necesario
/neθeˈsaɾjo/
The English phrase 'needed' is translated into Spanish as necesario.
necesario is an adjective used to describe something that is necessary or needed. For a more formal way to express that something is required, you can use requerido/a. If you want to express that something is essential or indispensable, the formal term imprescindible is appropriate.
Which one should you use?
It is important to distinguish between the adjective necesario, which means 'necessary' or 'needed' and the verb necesitar, which means 'to need'.
How does it change in a sentence?
As an adjective, necesario must agree in gender and number with the noun it modifies. Use necesaria for feminine singular nouns, necesarios for masculine plural nouns and necesarias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/neθeˈsaɾjo/
Did you know?
- In Spanish, the word necesidad (the noun form of 'need') can also refer to a 'bodily need', such as a trip to the restroom, which is a double meaning not found in the English word 'necessity'.
- While necesario means 'needed', Spanish speakers often use the phrase hace falta to express a need. This literally translates to 'it makes a lack', treating the need as a physical void that must be filled.
- The word imprescindible, a stronger version of necesario, describes something so 'needed' that it cannot be 'scinded' or cut away. It is frequently used in job postings to list non-negotiable skills.
Examples in context
- Tom hablaba más fuerte de lo necesario.Tom was talking louder than he needed to.This sentence shows how to use necesario to describe an action being more than what is needed.Tatoeba #3182538 by marcelostockle, translation #3182041 by CK
- Has comprado más estampillas de lo necesario.You've bought more stamps than needed.This sentence uses necesario to describe an amount that is more than needed.Tatoeba #1123761 by cueyayotl, translation #915350 by CK
- Los ingredientes necesarios para esta receta son un poco caros.The ingredients needed for this recipe are a bit expensive.This sentence uses necesarios to describe ingredients that are needed for a recipe.Tatoeba #10051432 by manufrutos, translation #12934989 by araneo
- Es necesario completar el informe antes de la reunión.It is necessary to complete the report before the meeting.
- La documentación necesaria para el trámite está detallada en el sitio web.The necessary documentation for the procedure is detailed on the website.
- Se requiere puntualidad en la conferencia.Punctuality is required at the conference.
- El formulario requerido debe ser entregado antes del jueves.The required form must be submitted before Thursday.
- La reunión con el cliente es imprescindible para cerrar el trato.The meeting with the client is indispensable to close the deal.
- Es imprescindible contar con el permiso de trabajo para iniciar el empleo.Having a work permit is essential to start the job.
- Es necesario tomar unas vacaciones urgentemente.It is necessary to take a vacation urgently.
- Necesito unos audífonos nuevos para escuchar música.I need some new headphones to listen to music.
- Hace falta terminar estos pendientes lo antes posible.It's necessary to finish these tasks as soon as possible.
- Me hace falta dinero para ir al concierto.I need money to go to the concert.
- Tienes que traer los documentos al banco.You need to bring the documents to the bank.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are planning a small picnic.
- Javier¿Es necesario comprar más bebida?Is it necessary to buy more drinks?
- LucíaNo, con lo que tenemos es suficiente.No, what we have is enough.
- JavierEstá bien, no traeré nada más.Okay, I won't bring anything else.
- LucíaPerfecto, nos vemos luego, Javier.Perfect, see you later, Javier.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry necesario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
