Inklingo

How to Say "necessity" in Spanish

English → Spanish

necesidad

/ne-se-see-dad//nesesiˈðað/

nounA1general
Use 'necesidad' when referring to something that is indispensable or a basic requirement for well-being, like sleep or food.
A high quality simple colorful storybook illustration showing a single clear glass of water sitting on a plain wooden table, representing a basic necessity.

Examples

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?

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]).

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.)

precisión

nounC1formal
Use 'precisión' when the 'necessity' is an unavoidable obligation or a requirement imposed by a specific situation or set of circumstances.

Examples

Lo hice por la precisión de las circunstancias.

I did it because of the necessity of the circumstances.

Necessity vs. Obligation

Learners often confuse 'necesidad' and 'precisión' by using 'necesidad' when a situation demands an action due to external factors. Remember, 'necesidad' is about personal requirement, while 'precisión' implies an external, unavoidable obligation.

Related Translations

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