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necesario

ne-se-SA-ryoneseˈsaɾjo

“necesario” means “necessary” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

necessary

Also: required, essential
A wilting green plant in dry soil receiving a large, essential drop of water.

📝 In Action

Es necesario estudiar para el examen.

A1

It's necessary to study for the exam.

El agua es necesaria para la vida.

A2

Water is necessary for life.

No es necesario que vengas si no quieres.

B1

It's not necessary for you to come if you don't want to.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • innecesario (unnecessary)
  • superfluo (superfluous, extra)

Common Collocations

  • si es necesario – if necessary
  • medidas necesarias – necessary measures
  • considerar necesario – to consider necessary

what is necessary

Also: the necessary amount, the essentials
mA2
A small open backpack containing only three essential items: a shirt, a toothbrush, and a map, representing the minimum required for a trip.

📝 In Action

Solo empaca lo necesario para el viaje.

A2

Only pack what's necessary for the trip.

Haremos lo necesario para ayudarte.

B1

We will do what is necessary to help you.

El equipo tiene todo lo necesario para ganar.

B2

The team has everything necessary to win.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • lo innecesario (the unnecessary part)
  • lo superfluo (the superfluous part)

🔀 Commonly Confused With

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "necesario" in Spanish:

essential→necessary→required→the essentials→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: necesario

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence is grammatically correct?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

Comes from the Latin word `necessarius`, which itself comes from `necesse`, meaning 'unavoidable' or 'needful'.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: necessaryFrench: nécessaireItalian: necessarioPortuguese: necessário

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Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between `necesario` and `necesitar`?

`Necesario` is an adjective that describes something as 'necessary' (Es necesario - It is necessary). `Necesitar` is the verb 'to need' (Yo necesito - I need). You use `necesitar` when someone or something is doing the needing.

Do I always have to use 'que' after 'Es necesario'?

Not always! If you're stating a general rule, you can follow it with the basic form of a verb: `Es necesario beber agua.` (It's necessary to drink water). You use `que` when you're saying it's necessary *for someone specific* to do something: `Es necesario que tú bebas agua.` (It's necessary that you drink water).