verb

necesitar

need

Es cuando una persona requiere algo porque le hace falta para estar bien o para hacer algo.

Definition & meaning

Necesitar means to need: to require something or someone, or to have a need to do something.

  • Necesito ayuda. — I need help.
  • Necesitamos descansar. — We need to rest.

Grammar & Word origin

It is a regular -ar verb. It can be followed by a noun or an infinitive. When it refers to a specific person, it generally takes the personal a: Necesito a mi hermano. — I need my brother.

It comes from Latin necessitas, meaning “necessity.”

Synonyms & antonyms

  • requerir — to require; often more formal and emphasizes a condition or requirement.
  • precisar — to need; more common in some regions and often more formal.
  • prescindir de — to do without; expresses the opposite idea of not needing something.

Common phrases & collocations

  • necesitar ayuda — to need help
  • necesitar tiempo — to need time
  • necesitar que — to need someone to do something; followed by a verb in the subjunctive.

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Examples

Ella necesita agua.verb

She needs water.

Necesito un lápiz.verb

I need a pencil.

Necesito un abrigo.verb

I need a coat.

No necesitamos luz.verb

We do not need light.

Nosotros necesitamos estudiar más hoy.verb

We need to study more today.

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