取决于
qǔjuéyú · HSK 7
depending on
⚖️ 取决于 = take (取) + decide (决) + on (于): the outcome 'takes its decision on' something
Literally the result takes (取) its decision (决) upon (于) a condition. The 于 marks what the decision rests on, so the whole thing means depending on or hinging on that factor.
取 — ear 耳 + hand 又
取 originally depicted a hand (又) grasping an ear (耳), referencing the ancient practice of soldiers cutting off enemies' left ears as proof of kills to claim rewards. The meaning broadened from 'seize/take by force' to the general sense of 'take, get, obtain' used today.
于 — two horizontal strokes 二 + vertical hook 亅
于 originated as a pictograph of breath or sound flowing outward, depicting exhalation through a passage. In oracle bone script it resembled a curved line showing motion or extension. Over time it became a grammatical preposition meaning 'at,' 'in,' or 'to,' losing its original concrete sense.