necesidades
“necesidades” means “needs” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
needs, requirements
Also: necessities
📝 In Action
Todos tenemos necesidades básicas como comida y vivienda.
A1We all have basic needs like food and housing.
Antes de empezar, tenemos que evaluar las necesidades del proyecto.
A2Before starting, we have to evaluate the project's requirements.
Sus necesidades médicas son complejas y requieren atención constante.
B1His medical needs are complex and require constant attention.
bodily needs, call of nature
📝 In Action
El viaje fue largo y el niño tuvo que atender sus necesidades.
B1The trip was long and the child had to attend to his bodily needs.
Disculpen, necesito un momento para ir a hacer mis necesidades.
B2Excuse me, I need a moment to go take care of my needs (use the restroom).
Translate to Spanish
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: necesidades
Question 1 of 2
Which sentence uses 'necesidades' in the general sense of 'requirements'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
The word traces back to the Latin word *necessitas*, meaning 'unavoidable compulsion' or 'necessity.' It is built on the idea of something that cannot be avoided or must happen.
First recorded: Medieval Latin period
Cognates (Related words)
💡 Master Spanish
Take your Spanish to the next level. Read 200+ illustrated and narrated Spanish stories tailored to your level with the Inklingo app!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between 'necesidades' and 'necesidad'?
'Necesidades' is the plural form and means 'needs' (multiple things required). 'Necesidad' is the singular form and means 'a need' or 'necessity' (one thing required).
If I want to say 'I need water,' should I use 'necesidades'?
No. 'Necesidades' is the noun. You should use the verb 'necesitar': 'Yo necesito agua.' You would only use the noun if you were saying, 'Water is one of my basic needs' ('El agua es una de mis necesidades básicas').