dependiente
El niño es muy dependiente de sus padres.
The child is very dependent on his parents.
Needing someone or something for support, help, or care.
Es una persona dependiente de la tecnología.
He is dependent on technology.
Often used to describe emotional, financial, or practical reliance.
A person who works in a store, assisting customers and managing sales.
El dependiente me ayudó a encontrar el producto que buscaba.
The shop assistant helped me find the product I was looking for.
Common in retail contexts; equivalent to 'shop assistant' or 'salesperson'.
Collocations
Pro Tip
Context matters
The meaning of 'dependiente' shifts significantly based on context. If referring to a person in a store, it means 'shop assistant' or 'salesperson'. If describing a trait or situation, it means 'dependent'.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal translation for the retail sense
Do not translate 'dependiente' as 'dependent' when referring to a store worker. Use 'shop assistant', 'salesperson', or 'clerk' instead.
Word Origin
From Latin *dependens*, present participle of *dependere* ('to hang from, rely on'), composed of *de-* ('from') + *pendere* ('to hang'). The sense of 'relying on' dates to the 17th century, while the retail sense emerged in the 20th century.
Usage Notes
In Latin America, 'dependiente' is more commonly used for the retail worker ('vendedor'), while in Spain it may refer to both meanings. Context is key to distinguish between the two.