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