§ What does it mean and when do people use it?
The French word "une dépendance" (a feminine noun) is important to understand because it's used in several contexts, just like its English equivalent, "dependence." At its core, "une dépendance" describes a situation where one thing relies on another. This reliance can be about needing something to function, or it can be a strong habit or addiction.
- DEFINITION
- The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something.
Let's break down the different ways you'll encounter "une dépendance."
§ 1. Addiction or Habit
This is perhaps the most common and serious meaning of "une dépendance." It refers to an addiction, whether it's to a substance, a behavior, or even a person. When someone has a "dépendance," they feel a strong, often uncontrollable, need for something.
Il souffre d'une dépendance à l'alcool. (He suffers from an alcohol dependence/addiction.)
La dépendance au sucre est très répandue. (Sugar dependence is very common.)
§ 2. Financial or Economic Dependence
This usage refers to a situation where a person, country, or entity relies on another for financial support or economic stability. It can be a person who depends on their parents for money, or a country that depends on another for essential resources.
Beaucoup d'étudiants ont une dépendance financière envers leurs parents. (Many students have a financial dependence on their parents.)
La dépendance d'un pays à une seule ressource est risquée. (A country's dependence on a single resource is risky.)
§ 3. Practical or Functional Reliance
In a more general sense, "une dépendance" can describe any situation where one thing needs another to function or exist. Think about how a car has a "dépendance" on fuel, or a plant on water.
Il y a une forte dépendance des smartphones à Internet. (There is a strong dependence of smartphones on the internet.)
La dépendance de l'ordinateur à l'électricité est évidente. (The computer's dependence on electricity is obvious.)
§ 4. Outbuilding or Annex
This is a slightly different but important meaning. "Une dépendance" can also refer to an outbuilding, an annex, or a smaller building that belongs to a larger property. Think of a guesthouse, a shed, or a detached garage.
La maison a plusieurs dépendances, dont une vieille étable. (The house has several outbuildings/annexes, including an old stable.)
Nous avons transformé une dépendance en studio. (We converted an outbuilding/annex into a studio.)
§ Key Takeaways
To sum up, when you see or hear "une dépendance," think about the context to understand which meaning is intended:
- Is it about a strong need or addiction (e.g., to drugs, alcohol, or a bad habit)?
- Is it about financial or economic reliance (e.g., a country on another for resources)?
- Is it about a functional reliance (e.g., a device on power)?
- Or is it about a physical outbuilding on a property?
Understanding these different uses will help you grasp the meaning of "une dépendance" accurately in various French conversations and texts. It's a versatile word, so pay attention to the surrounding words for clues!
§ Understand "une dépendance"
Alright, let's talk about the French word "une dépendance." It's a noun, feminine, and sits around the B1 level of French, meaning you'll encounter it quite a bit as you become more fluent. The core idea of "une dépendance" is about relying on something or someone, or being controlled by it. Think of it as a state of not being fully independent.
§ General use: relying on something
The most straightforward way to use "une dépendance" is to talk about a general reliance or dependency. You'll often see it with the preposition "à" or "envers" when referring to a person or thing you're dependent on.
- DEFINITION
- The state of relying on or being controlled by someone or something.
La dépendance à l'énergie fossile est un problème mondial. (The dependence on fossil energy is a global problem.)
Il a une forte dépendance à sa famille. (He has a strong dependence on his family.)
Notice how we use "à" after "dépendance" when indicating *what* is being relied upon.
§ "Une dépendance" as an addiction
This is a very common and important use of the word. When talking about addiction to substances like drugs, alcohol, or even activities like gambling or video games, "une dépendance" is the word you need.
La dépendance à la nicotine est difficile à surmonter. (Nicotine addiction is difficult to overcome.)
Il suit un traitement pour sa dépendance à l'alcool. (He is undergoing treatment for his alcohol addiction.)
§ "Une dépendance" for outbuildings or annexes
Here's where it gets interesting and a bit different from English! "Une dépendance" can also refer to an outbuilding, an annex, or a separate part of a larger property. Think of a guest house, a shed, or even a garage that's not directly attached to the main house.
