Another frequent error involves gender agreement. Since 'dépendant' ends in a consonant, the 't' is silent in the masculine form. However, in the feminine form 'dépendante', the 't' is clearly pronounced because of the final 'e'. Learners often forget to add the 'e' in writing or fail to pronounce the 't' when speaking about a feminine subject. Confusion between the adjective 'dépendant' and the present participle/verb form 'dépendre' is also common. In French, 'dépendre' is the verb. When you want to say 'It depends', you say 'Cela dépend' (verb), not 'C'est dépendant' (unless you are describing a state of being).
Adjective vs. Verb
Use the adjective 'dépendant' to describe a person or thing's state. Use the verb 'dépendre' to describe the action of relying or the logical contingency. Example: « Je suis dépendant (adj) de mon café car ma journée dépend (verb) de mon énergie. »
Spelling is another area where mistakes occur. Some learners confuse 'dépendant' with 'dépendent' (the third-person plural conjugation of the verb 'dépendre'). While they sound very similar, 'dépendant' is the adjective and 'dépendent' is the verb form.

Ils dépendent (verb) de lui, car ils sont dépendants (adj).

Lastly, avoid overusing 'dépendant' when more specific terms might be better. For example, if someone is addicted to a drug, 'accro' (informal) or 'toxicomane' (formal noun) might be more precise. If a country is under the control of another, 'assujetti' or 'subordonné' might convey the power dynamic more clearly. By being aware of these common slips, you can use 'dépendant' with the precision of a native speaker.
To truly master French, you should know the synonyms and alternatives for dépendant. Depending on the context—whether it's formal, medical, or casual—different words may be more appropriate.
Tributaire
This is a more formal and literary synonym. It specifically implies being dependent on something external that you cannot control. Example: « L'agriculture est tributaire du climat. » (Agriculture is dependent on/at the mercy of the climate.)

Être tributaire de quelque chose souligne une dépendance inévitable.

In the context of addiction, accro is the go-to informal word. It's short for 'accroché' (hooked). While 'dépendant' is medical and formal, 'accro' is what you'll hear among friends.
Accro vs. Dépendant
« Je suis dépendant au sucre » (Medical/Serious) vs. « Je suis accro au chocolat » (Casual/Common).
Another alternative is assujetti, which implies a stronger sense of being 'subject to' or 'under the thumb' of a rule or a power. It is often used in legal or administrative contexts. For example, 'être assujetti à l'impôt' (to be subject to tax).

Leur bonheur est lié à leur réussite professionnelle.

Lastly, subordonné is used in hierarchical contexts, such as in the workplace or military. It describes a position that is lower in rank and dependent on orders from above. While 'dépendant' describes the state of reliance, 'subordonné' describes the structural relationship. Knowing these nuances allows you to choose the word that fits the exact 'flavor' of dependence you wish to express, making your French sound more natural and sophisticated.

How Formal Is It?

재미있는 사실

The word 'pendant' (during) and 'pendre' (to hang) share the same root. Being 'dépendant' is metaphorically like hanging from a rope held by someone else.

발음 가이드

UK /de.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
US /de.pɑ̃.dɑ̃/
French words generally have even stress, with a slight emphasis on the final syllable 'dɑ̃'.
라임이 맞는 단어
Indépendant Attendant Cependant Pendant Intendant Descendant Ascendant Rendant
자주 하는 실수
  • Pronouncing the final 't' in the masculine form.
  • Pronouncing the 'n' as a hard consonant instead of nasalizing the vowel.
  • Stress on the first syllable like in English 'DE-pendent'.
  • Confusing 'dépendant' with 'dépendent' (verb).
  • Mispronouncing the 'é' as an 'e' (schwa).

난이도

독해 2/5

Easy to recognize due to its English cognate 'dependent'.

쓰기 3/5

Requires attention to gender agreement and the correct preposition 'de'.

말하기 3/5

The silent 't' in masculine and pronounced 't' in feminine can be tricky.

듣기 2/5

Clear pronunciation, but can be confused with the verb 'dépendent'.

다음에 무엇을 배울까

선수 학습

Besoin Aide Être De Famille

다음에 배울 것

Autonome Tributaire Assujetti Indépendance Solidarité

고급

Herméneutique Ontologie Contingence Souveraineté Interdépendance

알아야 할 문법

Agreement of Adjectives

Un homme dépendant / Une femme dépendante.

