j'ai besoin
In French, j'ai besoin is the phrase used for "I need".
j'ai besoin is used to express that something is necessary or required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I have need".
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase j'ai besoin must almost always be followed by the preposition de before a noun. If you want to say "I need to [do something]", you use j'ai besoin de followed by an infinitive verb, such as j'ai besoin de manger.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying je besoin.
Did you know?
- The word besoin shares a distant ancestor with the English word 'busy', stemming from the same Germanic root meaning 'to look after' or 'to care for' something.
- While j'ai besoin expresses a necessity, French speakers often use the verb falloir to express a general need. This verb is impersonal, meaning it only exists in the 'it' form il faut.
- French has a distinct word manquer to express when you 'need' something because it is missing, such as when you are out of salt.
Examples in context
- J'ai besoin de toi.I need you.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a person using j'ai besoin.Tatoeba #9054 by sacredceltic, translation #17735 by CK
- J'ai besoin du tout.I need all of it.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a whole amount using j'ai besoin.Tatoeba #4869136 by sacredceltic, translation #2648813 by CK
- J'ai besoin des clés.I need the keys.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for specific objects using j'ai besoin.Tatoeba #616842 by qdii, translation #436885 by lukaszpp
- J'ai besoin de votre aide.I need your help.
- J'ai besoin de plus d'informations.I need more information.
- Je requiers votre présence.I require your presence.
- Je requiers une réponse immédiate.I require an immediate response.
- J'aurais besoin d'un rendez-vous.I would need an appointment.
- J'aurais besoin d'un moment pour réfléchir.I would need a moment to think.
- J'ai besoin de plus de détails.I need more details.
- Il me faut de l'argent.I need money.
- Il me faut un café.I need a coffee.
- J'ai besoin d'aide pour mon projet.I need help with my project.
- Il me faut du temps pour me décider.I need time to decide.
- J'aurais besoin d'une faveur spéciale.I would need a special favor.
- 762 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
At a grocery store, Gabriel and Léa are making a list.
- GabrielJ'ai besoin de lait.I need milk.
- LéaMoi, j'ai besoin de pommes.Me, I need apples.
- GabrielEst-ce qu'on a besoin de pain ?Do we need bread?
- LéaOui, Gabriel, on en a besoin.Yes, Gabriel, we need it.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries besoin, j'ai, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
