Inklingo
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necesidades

/neh-seh-see-DAH-dehs/

needs

A simple illustration showing essential requirements for life: a glass of clean water, a slice of bread, and a small, cozy house.

Depicting basic human necesidades (needs) like food, water, and shelter, which are essential requirements.

necesidades(noun)

fA1

needs

?

essential requirements

,

requirements

?

demands or specifications

Also:

necessities

?

things that are necessary

📝 In Action

Todos tenemos necesidades básicas como comida y vivienda.

A1

We all have basic needs like food and housing.

Antes de empezar, tenemos que evaluar las necesidades del proyecto.

A2

Before starting, we have to evaluate the project's requirements.

Sus necesidades médicas son complejas y requieren atención constante.

B1

His medical needs are complex and require constant attention.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • requisitos (requirements)
  • carencias (shortages, lack)

Antonyms

  • lujos (luxuries)
  • excesos (excesses)

Common Collocations

  • cubrir las necesidades – to meet the needs
  • satisfacer las necesidades – to satisfy the needs
  • necesidades del mercado – market needs

💡 Grammar Points

Plural Form

This word is the plural of 'necesidad.' Since the singular ends in a consonant ('-d'), the plural is formed by adding '-es' (necesidades).

Feminine Gender

Remember to use the feminine articles and adjectives with this word: 'las necesidades básicas' (the basic needs).

❌ Common Pitfalls

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: "Using 'necesitar' (the verb 'to need') when you should use the noun 'necesidades.'"

Correction: Say 'Tenemos muchas necesidades' (We have many needs), not 'Nosotros necesitamos muchas.' The noun is more formal for stating requirements.

⭐ Usage Tips

Meeting Needs

When talking about fulfilling or providing for requirements, the most common verbs are 'cubrir' (to cover/meet) or 'satisfacer' (to satisfy).

A small, friendly bear cub standing beside a closed, plain wooden door, looking relieved and content.

Necesidades can also be used as a euphemism for 'bodily needs,' meaning the need to use the restroom.

necesidades(noun)

fB1

bodily needs

?

euphemism for using the bathroom

,

call of nature

?

polite way to excuse oneself

📝 In Action

El viaje fue largo y el niño tuvo que atender sus necesidades.

B1

The trip was long and the child had to attend to his bodily needs.

Disculpen, necesito un momento para ir a hacer mis necesidades.

B2

Excuse me, I need a moment to go take care of my needs (use the restroom).

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • hacer pipí (to pee (childish))
  • ir al baño (to go to the bathroom)

Common Collocations

  • atender las necesidades – to attend to one's needs

⭐ Usage Tips

Polite Usage

This is a very polite or indirect way to talk about using the restroom, often used by or when referring to children. It is less common among adults in casual conversation than 'ir al baño'.

✏️ Quick Practice

💡 Quick Quiz: necesidades

Question 1 of 2

Which sentence uses 'necesidades' in the general sense of 'requirements'?

📚 More Resources

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').