Meaning and Usage
The verb '의존하다' means 'to depend on' or 'to rely on' someone or something. It is often used in contexts where a person or system needs support or assistance from another entity.
Common Contexts
This word frequently appears in discussions about relationships, technology, or social support. For example, people might talk about depending on family, technology, or financial aid.
Collocations and Patterns
- 의존하다 + 에 (to depend on something/someone)
- ~에 너무 의존하다 (to depend too much on)
- ~에 의존하는 생활 (a life dependent on...)
These patterns help express the object of dependence clearly.
Register and Politeness
'의존하다' is a neutral verb suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It is commonly used in written and spoken Korean.
Common Learner Mistake
Learners sometimes confuse '의존하다' with '기대다' (to lean on), which can also mean to rely on but often implies physical support. '의존하다' is more abstract and broader in meaning, referring to emotional, financial, or systemic reliance.