demander
/də.mɑ̃.de/
The most common French verb for require, when a task calls for effort or time, is demander. If unsure, use demander. Wiktionary also lists avoir besoin de and requérir.
Meaning: to need (verb)
Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| demander | /də.mɑ̃.de/ |
| avoir besoin de | /a.vwaʁ bə.zwɛ̃ də/ |
| requérir | /ʁə.ke.ʁiʁ/ |
| nécessiter | /ne.se.si.te/ |
Use demander when a task or situation requires something, such as an effort. nécessiter works the same way in more formal speech. requérir is much more formal and belongs to legal, administrative or technical writing.
Which one should you use?
The main meaning of demander is to ask or to request, so it fits require only when something calls for an effort. When you need an object or a person, say avoir besoin de instead.
How does it change in a sentence?
nécessiter takes its object directly, while avoir besoin de needs the preposition de.
How do you pronounce it?
demander is pronounced /də.mɑ̃.de/, in three syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often use demander when they mean they need a thing or a person. To say you require a pen, use avoir besoin de, not demander.
Did you know?
- The verb demander comes from the Latin demandāre, which was formed using a root related to the Latin word manus, meaning 'hand'.
Examples in context
- Cela va demander un effort long et régulier.This is going to require a long steady effort.Here demander describes what the task calls for, a long and steady effort.Tatoeba #11979325 by lbdx, translation #274360 by CK
- Une tasse de café bien fait ne devrait pas nécessiter de lait ou de sucre.A well-made cup of coffee should require no cream or sugar.nécessiter gives the sentence a slightly formal tone.Tatoeba #801013 by sacredceltic, translation #727498 by darinmex
- Selon mon opinion, un site web bien conçu ne devrait pas requérir de défilement horizontal.In my opinion, a well-designed website shouldn't require horizontal scrolling.requérir sounds formal and technical, which suits a remark about web design.Tatoeba #1050954 by sacredceltic, translation #1048808 by CK
- J'ai besoin de votre aide dans ce projetI require your assistance on this project.
- Le règlement exige que vous soyez présentThe regulations require you to be present.
- Cet équipement nécessite une maintenance régulièreThis equipment requires regular maintenance.
- J'ai besoin de ton aideI require your help.
- Je dois finir ce travail avant demainI need to finish this work by tomorrow.
- Je suis obligé de revoir mes plansI am required to revise my plans.
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are discussing a new project at work.
- LéaCe projet va demander beaucoup de temps.This project is going to require a lot of time.
- HugoJe suis d'accord, c'est très complexe.I agree, it is very complex.
- LéaEst-ce que cela va demander un budget spécial ?Will it require a special budget?
- HugoOui, je vais demander des fonds demain.Yes, I will ask for funds tomorrow.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “require” translations and entries demander, avoir besoin de, requérir, nécessiter, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries avoir, avoir besoin de, besoin, de, demander, nécessiter, requérir, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