Preposition 'De' usage

Dépendant de (not sur).

Contraction of Articles

Dépendant du (de + le) succès.

Position of Adjectives

Un enfant dépendant (usually after the noun).

Present Participle vs Adjective

Dépendant (adj) vs Dépendent (verb 3rd pl).

수준별 예문

1

Le petit chat est dépendant de son maître.

The little cat is dependent on its master.

Masculine singular agreement.

2

Elle est dépendante de ses parents.

She is dependent on her parents.

Feminine singular agreement (add -e).

3

Ils sont dépendants de la nourriture.

They are dependent on food.

Masculine plural agreement (add -s).

4

Le bébé est dépendant du lait.

The baby is dependent on milk.

Use 'du' (de + le).

5

Nous sommes dépendants de l'eau.

We are dependent on water.

Plural agreement.

6

Cette plante est dépendante de la lumière.

This plant is dependent on light.

Feminine singular.

7

L'enfant n'est pas indépendant, il est dépendant.

The child is not independent, he is dependent.

Contrast between opposite adjectives.

8

Je suis dépendant de mon dictionnaire.

I am dependent on my dictionary.

First person singular with masculine adjective.

1

Notre pique-nique est dépendant de la météo.

Our picnic is dependent on the weather.

Logical dependence.

2

Elle est devenue dépendante de son smartphone.

She became dependent on her smartphone.

Verb 'devenir' + adjective.

3

Les agriculteurs sont dépendants de la pluie.

Farmers are dependent on the rain.

Plural agreement.

4

Ce pays est dépendant du pétrole.

This country is dependent on oil.

Economic context.

5

Je ne veux pas être dépendant de toi.

I don't want to be dependent on you.

Personal relationship context.

6

Les résultats sont dépendants des efforts fournis.

Results are dependent on the efforts made.

Plural agreement with 'des'.

7

Elle est très dépendante de ses amies pour sortir.

She is very dependent on her friends to go out.

Feminine singular.

8

Le succès est dépendant de la chance.

Success is dependent on luck.

Abstract concept.

1

Beaucoup de jeunes sont financièrement dépendants de leurs parents.

Many young people are financially dependent on their parents.

Use of adverb 'financièrement'.

2

Il est devenu dépendant aux jeux vidéo.

He became addicted to video games.

Context of addiction.

3

Le projet est dépendant de l'approbation du directeur.

The project is dependent on the director's approval.

Professional context.

4

Cette île est dépendante des importations de nourriture.

This island is dependent on food imports.

Geographic/Economic context.

5

Nous sommes tous plus ou moins dépendants de la technologie.

We are all more or less dependent on technology.

Societal observation.

6

Sa santé est dépendante de son traitement quotidien.

His health is dependent on his daily treatment.

Medical context.

7

Elle se sent trop dépendante affectivement de son partenaire.

She feels too emotionally dependent on her partner.

Psychological context.

8

Le prix est dépendant de la demande du marché.

The price is dependent on market demand.

Economic rule.

1

L'économie mondiale est étroitement dépendante des prix de l'énergie.

The global economy is closely dependent on energy prices.

Collocation 'étroitement dépendant'.

2

Les personnes âgées dépendantes ont besoin d'un soutien quotidien.

Dependent elderly people need daily support.

Specific social term 'personnes âgées dépendantes'.

3

Ce logiciel est dépendant d'une mise à jour système.

This software is dependent on a system update.

Technical context.

4

Leur survie était dépendante de la solidarité du groupe.

Their survival was dependent on the group's solidarity.

Abstract social value.

5

L'entreprise est devenue trop dépendante d'un seul client.

The company became too dependent on a single client.

Business risk context.

6

Le résultat final est dépendant de multiples facteurs inconnus.

The final result is dependent on multiple unknown factors.

Scientific/Logical context.

7

Elle refuse d'être dépendante des aides de l'État.

She refuses to be dependent on state aid.

Political/Social context.

8

Le climat est dépendant des courants océaniques.

The climate is dependent on ocean currents.

Scientific fact.

1

La souveraineté nationale est parfois dépendante d'accords internationaux contraignants.

