How to Say "requirement" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “requirement” is “necesidad” — use 'necesidad' when referring to something that is essential or indispensable, often a basic need for survival or well-being.
necesidad
ne-se-see-dadnesesiˈðað
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.)
requisito
rreh-kee-SEE-tohre.kiˈsi.to
Examples
El pasaporte es un requisito para viajar al extranjero.
A passport is a requirement for traveling abroad.
¿Cuáles son los requisitos para solicitar la beca?
What are the requirements to apply for the scholarship?
No cumplo con el requisito de los cinco años de experiencia.
I don't meet the requirement of five years of experience.
Using 'el' and 'un'
This word is masculine, so you should always use 'el requisito' or 'un requisito.' Even if the requirement itself is a feminine thing (like 'una foto'), the word 'requisito' stays masculine.
Meeting Requirements
In English, we 'meet' or 'fulfill' a requirement. In Spanish, the most natural verb to use is 'cumplir'.
Confusing Requisito with Requerimiento
Mistake: “El requerimiento para el trabajo es hablar inglés.”
Correction: El requisito para el trabajo es hablar inglés.
requerimiento
re-keh-ree-MYEN-tohre.ke.ɾi.'mjen.to
Examples
El primer requerimiento para el puesto es hablar inglés.
The first requirement for the position is to speak English.
No cumplo con los requerimientos técnicos para instalar el juego.
I don't meet the technical requirements to install the game.
Es un requerimiento indispensable para graduarse.
It is an essential requirement to graduate.
A 'Stronger' Requirement
While 'requisito' is used for general rules, 'requerimiento' often feels more formal and is used frequently in technical or business documents.
Pluralization
To make it plural, just add an '-s': 'requerimientos'. The stress stays on the 'mien' syllable.
Using it for 'Necessity'
Mistake: “Tengo un requerimiento de beber agua.”
Correction: Tengo la necesidad de beber agua.
exigencia
ek-see-HEN-syaheɡsiˈxensja
Examples
La exigencia de este curso es muy alta.
The requirements of this course are very high.
Debemos cumplir con todas las exigencias del contrato.
We must comply with all the requirements of the contract.
Su nivel de exigencia personal a veces es agotador.
Their level of personal strictness is sometimes exhausting.
Always Feminine
This word is always feminine. You should always use 'la' or 'una' with it, regardless of what the requirement is about.
Plural Usage
Use the plural 'exigencias' when you are talking about a list of rules or multiple conditions that need to be met.
Exigencia vs. Pedido
Mistake: “Using 'exigencia' for a polite request.”
Correction: Use 'petición' or 'pedido' for requests. 'Exigencia' implies that the thing is mandatory or forced.
Requisito vs. Requerimiento
Related Translations
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