innecesario
/inneθeˈsaɾjo/
The English word unnecessary is translated into Spanish as innecesario. Wiktionary also lists desnecesario (disused).
Meaning: not necessary (adj)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| innecesario | /inneθeˈsaɾjo/ /inneseˈsaɾjo/ |
| desnecesario (disused) |
Innecesario is an adjective used to describe something that is not necessary.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed using the prefix in-, which functions as a negation similar to the English prefix 'un-'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender with the noun it modifies, so use the feminine form innecesaria for feminine nouns. The adjective must agree in number with the noun it modifies, so use innecesarios for masculine plural nouns and innecesarias for feminine plural nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
/inneθeˈsaɾjo/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people use the phrase está de más to say something is unnecessary. It literally translates to 'it is of more', implying the object has exceeded the required amount.
- If you want to tell someone they are being unnecessary in a way that implies they are an obstacle, use the word estorbo. While innecesario is a neutral description, estorbo implies the person is actively hindering progress.
- In many Spanish-speaking regions, instead of saying something is innecesario, people will simply say sobra. This uses the verb sobrar, meaning 'to be left over' or 'to be surplus', to describe something that is no longer needed.
Examples in context
- No tomes riesgos innecesarios.Don't take any unnecessary risks.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of innecesario with masculine plural nouns.Tatoeba #8655957 by cueyayotl, translation #5358081 by Hybrid
- Quiero evitar riesgos innecesarios.I want to avoid unnecessary risks.Tatoeba #2158911 by hayastan, translation #2016643 by CK
- Te aseguro que es bastante innecesario.I assure you it's quite unnecessary.This sentence is useful for practicing the use of innecesario as a predicate adjective.Tatoeba #2314611 by marcelostockle, translation #2293452 by CK
- La reunión de hoy fue innecesaria.Today's meeting was unnecessary.
- La compra de ese artículo fue innecesaria.The purchase of that item was unnecessary.
- El comentario fue innecesario.The comment was unnecessary.
- La respuesta fue innecesaria.The response was unnecessary.
- Los gastos fueron innecesarios.The expenses were unnecessary.
- Las advertencias fueron innecesarias.The warnings were unnecessary.
- Eso no es necesario.That is not necessary.
- Ese comentario no fue necesario.That comment was not necessary.
- Esa respuesta no fue necesaria.That response was not necessary.
- Esos gastos no fueron necesarios.Those expenses were not necessary.
- Esas advertencias no fueron necesarias.Those warnings were not necessary.
- 8 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing their shopping list at home.
- Daniel¿Debemos comprar este mueble nuevo?Should we buy this new piece of furniture?
- ElenaCreo que es innecesario para la sala.I think it is unnecessary for the living room.
- DanielTienes razón, Elena.You are right, Elena.
- ElenaAhorremos el dinero para el viaje.Let's save the money for the trip.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “unnecessary” translations and entries innecesario, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
