How to Say "to need" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “to need” is “necesitar” — A1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
Necesito un café antes de empezar a trabajar.
I need a coffee before starting work.
¿Tú necesitas ayuda con ese problema de matemáticas?
Do you need help with that math problem?
El coche necesita mucha gasolina para este viaje.
The car requires a lot of gasoline for this trip.
Needing an Action (Same Subject)
If you need yourself to do something, use 'necesitar' followed directly by the base form of the second verb (the infinitive): 'Necesito estudiar' (I need to study).
Needing Someone Else to Act (Different Subject)
When you need another person to take action, you must use 'que' followed by the special verb form (the subjunctive). The second verb changes form: 'Necesito que estudies' (I need you to study).
Using 'Tener' for Requirement
Mistake: “Tengo dinero (I have money).”
Correction: Necesito dinero (I need money). 'Tener' means 'to possess,' not 'to require.' Only use 'necesitar' when you feel a requirement or lack something.
Incorrect Verb Form After 'Que'
Mistake: “Necesito que tú estudias.”
Correction: Necesito que tú *estudies*. If the subject changes after 'que,' the verb must change to the subjunctive (the special 'e' ending for -ar verbs).
Related Translations
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