necesitar algo
/neθesitaɾ alɡo/from spelling rules
To need something in Spanish is necesitar algo.
This phrase is used when you require a particular object or service to satisfy a want or a necessity.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain Latin American regions, it is common to use Estoy necesitando… to mean "I am needing…", which indicates an ongoing need.
How does it change in a sentence?
You can conjugate necesitar to change who needs the item: necesito algo means "I need something", necesitas algo means "you need something" (informal) and necesita algo means "he/she needs something" or "you (formal) need something". The infinitive form necesitar algo is used to express a general concept or when the verb follows another verb.
How do you pronounce it?
/neθesitaɾ alɡo/
Did you know?
- While necesitar algo expresses a requirement, you might hear Spanish speakers say me hace falta algo to say they need something. This literally translates to 'something is making a lack to me'.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, using necesito in a shop can seem too blunt, so people often use quisiera, meaning 'I would like'.
- The verb necesitar is actually a direct descendant of the Medieval Latin necessitō, which meant 'to oblige' or 'to compel'.
Examples in context
- ¿Podría usted proporcionarme una copia de este informe?Could you provide me with a copy of this report?
- Me gustaría obtener más información sobre este proyecto.I would like to get more information about this project.
- Oye, necesito algo de dinero para salir esta noche.Hey, I need some money to go out tonight.
- Me hace falta una nueva computadora para trabajar.I need a new computer for work.
- Estoy necesitando ayuda con mi tarea.I am needing help with my homework.
- Voy a necesitar algo para comer.I am going to need something to eat.
- ¿Vas a necesitar algo para el viaje?Are you going to need something for the trip?
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries algo, necesitar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
