필요해요
pil-yohaeyo
The phrase "I need" in Korean is expressed as 필요해요 (pil-yohaeyo).
This phrase is used to express that something is required or necessary.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun that is needed is typically followed by the subject markers 이 (after a consonant) or 가 (after a vowel) before 필요해요. While 필요해요 can mean "I need", it can also be translated as "it is needed".
How do you pronounce it?
pil-yohaeyo
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly try to use a direct object marker (을/를) with 필요해요, but the thing needed is grammatically treated as the subject of the sentence.
Did you know?
- In Korean, the word 필요 (necessity) is a noun rather than a verb. While English uses 'need' as a verb, Korean speakers are essentially saying 'necessity exists' or 'the necessity is present'.
- If you use the even more formal version 필요합니다, you might sound like you are making an official announcement or giving a presentation rather than just expressing a personal desire.
- Because the verb focus is on the thing itself being 'needed', a Korean speaker might omit 'I' entirely in the sentence, whereas an English speaker feels the need to say 'I need'.
Examples in context
- 저는 베이비 로션이 필요해요.I need body lotion.This sentence is useful for requesting a specific item like body lotion.Tatoeba #13118562 by romzzo, translation #436841 by lukaszpp
- 돈이 필요해요.I need money.This sentence is useful for stating a need for money.Tatoeba #6305060 by Queserasera, translation #436861 by lukaszpp
- 당신이 필요해요.I need you.This sentence is useful for expressing a need for a person.Tatoeba #7966400 by EstasKorea, translation #17735 by CK
- 저는 사과가 필요합니다.I need an apple.
- 제 책이 필요합니다.I need my book.
- 커피가 필요해.I need coffee.
- 물 좀 주세요.Please give me some water.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Dohyun and Jieun are shopping at a stationery store.
- 도현 Do-hyeon지은 씨, 연필이 필요해요?Jieun ssi, yeonpiri piryohaeyo?Jieun, do you need a pencil?
- 지은 Ji-eun네, 샤프도 필요해요.Ne, syapdo piryohaeyo.Yes, I need a mechanical pencil too.
- 도현 Do-hyeon그럼 같이 골라요.Geureom gachi golrayo.Then let's pick them out together.
- 지은 Ji-eun고마워요, 도현 씨.Gomawoyo, Dohyun ssi.Thank you, Dohyun.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
