Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| necesario | /neθeˈsaɾjo/ /neseˈsaɾjo/ |
|
| menester | /menesˈteɾ/ | |
| preciso | /pɾeˈθiso/ /pɾeˈsiso/ |
masculine |
The primary way to express that something is needed or required is by using the adjective necesario.
Which one should you use?
While preciso can be used to mean 'necessary', it is often used to mean 'precise' or 'exact'. In contrast, necesario is the standard word for 'needed'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For a highly formal or literary register, you can use the fixed expression es menester to mean 'it is necessary'. If you wish to signify that something is indispensable or mandatory in a formal context, you may also use imprescindible.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective necesario must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, using the feminine form necesaria for feminine nouns. Additionally, when using the construction es necesario que (it is necessary that), the verb in the following clause must be in the subjunctive mood.
How do you pronounce it?
/neθeˈsaɾjo/
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Eso no era necesario.That was not necessary.This sentence uses necesario to express a past state of necessity.Tatoeba #1388032 by marcelostockle, translation #806834 by Source_VOA
- Eso no será necesario.That won't be necessary.This sentence uses necesario to express a future state of necessity.Tatoeba #9747825 by Shishir, translation #2272097 by CK
- Vendré si es necesario.I'll come if necessary.This sentence uses necesario to describe a conditional necessity.Tatoeba #501224 by Shishir, translation #318267 by CK
- es imprescindible llegar a tiempoIt is necessary to arrive on time
- llevar una identificación es obligatorioCarrying identification is necessary
- tienes que estudiar, es necesarioYou have to study, it's necessary
- Se hace necesario aprender idiomas extranjeros.It becomes necessary to learn foreign languages.
- 144 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are discussing a work project.
- MaríaEs necesario terminar esto hoy.It is necessary to finish this today.
- Javier¿Es realmente necesario, María?Is it really necessary, María?
- MaríaSí, es un paso necesario.Yes, it is a necessary step.
- JavierEstá bien, lo haré.Alright, I will do it.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “necessary” translations and entries necesario, menester, preciso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries menester, necesario, preciso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
