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"Rely" is an intransitive verb which is often translated as "contar con", and "depend on" is a transitive verb phrase which is often translated as "depender de". Learn more about the difference between "rely" and "depend on" below.
rely(
rih
-
lay
)An intransitive verb is one that does not require a direct object (e.g., The man sneezed.).
a. contar con
The store relies on you to get here on time.La tienda cuenta contigo para llegar a la hora.
b. depender de
His three children rely upon him completely now that their mother has died.Sus tres hijos dependen de él completamente ahora que su madre ha muerto.
a. confiar en
You can rely on her to tell you the truth.Puedes confiar en ella para decirte la verdad.
depend on(
dih
-
pehnd
an
)A transitive verb phrase is a phrase that combines a verb with a preposition or other particle and requires a direct object (e.g., take out the trash.).
2. (to rely on)
a. contar con
I would never lie to you. You can depend on me.Nunca te mentiría. Puedes contar conmigo.
b. confiar en
Tiffany is unstable. You can't depend on her at all.Tiffany es inestable. No puedes confiar en ella para nada.
a. depender de
I'll arrive today or tomorrow. It depends on the flight schedule.Llegaré hoy o mañana. Depende del horario de los vuelos.
