Adjective (adjetivo)
/indepɛnˈdjen̪tɛ/
The word independiente in Spanish primarily means "independent" or "self-sufficient." It is used to describe persons, entities, or countries that operate without reliance on others or that have the power to make their own decisions. The term is frequently used in both oral and written contexts, particularly in discussions around politics, personal identity, law, and social issues.
Independiente is commonly used in everyday conversation, especially in political discussions (e.g., independent governments), personal attributes (e.g., an independent woman), and business contexts (e.g., independent contractors).
El país se declaró independiente en 1945.
(The country declared itself independent in 1945.)
Ella es una mujer independiente que nunca ha dependido de nadie.
(She is an independent woman who has never depended on anyone.)
El contratista trabaja como un profesional independiente.
(The contractor works as an independent professional.)
While "independiente" itself is not typically used in many idiomatic expressions, it contributes to a few phrases that illustrate the concept of independence in different contexts.
Vivir de manera independiente es una forma de crecer.
(Living independently is a way to grow.)
La universidad promueve el pensamiento independiente entre sus estudiantes.
(The university promotes independent thinking among its students.)
Los jóvenes buscan un espacio independiente para expresarse.
(Young people seek an independent space to express themselves.)
La lucha por ser independiente a menudo conduce a grandes cambios.
(The struggle to be independent often leads to great changes.)
Es fundamental desarrollar habilidades independientes antes de aventurarse en el mundo laboral.
(It is essential to develop independent skills before venturing into the workforce.)
The term independiente is derived from the Latin root "independens," which combines the prefix "in-" (not) and "dependens" (depending). This evolution reflects a transition from a linguistic to a social concept, emphasizing freedom from reliance on others.
By understanding the nuances of independiente, one gains insight into its application in various domains, enriching both language skills and cultural awareness.