necesidad

/ne-se-see-dad/

need

A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a single clear glass of water sitting on a plain wooden table, representing a basic necessity.

When necesidad means 'need,' it refers to a basic requirement for survival, like water.

necesidad(noun)

fA1

need

a basic requirement

necessity

something indispensable

Also:

requirement

an essential condition

📝 In Action

Mi primera necesidad es dormir ocho horas.

My primary need is to sleep eight hours.

No hay ninguna necesidad de gritar; te escucho perfectamente.

There is no necessity/need to shout; I hear you perfectly.

¿Tienes necesidad de algo antes de salir?

Do you need anything before leaving?

Word Connections

Synonyms

requisito (requirement)
obligación (obligation)

Antonyms

lujo (luxury)
exceso (excess)

Common Collocations

cubrir una necesidad – to meet a need
tener la necesidad de – to have the necessity/need to

Idioms & Expressions

por necesidad – out of necessity (because it must be done)

💡 Grammar Points

Always Feminine

Even though this word ends in '-d,' which sometimes tricks learners, it is always feminine: use 'la necesidad' (the need).

Expressing Personal Need

While the verb 'necesitar' is easier, you can sound more formal by using the noun structure: 'Tengo la necesidad de [verb in base form]' (I have the need to [do something]).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Using 'Haber' instead of 'Tener'

Mistake: "Hago la necesidad de descansar."

Correction: Tengo la necesidad de descansar. (The verb 'tener' (to have) is the correct verb to show possession of the feeling or requirement.)

⭐ Usage Tips

The Plural Form

The plural is 'necesidades' (needs). This form is frequently used in general discussions about life requirements, such as 'necesidades básicas' (basic needs).

A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration of a single, overturned, empty wooden bowl lying on barren, dusty ground, symbolizing a state of extreme lack.

When necesidad means 'want,' it often refers to a state of extreme lack or deprivation.

necesidad(noun)

fB1

want

a state of extreme lack

destitution

severe poverty

Also:

poverty

economic hardship

📝 In Action

La crisis sumió a muchas familias en la necesidad.

The crisis plunged many families into destitution/want.

Ayudamos a los que viven en necesidad extrema.

We help those who live in extreme poverty.

Word Connections

Synonyms

pobreza (poverty)
miseria (misery)

Antonyms

riqueza (wealth)
abundancia (abundance)

Common Collocations

pasar necesidad – to suffer hardship/to be in want

💡 Grammar Points

Use with 'Vivir' or 'Sumergir'

This meaning often appears after verbs like 'vivir' (to live) or 'sumergir' (to plunge), emphasizing the state of being poor or deprived.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: necesidad

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence correctly uses 'necesidad' to mean 'poverty' or 'hardship'?

📚 More Resources

Word Family

necesitar(to need) - verb

necesario(necessary) - adjective

necesariamente(necessarily) - adverb

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'necesidad' (noun) and 'necesitar' (verb)?

They are closely related! 'Necesitar' is the verb ('to need,' e.g., 'Yo necesito un coche'). 'Necesidad' is the noun ('the need,' e.g., 'Tengo la necesidad de un coche'). You use the verb when describing the action of needing, and the noun when describing the concept itself.

How do I ensure I use the correct article with 'necesidad'?

Since 'necesidad' is feminine, always pair it with feminine articles: 'la necesidad' (singular) and 'las necesidades' (plural). Remember this pattern, as most Spanish words ending in -dad follow the same rule (e.g., 'ciudad', 'libertad').