La maison a plusieurs dépendances dont un grand garage. (The house has several outbuildings including a large garage.)
Nous avons transformé une petite dépendance en chambre d'amis. (We converted a small annex into a guest room.)
§ "Une dépendance" in administrative contexts
You might also see "une dépendance" used in a more administrative or organizational sense, meaning a subordinate office, department, or branch.
Cette agence est une dépendance du ministère. (This agency is a subordinate department of the ministry.)
As you can see, "une dépendance" is a versatile word! The key is to understand the context. Are you talking about reliance, addiction, a physical building, or an organizational branch? The surrounding words will usually make it clear.
자주 혼동되는 단어
Often used for a supplementary building or room, similar to one of the meanings of 'dépendance' (outbuilding/annex).
Can refer to a legal state of being subordinate or reliant, e.g., a territory's dependence on another nation.
A direct synonym for 'dépendance' when referring to substance or behavioral addiction.
혼동하기 쉬운
Sounds like 'independent apartment', which is not the same as 'dépendance' in the sense of an outbuilding or annex. 'Indépendant' here implies self-contained living, whereas 'dépendance' can be a separate structure on a property.
An 'appartement indépendant' is a self-contained living unit, often part of a larger building. A 'dépendance' can be a separate building like a shed, garage, or guest house on a property, not necessarily for primary living.
Nous avons loué une maison avec un appartement indépendant au sous-sol. (We rented a house with a self-contained apartment in the basement.)
Uses 'dépendance' but in a psychological context, not a physical structure. The meaning is similar to English 'emotional dependency'.
This is a specific psychological term meaning emotional over-reliance on others, distinct from a physical 'dépendance' (outbuilding) or a general state of reliance.
Il souffre de dépendance affective. (He suffers from emotional dependency.)
Again, uses 'dépendance' but refers to addiction, not a physical building. Directly translates to 'drug dependency'.
This is a medical or social term for addiction to a substance, different from the architectural or general reliance meaning.
La dépendance à la drogue est un problème grave. (Drug addiction is a serious problem.)
Similar to the above, this uses 'dépendance' in an economic context, meaning economic reliance, not a physical structure.
Refers to one entity's economic reliance on another, distinct from a physical outbuilding or a personal state of reliance.
Le pays est en situation de dépendance économique. (The country is in a state of economic dependence.)
This also uses 'dépendance' but refers to gambling addiction, a specific type of behavioral dependency.
This is a behavioral addiction, distinct from the physical structure or general state of reliance.
Il a cherché de l'aide pour sa dépendance au jeu. (He sought help for his gambling addiction.)
암기하기
기억법
Think of 'dependants' in English – people who rely on someone else. 'Une dépendance' sounds very similar and carries that idea of reliance.
시각적 연상
Imagine a small, separate building (an outbuilding or 'dépendance') that is 'dependent' on the main house for its utilities or structural support. Or, visualize a person constantly leaning on another person, showing their 'dependence'.
Word Web
챌린지
Try to use 'une dépendance' in a sentence about something you rely on daily, or something someone might be addicted to. For example: 'J'ai une dépendance à mon café du matin.' (I have a dependence on my morning coffee.)
셀프 테스트 42 질문
J'ai une _____ pour le chocolat. (I have a _____ for chocolate.)
The sentence implies a strong liking or need for chocolate, which aligns with the meaning of 'dépendance'.
Il a une _____ au café. (He has a _____ to coffee.)
The context suggests a habitual need for coffee, making 'dépendance' the correct choice.
La _____ à l'écran est un problème. (The _____ on the screen is a problem.)
This sentence refers to excessive screen time, which implies 'dépendance'.
Elle a une _____ au sucre. (She has a _____ to sugar.)
The sentence suggests a strong craving for sugar, so 'dépendance' is appropriate.
Beaucoup de jeunes ont une _____ aux jeux vidéo. (Many young people have a _____ to video games.)
The sentence indicates a strong involvement with video games, hence 'dépendance'.