National sovereignty is sometimes dependent on binding international agreements.

Political science context.

2

L'œuvre d'art est dépendante du regard de celui qui la contemple.

The work of art is dependent on the gaze of the one who contemplates it.

Philosophical/Aesthetic context.

3

Le développement durable est dépendant d'une remise en question de nos modes de vie.

Sustainable development is dependent on a questioning of our lifestyles.

Environmental discourse.

4

Il est psychologiquement dépendant de l'approbation de sa hiérarchie.

He is psychologically dependent on the approval of his hierarchy.

Workplace psychology.

5

La validité de cette théorie est dépendante de la véracité des données initiales.

The validity of this theory is dependent on the truth of the initial data.

Epistemological context.

6

Certaines régions restent dépendantes de structures coloniales héritées.

Some regions remain dependent on inherited colonial structures.

Historical/Sociological context.

7

Le bonheur n'est pas dépendant de la richesse matérielle.

Happiness is not dependent on material wealth.

Moral/Philosophical statement.

8

L'existence même de l'homme est dépendante de l'écosystème terrestre.

The very existence of man is dependent on the terrestrial ecosystem.

Metaphysical/Ecological context.

1

L'ontologie de l'être est intrinsèquement dépendante de sa relation à l'autre.

The ontology of being is intrinsically dependent on its relation to the other.

High-level philosophy.

2

La stabilité macroéconomique est dépendante de la synergie entre les politiques budgétaires.

Macroeconomic stability is dependent on the synergy between fiscal policies.

Advanced economics.

3

Le statut juridique de ces territoires les rend dépendants de la métropole.

The legal status of these territories makes them dependent on the mainland.

Jurisprudential context.

4

L'interprétation de ce texte est dépendante des paradigmes herméneutiques en vigueur.

The interpretation of this text is dependent on the current hermeneutic paradigms.

Literary theory.

5

La conscience phénoménologique est dépendante de l'intentionnalité du sujet.

Phenomenological consciousness is dependent on the intentionality of the subject.

Phenomenology.

6

Les flux migratoires sont dépendants des disparités géoéconomiques mondiales.

Migratory flows are dependent on global geoeconomic disparities.

Geopolitics.

7

La pérennité de l'institution est dépendante de sa capacité de réforme.

The sustainability of the institution is dependent on its capacity for reform.

Institutional analysis.

8

Le concept de liberté est paradoxalement dépendant de la reconnaissance des lois.

The concept of liberty is paradoxically dependent on the recognition of laws.

Political philosophy.

자주 쓰는 조합

Étroitement dépendant
Financièrement dépendant
Directement dépendant
Dépendant de la météo
Dépendant de l'aide
Dépendant du regard
Dépendant d'autrui
Dépendant du pétrole
Fortement dépendant
Physiquement dépendant

자주 쓰는 구문

Être dépendant de

— To rely on someone or something for support or function. This is the most standard usage.

Je suis dépendant de ma voiture pour aller au travail.

Rendre dépendant

— To make someone or something reliant on another. Often used for substances or power dynamics.

Ce médicament peut rendre dépendant.

Devenir dépendant

— To transition into a state of reliance. Often used in medical or financial contexts.

Il est devenu dépendant après avoir perdu son emploi.

Rester dépendant

— To continue being in a state of reliance. Suggests a lack of progress toward autonomy.

Elle reste dépendante de ses parents à trente ans.

Se sentir dépendant

— To have the internal feeling of lacking autonomy. Usually carries emotional weight.

Je me sens dépendant dans cette relation.

État dépendant

— A political or administrative status of a territory. Refers to non-sovereign lands.

Le Groenland est un territoire dépendant du Danemark.

Secteur dépendant

— An economic area that relies on another industry. Common in financial analysis.

Le tourisme est un secteur dépendant de la stabilité politique.

Variable dépendante

— A mathematical term for the value that changes based on another variable.

En statistiques, on analyse la variable dépendante.

Personne dépendante

— A social term for someone who needs daily assistance, often used for the elderly.

L'aide à domicile pour les personnes dépendantes.

Dépendant du temps

— Used when something's success or occurrence relies on weather conditions.

Le match est dépendant du temps qu'il fera demain.

