需要
xūyào
To need in Chinese is expressed as 需要 (xūyào).
The verb 需要 is used to express having an absolute requirement for something. In related forms, 需求 (xūqiú) is used specifically as a noun to mean 'demand' or 'requirement', often in economic or technical contexts.
Meaning: to have an absolute requirement for (verb)
What does it mean word for word?
The verb 需要 is composed of two parts: 需 (xū), which means to require or demand and 要 (yào), which means to need or want.
Which one should you use?
While 需要 is the standard verb for 'to need', the noun form 需求 is used for 'demand' or 'requirement'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To negate the verb 'need', place 不 (bù) before 需要 to form 不需要, which means 'do not need'.
How do you pronounce it?
xūyào
Did you know?
- The character 需 (xū) in the word 'need' is originally related to the concept of 'waiting' or 'awaiting' something in ancient Chinese.
- Because 要 (yào) covers 'want', 'need', and 'must', an English speaker might accidentally sound like they are making a demand when they only intend to express a simple need.
- The character 要 (yào) is also used in the word for 'important' (重要 zhòngyào), linking the concept of 'needing' something to its level of importance.
Examples in context
- 我们需要火。We need fire.This sentence shows how to express a collective need using 需要.Tatoeba #427910 by GlossaMatik, translation #427908 by Alkrasnov
- 我需要胶水。I need glue.This sentence demonstrates expressing a personal need for an object using 需要.Tatoeba #5576802 by verdastelo9604, translation #2631795 by Joseph
- 你不需要枪。You don't need a gun.This sentence illustrates how to use the negative form 不需要 to say one does not need something.Tatoeba #5763021 by verdastelo9604, translation #4888480 by CK
- 我需要一杯咖啡。I need a cup of coffee.
- 我必须去上班。I must go to work.
- 我要找工作。I need to find a job.
- 419 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Wei and Xiaowen are preparing to leave for a trip.
- 伟 Wei晓雯，你还需要带什么吗？Xiǎowén, nǐ hái xūyào dài shénme ma?Xiaowen, do you need to bring anything else?
- 晓雯 Xiaowen我需要带一把雨伞。Wǒ xūyào dài yī bǎ yǔsǎn.I need to bring an umbrella.
- 伟 Wei我也需要带一件外套。Wǒ yě xūyào dài yī jiàn wàitào.I need to bring a coat too.
- 晓雯 Xiaowen好的，我们现在就走吧。Hǎo de, wǒmen xiànzài jiù zǒu ba.Okay, let's leave now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “need” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
