צריך
tsaríkh/t͡saˈʁiχ/
The Hebrew word for 'need' is צריך (tsaríkh).
The word צריך is used to express that there is an absolute requirement for something. You will often see it used in the idiomatic phrase אם צריך, which means 'if necessary' or 'if needed'.
Meaning: to have an absolute requirement for (verb)
Which one should you use?
While צריך is used as an adjective or verb to mean 'need', the word צורך is a noun referring to a 'need' or 'requirement' in a more abstract or formal sense.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The form צריך must agree in gender and number with the subject. Use צריכה for a female subject, צריכים for a group of men or a mixed group and צריכות for a group of women. To express necessity or obligation, such as 'it must be', combine צריך with the infinitive 'to be' (להיות) to form צריך להיות.
How do you pronounce it?
tsaríkh (/tsaˈʁiχ/)
Did you know?
- The Hebrew word for 'consumerism', צריכה, actually shares the same linguistic root as the word for 'need'. This links the act of consuming directly to the concept of a requirement.
- In Hebrew, the word צריך can carry a sense of moral duty rather than just a functional requirement. Using it can imply that someone 'ought to' do something because it is the right thing to do.
- When suggesting a way to do something, Israelis often use the phrase אם צריך as a polite way to soften a command. It functions similarly to saying 'if it is alright with you' or 'if necessary' in English.
Examples in context
- אם צריך – אבוא.If you need me to, I'll come.This sentence shows how to use צריך to express 'if necessary'.Tatoeba #4074330 by papilichasisto, translation #5137163 by Joseph
- אני צריך את זה.I need this.This sentence shows how to express a personal requirement using צריך.Tatoeba #5407340 by fekundulo, translation #253814 by CK
- זה מה שאני צריך.This is what I need.This sentence shows how to use צריך to identify a specific thing that is needed.Tatoeba #1703160 by MrShoval, translation #56215 by CK
- אני צריך/צריכה עזרה עם המשימה.I need help with the task.
- כל תלמיד צריך להבין את החומר הלימודי.Every student needs to understand the study material.
- אני צריך/צריכה לצאת לקניות.I need to go shopping.
- 755 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Rotem are preparing to leave the house.
- דניאל Danielאני צריך את המפתחות שלי.Ani tsarich et hamaftachot sheli.I need my keys.
- רוטם Rotemהם על השולחן במטבח.Hem al hashulchan bamitbach.They are on the kitchen table.
- דניאל Danielאת צריכה מטרייה היום?At tsricha mitreya hayom?Do you need an umbrella today?
- רוטם Rotemכן, אני חושבת שירד גשם.Ken, ani choshevet sherad geshem.Yes, I think it will rain.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “need” translations and entries צריך, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