자주 혼동되는 단어

dépendant vs Dépendent

This is the 3rd person plural of the verb 'dépendre'. It sounds similar but is used for actions, not states.

dépendant vs Dépandant

A common misspelling. Always use 'é' in the first syllable and 'é' in the second for the adjective.

dépendant vs Pendant

Means 'during' or 'hanging'. While related, it has a completely different function in a sentence.

관용어 및 표현

"Être tributaire de"

— To be at the mercy of something external. It's a more elevated way to say 'dépendant'.

Nous sommes tributaires du bon vouloir du patron.

Formal
"Être à la merci de"

— To be completely dependent on the mercy or whims of someone else.

Le naufragé était à la merci des vagues.

Literary
"Être sous la coupe de"

— To be under the total influence or authority of another person.

Il est totalement sous la coupe de sa femme.

Neutral
"Au gré de"

— Depending on or at the whim of (usually used with wind or waves).

Le bateau dérivait au gré du vent.

Poetic
"Être pieds et poings liés"

— To be completely dependent and unable to act freely (literally 'tied feet and fists').

Sans budget, je suis pieds et poings liés.

Idiomatic
"Tenir par la barbichette"

— To have someone in a position of dependence or leverage (usually playful but can be serious).

Il me tient par la barbichette avec ce secret.

Informal
"Être le jouet de"

— To be a pawn or dependent on the whims of something larger (like fate).

Il est le jouet de ses émotions.

Literary
"Vivre aux crochets de"

— To live off someone else, to be parasitic in one's dependence.

Il vit aux crochets de sa sœur depuis des années.

Pejorative
"Être à la botte de"

— To be totally subservient and dependent on someone's orders.

Il est à la botte du régime en place.

Formal/Political
"Suivre comme un petit chien"

— To follow someone around in a dependent, submissive manner.

Elle le suit partout comme un petit chien.

Informal

혼동하기 쉬운

dépendant vs Indépendant

Opposite meaning but similar structure.

Indépendant means self-sufficient, while dépendant means relying on others.

Elle est indépendante financièrement.

dépendant vs Autonome

Often used as a synonym for independent.

Autonome implies the ability to function alone, whereas indépendant is more about freedom from control.

Une voiture autonome.

dépendant vs Assujetti

Both imply a lack of freedom.

Assujetti specifically implies being under a law or tax, while dépendant is more general.

Assujetti à la TVA.

dépendant vs Tributaire

Used for reliance.

Tributaire is more formal and used for things like climate or market forces.

Tributaire du prix du gaz.

dépendant vs Subordonné

Both imply hierarchy.

Subordonné is used for job ranks, while dépendant is for general needs.

Un employé subordonné.

문장 패턴

A1

Je suis dépendant de [noun].

Je suis dépendant de mon chat.

A2

C'est dépendant de [noun].

C'est dépendant du soleil.

B1

Il est devenu dépendant de [noun].

Il est devenu dépendant de son travail.

B2

Le [noun] est étroitement dépendant de [noun].

Le prix est étroitement dépendant de l'offre.

C1

Être dépendant de [clause/noun] implique que...

Être dépendant de l'aide implique une perte de liberté.

C2

L'aspect [adj] est intrinsèquement dépendant de [noun].

L'aspect moral est intrinsèquement dépendant de la culture.

Any

Ne pas être dépendant de...

Je ne veux pas être dépendant de la chance.

Any

Rendre [someone] dépendant.

Cette situation me rend dépendant.

어휘 가족

명사

Dépendance (f) - dependence/addiction
Codépendance (f) - codependency
Indépendance (f) - independence
Dépendant (m) / Dépendante (f) - a dependent person

동사

Dépendre - to depend/rely

형용사

Dépendant - dependent
Indépendant - independent
Codépendant - codependent
Interdépendant - interdependent

관련

Pendant
Appendice
Suspension
Pondérer
Dépense

사용법

frequency

High, especially in news, health, and social discussions.

자주 하는 실수
  • Il est dépendant sur le café. Il est dépendant du café.

    English speakers often use 'sur' (on), but French requires 'de'. 'De + le' contracts to 'du'.

  • Elle est dépendant de ses parents. Elle est dépendante de ses parents.

    The adjective must agree with the feminine subject 'Elle' by adding an 'e'.

