必要がある
hitsuyō ga aru
The English phrase "need to" is expressed in Japanese as 必要がある (hitsuyō ga aru).
必要がある is used to state that it is necessary to do something. It expresses an objective or logical necessity.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the noun 必要 (hitsuyō), meaning "necessity", the particle が (ga) and the verb ある (aru), meaning "to exist". Literally, it means "necessity exists".
Which one should you use?
While 必要がある expresses a logical or objective necessity, the phrase なければならない is more commonly used to express a strong social or moral obligation.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
必要がある is used in formal contexts. In casual, everyday conversation, you might instead use the contraction ～なきゃ, which is a short form of なければならない.
How does it change in a sentence?
To use this phrase, place the dictionary form of a verb immediately before it.
How do you pronounce it?
hitsuyō ga aru
Did you know?
- While 必要がある expresses an objective necessity, using it to tell someone else what they 'need to' do can sound strangely robotic or clinical, as if you are describing a biological or mechanical requirement.
- While 必要がある describes a logical need, the common alternative なければならない literally translates to 'if one does not do it, it will not become'. It frames necessity as a failure of reality to manifest otherwise.
- In highly formal or humble Japanese, speakers may avoid saying they 'need' something directly and instead use the word いただく to frame the necessity as a favor they are receiving from another.
Examples in context
- 私たちは急ぐ必要がある。We need to hurry.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 必要がある to express the need to hurry.Tatoeba #2040883 by bunbuku, translation #1893747 by CK
- 家を片付ける必要がある。I need to declutter my house.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 必要がある to express the need to declutter.Tatoeba #8056931 by Ninja, translation #8056927 by CK
- トムを見つける必要がある。I just need to find Tom.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 必要がある to express the need to find someone.Tatoeba #2138443 by bunbuku, translation #1887442 by CK
- 社会貢献するためには、努力する必要があります。To contribute to society, effort is necessary.
- 朝ごはんを食べる前に、歯を磨かなければなりません。You must brush your teeth before eating breakfast.
- 明日は試験があるから、勉強が必要だ。Since there is an exam tomorrow, studying is necessary.
- 58 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Yota and Misaki are discussing a project at school.
- 陽太 Yotaもっと練習する必要があると思う。Motto renshū suru hitsuyō ga aru to omou.I think we need to practice more.
- 美咲 Misakiそうだね。明日も集まろうか。Sō da ne. Ashita mo atsumarō ka.You're right. Shall we meet again tomorrow?
- 陽太 Yotaいいよ。準備をする必要があるしね。Ii yo. Junbi o suru hitsuyō ga aru shi ne.Sure. We need to prepare, after all.
- 美咲 Misaki分かった。じゃあ、明日ね。Wakatta. Jā, ashita ne.Got it. See you tomorrow.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
