取决于
to depend on; to be decided by
Structure
结果 取决于 决定性的因素
What it means
To depend on; to be decided by: in A 取决于 B, B is the deciding factor for A.
How it is built
Outcome + 取决于 + deciding factor: 能不能成功，取决于你自己的努力 (Whether you succeed depends on your own effort).
When to use it
Written and careful speech; casual speech says 要看…: 这要看天气. The outcome is often a 能不能／是否 question. Other 于 verbs: 有赖于 (rely on), 归功于 (owe to), 归咎于 (blame on), 源于 (stem from).
Watch out
The result comes first and the cause after: ✗ 你的努力取决于成功 ✓ 成功取决于你的努力. 于 already means “on”: ✗ 取决在… ✓ 取决于….
Examples
官员的升迁在很大程度上取决于执行的成绩。
Officials’ promotion depends largely on how well they deliver.
能不能成功，取决于你自己的努力。
Whether you succeed depends on your own effort.
Learn this in Lesson 103 · HSK 7–9: 政治体制入门 (How the political system is built)
A dialogue, a reading, word cards with audio and a drill that uses it, in Learn Chinese with Bao. This lesson is free.
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