  • Ça dépendant du temps. Ça dépend du temps.

    You must use the verb 'dépendre' (dépend) to say 'It depends', not the adjective.

  • Ils sont dépendent de lui. Ils sont dépendants de lui.

    The word 'dépendent' is a verb form. For an adjective, use 'dépendants'.

  • Je suis dependant de toi. Je suis dépendant de toi.

    French requires the acute accent 'é' on the first and second syllables.

Master the Preposition

Never forget that 'dépendant' pairs with 'de'. If you find yourself wanting to say 'sur', stop and switch to 'de'. It's the mark of a good French learner.

The Silent 'T'

In the masculine form 'dépendant', the 't' is silent. In the feminine 'dépendante', the 't' is sharp. Practice this contrast to sound more like a native.

Use 'Tributaire' for Style

In written French, replacing 'dépendant' with 'tributaire' when talking about things like weather or the economy will make your writing look much more advanced.

Social Security Context

When you hear 'dépendance' in French news, it's often about the elderly. Understanding this social context helps you follow political debates in France.

The Pendant Rule

Think of a jewelry 'pendant'. It depends on the necklace. It hangs 'down' (de) from your neck. This link will help you remember the word and the preposition.

Check Your 'E's

Make sure you use 'é' for the first two syllables. It's 'dépendant', not 'dependant'. The accents are crucial for correct spelling and pronunciation.

When to use 'Accro'

Use 'accro' for light topics like movies, coffee, or sports. Keep 'dépendant' for more serious or technical discussions.

Plural Agreement

Don't forget the 's' in 'dépendants'. Even though you can't hear it, it must be there in writing to agree with plural nouns.

Causal Links

Use 'dépendant de' to show that one thing happens only because of another. It's a great way to build logical arguments in French.

Daily Observation

Look around and name things that are dependent on each other in French. 'Ma voiture est dépendante de l'essence.' This builds real-world fluency.

암기하기

기억법

Think of a 'pendant' necklace. A pendant is 'dépendant' on the chain to stay around your neck. Without the chain, the pendant falls.

시각적 연상

Imagine a climber hanging from a rope. The climber is 'dépendant' on the rope for their life. The rope is 'de' (from) the mountain.

Word Web

Dépendre Besoin Aide Lien Substance Parent Météo Contrat

챌린지

Write three things you are 'dépendant' on today (e.g., coffee, internet, your car) using the 'de' preposition correctly.

어원

Derived from the Latin verb 'dependere', which means 'to hang from' or 'to hang down'. The prefix 'de-' means 'down' and 'pendere' means 'to hang'.

원래 의미: Literally, something that hangs down from something else, hence being supported by it.

Romance (Latin root).

문화적 맥락

When discussing 'dépendance' in a medical context (addiction), use 'dépendant' with empathy. In social contexts, 'personne dépendante' is the standard respectful term for those needing care.

English speakers often confuse 'dependent' (adj) and 'dependant' (noun). In French, 'dépendant' is used for both, but must agree in gender.

The film 'Un air de famille' explores emotional dependence within a French family. French news often discusses 'la dépendance au pétrole' in the context of ecology. The concept of 'dépendance affective' is a popular topic in French self-help books.

실생활에서 연습하기

실제 사용 상황

Financial

  • Dépendant de ses parents
  • Aide financière
  • Manque d'autonomie
  • Compte bancaire joint

Medical

  • Dépendant à l'alcool
  • Sevrage
  • Dépendance physique
  • Traitement médical

Weather/Plans

  • Dépendant de la météo
  • Sous réserve de
  • Si le temps le permet
  • Conditions climatiques

Work/Projects

  • Tâche dépendante
  • Validation requise
  • Flux de travail
  • Échéancier

Relationships

  • Dépendance affective
  • Besoin de l'autre
  • Relation toxique
  • Soutien émotionnel

대화 시작하기

"Pensez-vous que nous sommes trop dépendants de la technologie aujourd'hui ?"

"À quel âge un enfant devrait-il ne plus être dépendant de ses parents ?"

"Est-ce que votre humeur est dépendante du temps qu'il fait dehors ?"

"Quel pays est le plus dépendant des ressources naturelles selon vous ?"

"Avez-vous déjà été dépendant d'une habitude que vous avez dû arrêter ?"

