Relationships with neighbors depend on how you act (Depends on whether/how...)

This pattern expresses that a result or outcome depends entirely on a preceding action, choice, or condition. It emphasizes that the factor mentioned is the most critical determinant.

Meaning & Usage

Meaning: It translates to "depends on whether/how/what/who/when..." It highlights the condition upon which an outcome hinges.

When to use: Use it when you want to explain the cause-and-effect relationship where the 'cause' is a variable action or situation. It's common in giving advice, explaining complex situations, or stating a principle. For example, "Success depends on how hard you try."

Conjugation Rules

Verbs: Attach ~느냐에 달려 있다 to the verb stem.

가다 (to go) → 가느냐에 달려 있다

먹다 (to eat) → 먹느냐에 달려 있다

Adjectives: Attach ~(으)냐에 달려 있다 to the adjective stem.

예쁘다 (to be pretty) → 예쁘냐에 달려 있다

좋다 (to be good) → 좋으냐에 달려 있다 (vowel stem: ~냐 / consonant stem: ~으냐)

Nouns: Attach ~(이)냐에 달려 있다 to the noun.

학생 (student) → 학생이냐에 달려 있다

의사 (doctor) → 의사냐에 달려 있다 (vowel ending: ~냐 / consonant ending: ~이냐)

느냐에 달려 있다 / 가느냐에 달려 있다 / 먹느냐에 달려 있다

This pattern is most powerful when combined with question words (의문사) to specify what the outcome depends on.

어떻게 + ~느냐에 달려 있다 (Depends on HOW)

Context: This is the most common combination. It's used when the manner or method of an action determines the result. It emphasizes the quality of the action.

Example: 문제가 해결되는 것은 우리가 어떻게 대처하느냐에 달려 있다. (Whether the problem gets solved depends on how we deal with it.)

무엇을/누가/언제 + ~느냐에 달려 있다 (Depends on WHAT/WHO/WHEN)

Context: Use these to pinpoint a specific variable—the object, the person, or the timing—as the deciding factor. This is useful for clarifying priorities or responsibilities.

어떻게 하느냐에 달려 있다 / 무엇을 선택하느냐에 달려 있다 / 누가 책임지느냐에 달려 있다

While both patterns can translate to "it depends on," they have different nuances. Using the right one makes your Korean sound more natural.

~느냐에 달려 있다 (Focus on a Critical Factor)

Use this when a single, decisive action, choice, or condition is the key determinant of an outcome. It emphasizes contingency.

It's often used for situations where effort or a specific way of doing something changes the result.

Example: 이웃이랑 잘 지내는 건 우리가 얼마나 조심하느냐에 달려 있어. (Getting along with neighbors depends on how careful we are.)

~에 따라 다르다 (Focus on Variation)

Use this for more neutral, objective statements about how something varies according to different factors. It's less about a single critical choice and more about a range of possibilities.

It's common for things like prices, schedules, or rules that differ based on the situation.

Example: 분리배출 규칙은 건물에 따라 달라요. (Recycling rules differ depending on the building.)

얼마나 조심하느냐에 달려 있어

When a neighbor complains about an issue like noise, a sincere and proactive response is key to maintaining a good relationship. The dialogue shows a great model for this.

Acknowledge and Apologize Sincerely

First, show that you understand the problem and feel sorry. Avoid making excuses.

You can say: 정말? 몰랐어... 어떡하지? (Really? I didn't know... What should I do?)

To express deep regret, use: 미안해서 어떡해. (I feel so bad.)

Offer a Solution and Promise Prevention

Show you're taking action. Offering to apologize in person is a good gesture: 내가 이따가 음료수라도 사 들고 내려가서 사과할게. (I'll buy a drink or something later and go down to apologize.)

State specifically how you'll prevent the issue in the future: 앞으로는 매트 깔고 운동하고 슬리퍼도 꼭 신을게. (From now on, I'll use a mat when I exercise and always wear slippers.)

미안해서 어떡해 / 내려가서 사과할게 / 앞으로는 매트 깔고 운동할게

The core pattern ~느냐에 달려 있다 remains the same across politeness levels; only the final verb 있다 changes.

Formal & Polite (격식체 & 해요체)

Context: In formal presentations, news, or when speaking to elders or superiors, use the ~있습니다 or ~있어요 ending. This is the standard form for public or professional communication.

Example: 회사의 미래는 신제품이 성공하느냐에 달려 있습니다. (The company's future depends on whether the new product succeeds.) / 결과는 우리가 얼마나 노력하느냐에 달려 있어요. (The result depends on how much we try.)

Casual (반말)

Context: When talking to close friends, family, or someone younger, change the ending to ~있어. This makes the tone more intimate and direct.

Example: 우리 여행이 재미있을지는 날씨가 어떠냐에 달려 있어. (Whether our trip will be fun depends on what the weather is like.)

결과는 우리가 얼마나 노력하느냐에 달려 있어요 / 날씨가 어떠냐에 달려 있어