Cette _____ n'est pas bonne pour la santé. (This _____ is not good for health.)
The sentence implies a negative habit, making 'dépendance' the correct fit.
Write a short sentence saying what you like to eat for breakfast. Use 'J'aime'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
J'aime manger du pain pour le petit-déjeuner.
Write a sentence introducing yourself. Include your name and where you are from. For example: Je m'appelle [your name] et je viens de [your country].
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Je m'appelle Marie et je viens de France.
Describe your favorite color in a simple sentence. For example: Ma couleur préférée est [color].
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ma couleur préférée est le bleu.
Quel est le nom du garçon?
Read this passage:
Bonjour! Je m'appelle Paul. J'ai dix ans. J'aime le chocolat et le vélo.
Quel est le nom du garçon?
The passage says: 'Je m'appelle Paul.'
The passage says: 'Je m'appelle Paul.'
Que fait la mère?
Read this passage:
Ma mère est une avocate. Elle travaille beaucoup. Elle aime lire des livres.
Que fait la mère?
The passage states: 'Ma mère est une avocate.'
The passage states: 'Ma mère est une avocate.'
Où aime-t-il aller?
Read this passage:
Il fait beau aujourd'hui. J'aime aller au parc. Mon chien aime courir.
Où aime-t-il aller?
The passage says: 'J'aime aller au parc.'
The passage says: 'J'aime aller au parc.'
This sentence describes a sugar addiction.
This sentence talks about screen addiction.
This sentence describes someone's dependence on their phone.
Sa ___ à l'alcool lui a causé beaucoup de problèmes.
The sentence speaks about a problem caused by alcohol, so 'dépendance' (addiction/reliance) fits best.
Il est important de ne pas créer de ___ émotionnelle envers les autres.
The context is about emotional connections, where 'dépendance' refers to an unhealthy reliance.
La ___ d'un pays à l'égard d'un autre peut affecter ses décisions politiques.
When one country relies on another, it's called 'dépendance' in this context.
Les chats ont une certaine ___ envers leurs propriétaires pour la nourriture.
Pets like cats rely on their owners for food, which is a form of 'dépendance'.
Elle a surmonté sa ___ au tabac après des années de lutte.
Overcoming 'dépendance' to tobacco means breaking free from addiction.
La voiture électrique réduit la ___ aux combustibles fossiles.
Electric cars reduce the reliance ('dépendance') on fossil fuels.
This sentence describes someone's reliance on coffee, which is a common usage of 'dépendance'.
Here, 'dépendance' is used in an economic context, showing reliance on a resource.
This sentence speaks to the challenge of overcoming an addiction or strong reliance.
The speaker is talking about someone's coffee habit.
The sentence discusses a challenge faced by developing countries.
The person is finding it difficult to stop using social media.
Read this aloud:
Est-ce que la dépendance technologique est un problème croissant dans notre société ?
Focus: dépendance technologique
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Comment pensez-vous que l'on puisse aider quelqu'un à surmonter une dépendance ?
Focus: surmonter une dépendance
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
La dépendance économique d'une petite entreprise vis-à-vis d'un seul client peut être risquée.
Focus: dépendance économique
당신의 답변:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence discusses the significant impact of economic reliance on national policies, using 'dépendance' in a C2 context.
This sentence explores the challenges of emotional reliance, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of 'dépendance' at a C2 level.
Here, 'dépendance' refers to an annex or outbuilding, showcasing a different, more advanced usage of the word.
/ 42 correct
Perfect score!
관련 콘텐츠
health 관련 단어
à condition de
B1On condition that; provided that.
à court terme
B1Short-term, over a short period of time.
à jeun
B1On an empty stomach, before eating.
à l'abri
B1Sheltered; safe from danger or harm.
à l'aide de
A2With the help of, by means of.
à l'encontre de
B1Against; contrary to (e.g., advice, rules).
à l'hôpital
B1Located or being in a hospital.
à long terme
B1Long-term, over a long period of time.
à risque
B1At risk of harm, illness, or danger.
à titre
B1As a (e.g., as a preventive measure); by way of.
