必要です
hitsuyō desu
In Japanese, "I need" is expressed as 必要です (hitsuyō desu).
The phrase 必要です is used to express that something is necessary or required. It is often used for abstract requirements or formal necessities.
What does it mean word for word?
The word 必要 (hitsuyō) is a noun meaning "necessity" or "requirement".
Which one should you use?
While 必要です is used for abstract or formal needs, another way to express desire or need informally is ～が欲しい (I want/I desire). Additionally, for physical objects or immediate needs, 要ります is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express that you need something, use the structure [Noun] が必要です. To say that something is not necessary, use the negative form 必要ありません.
How do you pronounce it?
hitsuyō desu
Did you know?
- While 必要です expresses a logical necessity, if you say it to a person to mean 'I need you' or 'I need your help', it can sound cold and purely functional, as if you are treating the person as a tool or a required object.
- If you are in a shop and need to ask for an item, using 必要です can sound like you are stating a philosophical fact about the universe. Instead, Japanese speakers usually use ～をください which translates to 'please give me' to express a practical need.
- The kanji 必要 combines the characters for 'need' and 'use', reflecting a historical link between necessity and the performance of a specific duty.
Examples in context
- 手術が必要ですか。Do I need an operation?This sentence is useful for asking if an operation is necessary using the form 必要です.Tatoeba #148543 by tommy__san, translation #266016 by CK
- 許可が必要ですか？Do I need permission?This sentence is useful for asking if permission is necessary using the form 必要です.Tatoeba #11782640 by bunbuku, translation #9325796 by megamanenm
- 明日までには必要です。I need to know by tomorrow.This sentence is useful for stating a deadline for a requirement using the form 必要です.Tatoeba #80378 by bunbuku, translation #323339 by CK
- 私は新しいパソコンが必要です。I need a new computer.
- この書類は提出が必要ですか？Is it necessary to submit this document?
- 本が必要だ。I need a book.
- 29 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Misaki and Kenta are preparing for a trip.
- 美咲 Misaki健太さん、パスポートは必要です。Kenta-san, pasupōto wa hitsuyō desu.Kenta, a passport is necessary.
- 健太 Kentaあ、忘れていました。ありがとうございます。A, wasurete imashita. Arigatō gozaimasu.Oh, I forgot. Thank you very much.
- 美咲 Misaki他に何か必要ですか？Hoka ni nanika hitsuyō desu ka?Do you need anything else?
- 健太 Kentaいいえ、もう大丈夫です。Iie, mō daijōbu desu.No, I'm all set now.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
