How to Say "requires" in Spanish
The most common Spanish word for “requires” is “requiere” — use this for general necessity or when something needs a certain amount of effort, time, or resources..
requiere
reh-kyeh-reh/reˈkje.ɾe/
Examples
Este proyecto requiere mucha paciencia.
This project requires a lot of patience.
El cliente requiere una respuesta inmediata.
The client requires an immediate answer.
Para entrar, la ley requiere identificación oficial.
To enter, the law requires official identification.
Stem Change (E > IE)
In the present tense, the 'e' in the stem of 'requerir' changes to 'ie' (requerir -> riequiere) for all forms except 'nosotros' and 'vosotros'.
Impersonal Use
'Requiere' is often used with impersonal subjects like 'el trabajo' (the job) or 'la situación' (the situation), similar to 'it requires' in English.
obliga
/oh-BLEE-gah//oˈβli.ɣa/
Examples
Mi jefe me obliga a trabajar los sábados.
My boss forces me to work on Saturdays.
La ley obliga a llevar el cinturón de seguridad.
The law requires wearing a seatbelt.
¡Obliga a los niños a recoger sus juguetes!
Force the children to pick up their toys!
The Magic 'a'
In Spanish, the word 'obliga' almost always needs the little word 'a' before you say the action that is being forced. Example: 'Me obliga A comer' (He forces me to eat).
Two Roles for 'Obliga'
This word works double duty! It can mean 'he/she/it forces' (a statement) OR it can be a command to someone you know well: 'Force them!'
Missing the 'a'
Mistake: “Él me obliga leer.”
Correction: Él me obliga A leer.
pide
PEE-deh/ˈpi.ðe/
Examples
La situación pide una respuesta inmediata.
The situation demands an immediate response.
El jefe pide más compromiso de su equipo.
The boss demands more commitment from his team.
exige
/ek-SEE-heh//eˈxi.xe/
Examples
Mi jefe exige puntualidad todos los días.
My boss demands punctuality every day.
Este deporte exige mucho esfuerzo físico.
This sport requires a lot of physical effort.
¡Exige tus derechos!
Demand your rights!
The G-to-J Spelling Change
Even though 'exige' uses a 'g', the first-person 'yo' form and the special forms for wishes change to a 'j' (exijo, exija) to keep the sound consistent.
Using 'que' after Exige
When you say 'someone demands that someone else do something,' the second verb needs a special form: 'Él exige que yo vaya' (He demands that I go).
Don't confuse with 'demanda'
Mistake: “Using 'demanda' for every demand.”
Correction: In Spanish, 'demanda' is often used for legal lawsuits. For a strong personal request, 'exige' is much more natural.
precisa
/pre-SEE-sah//pɾeˈsisa/
Examples
El paciente precisa atención inmediata.
The patient needs immediate attention.
Ella precisa los detalles del contrato.
She specifies the details of the contract.
The 'He/She' Form
'Precisa' is the form used for 'he', 'she', 'it', or 'you (formal)' in the present tense.
Precisa vs. Necesita
Mistake: “Using 'precisa' only for 'exactness'.”
Correction: Remember that 'precisa' can also mean 'he/she needs', especially in formal contexts like medical or legal settings.
Choosing Between 'Exige' and 'Requiere'
Related Translations
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