일기 주제

Décrivez une situation où vous vous êtes senti trop dépendant de quelqu'un d'autre et comment vous avez réagi.

Analysez comment votre routine quotidienne est dépendante de votre environnement de travail ou d'études.

Réfléchissez à l'idée d'interdépendance : sommes-nous tous dépendants les uns des autres dans une société ?

Écrivez sur une technologie dont vous êtes dépendant et imaginez une journée sans elle.

Discutez de l'importance de l'indépendance financière par rapport à la dépendance familiale.

자주 묻는 질문

10 질문

It is always 'dépendant de'. Using 'sur' is a common mistake for English speakers because of the direct translation from 'dependent on'. For example, say 'dépendant de sa mère'.

Simply add an 'e' at the end: 'dépendante'. Remember that in the feminine form, you must pronounce the final 't', which is silent in the masculine form.

Yes, 'un dépendant' can refer to a person who relies on someone else, such as a child or a person with an addiction. However, it is most commonly used as an adjective.

'Dépendant' is a neutral or medical term, while 'accro' is very informal. You would use 'dépendant' in a doctor's office and 'accro' when talking to friends about a hobby.

No, it is a broad word. It can mean logical reliance (dependent on the weather), financial reliance (dependent on parents), or political reliance (dependent territory).

You use the verb 'dépendre': 'Ça dépend' or 'Cela dépend'. You generally do not use the adjective 'dépendant' for this phrase.

Yes, add an 's': 'dépendants' for masculine plural and 'dépendantes' for feminine plural. They are pronounced the same as the singular forms (except for the 't' in feminine).

It is a psychological term for being emotionally dependent on a partner or friend, often to an unhealthy degree. It is a very common phrase in French psychology.

Yes, you can say 'un pays dépendant' to describe a nation that relies on others for resources, money, or security.

Yes, 'indépendant' is the direct antonym. It follows the same rules for gender and number agreement and the use of the preposition 'de'.

셀프 테스트 187 질문

writing

Translate to French: 'He is dependent on his parents.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate to French: 'She is an independent woman.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'dépendant du soleil'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'The project is dependent on the budget.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'dépendante' in a sentence about a plant.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'We are dependent on technology.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence using 'étroitement dépendant'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'They (f) are dependent on each other.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'I don't want to be dependent.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'tributaire' in a sentence about farming.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Financial dependence.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He became addicted to coffee.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Write a sentence with 'variable dépendante'.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Dependent territories.'

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'She is emotionally dependent.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Dependent on the weather.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'He is no longer dependent.'

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정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'State aid for dependent people.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Use 'dépendant' in a sentence about a dog.

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
writing

Translate: 'Everything is dependent on your choice.'

Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'dépendant'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Pronounce correctly: 'dépendante'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Je suis dépendant de mon café.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Elle est dépendante de ses parents.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Nous sommes dépendants de la météo.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Il est devenu dépendant aux jeux.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'L'économie est dépendante du pétrole.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Je ne veux pas être dépendant.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'C'est une variable dépendante.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Elle est indépendante.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Ils sont étroitement dépendants.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'C'est tributaire du vent.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La dépendance affective.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Un territoire dépendant.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Dépendantes les unes des autres.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Le bébé est dépendant du lait.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Il est accro au sport.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Tout est dépendant de toi.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'La liberté est dépendante des lois.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
speaking

Say: 'Dépendance énergétique.'

Read this aloud:

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the gender: 'Elle est dépendante.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the gender: 'Il est dépendant.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the preposition: 'Dépendant ___ ses amis.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Ils sont dépendants.' Is it singular or plural?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the word: 'C'est un pays indépendant.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and complete: 'Je suis ___ du café.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'La météo nous rend dépendants.' Who is dependent?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write the phrase: 'Dépendance affective.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Variable dépendante.' What subject is this?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify: 'Tributaire du climat.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Elle est devenue dépendante.' What changed?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and write: 'Étroitement dépendant.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Dépendantes de l'aide.' Is it masculine or feminine?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen: 'Secteur dépendant.' What is dependent?

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
listening

Listen and identify the opposite: 'Indépendance.'

정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:
정답! 아쉬워요. 정답:

/ 187 correct

Perfect score!

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