"Dependiente" is an adjective and also functions as a noun in Spanish.
/depen̪ˈdjente/
The term "dependiente" can have multiple meanings based on the context in which it is used:
As an adjective, it refers to something that is reliant or contingent on something else. For example, “La economía es dependiente del mercado internacional” translates to “The economy is dependent on the international market.”
As a noun, it can refer to a store clerk or sales assistant, particularly in retail settings.
Frequency of Use: The word is commonly found in both oral and written contexts, but its usage as a noun is more prevalent in retail and commercial sectors.
"The clerk helped me find the right size."
Dependiente: "El niño es todavía dependiente de sus padres para muchas cosas."
"The child is still dependent on his parents for many things."
Dependiente: "Asegúrate de preguntar al dependiente sobre las políticas de regreso."
The term "dependiente" is not commonly found in many idiomatic expressions, but the concept of dependence appears in various contexts. Here are a few relevant expressions centered around the idea of dependency and reliance:
"You shouldn’t be dependent on someone for your happiness."
Dependiente de los caprichos: "Es dependiente de los caprichos del clima para sus actividades diarias."
"He is dependent on the whims of the weather for his daily activities."
No ser dependiente: "Es importante que no seas dependiente de tus amigos para tomar decisiones."
The word "dependiente" comes from the Latin "dependens," which is the present participle of "dependere," meaning "to hang from" or "to depend." The root conveys the idea of a relationship where one party relies on or is contingent upon another.
Synonyms: - Dependiente (as an adjective): subordinado, condicionado - Dependiente (as a noun): vendedor, empleado
Antonyms: - Independiente (independent) - Autónomo (autonomous)