How to Say “It Depends” in Portuguese: Use Depende
Use depende for “it depends,” then name the factor that changes your answer.
Real Life Portuguese · 6 min read · Updated October 14, 2026
The short answer
Depende means it depends. It works as a brief answer when context already makes the question clear.
Use depende as a complete short answer
Add a small pause or a follow-up question if you want the other person to know which detail you are considering.
Você vai de carro? Depende.
Are you going by car? It depends.
Você gostou do filme? Depende do final.
Did you like the movie? It depends on the ending.
Vai chover? Depende da previsão.
Will it rain? It depends on the forecast.
Use depende de before a factor
Use depende de to name the thing a decision depends on. De contracts with the article when needed: depende do horário (depends on the time), depende da distância (depends on the distance).
This phrase lets you give a nuanced answer without translating the English wording one piece at a time.
O preço depende do tamanho.
The price depends on the size.
A gente vai a pé, mas depende do tempo.
We’ll walk, but it depends on the weather.
A escolha depende das suas prioridades.
The choice depends on your priorities.
Explain the condition that changes your answer
After depende, give the condition that would make the answer yes or no. A concrete factor helps the listener understand what you still need to check.
For other phrases about uncertainty, use our guide to talvez, acho que, and ainda não sei.
Depende. Se eu terminar o trabalho, eu vou.
It depends. If I finish the work, I’ll go.
Depende de quanto tempo temos.
It depends on how much time we have.
Ainda não sei; depende da resposta dela.
I don’t know yet; it depends on her answer.
Put it into practice
Answer with depende, then name one factor with depende de. Add the condition that would change your decision.
Quick practice
Which Portuguese example matches “Are you going by car? It depends”?
Choose an answer to check yourself.
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