nous avons besoin
The English phrase "we need" is translated into French as nous avons besoin.
This phrase is used to express that something is necessary or required.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase nous avons besoin literally translates to "we have need".
Which one should you use?
While nous avons besoin is grammatically correct, in spoken French, people often use on a besoin to say "we need".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form on a besoin is the standard way to express "we need" in casual, everyday spoken French.
Did you know?
- While nous is the standard word for 'we', the French word for 'mind' is also nous, derived from the Ancient Greek noûs.
- Historically, using the singular je instead of nous to mean 'we' was considered a sign of the peasantry and was often mocked by writers like Molière.
- If you travel to certain regions like Normandy or Champagne, you might hear local variations of 'we' that differ significantly from the standard nous, such as 'nos' or 'nouz'.
Examples in context
- Nous avons besoin d'eau.We need water.This sentence is useful for learning how to express a need for water with nous avons besoin.Tatoeba #3657466 by sacredceltic, translation #2241426 by CK
- Nous avons besoin de ça.We need this.This sentence is useful for learning how to express a need for something specific with nous avons besoin.Tatoeba #4599007 by Amastan, translation #1893758 by CK
- Nous avons besoin d'aide.We need help.This sentence is useful for learning how to express a need for help with nous avons besoin.Tatoeba #4049837 by mouche, translation #1893762 by CK
- Nous avons besoin de vousWe need you
- Nous avons besoin d'aideWe need help
- Nous requérons votre soutienWe require your support
- Il faut que l'on ait de l'argentWe need money
- Nous avons vraiment besoin de ton aideWe really need your help
- 209 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Léa are planning a hiking trip.
- LucasNous avons besoin d'une carte.We need a map.
- LéaTu as raison, Lucas.You are right, Lucas.
- LucasEst-ce que nous avons besoin de chaussures neuves ?Do we need new shoes?
- LéaNon, les nôtres sont parfaites.No, ours are perfect.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries besoin, nous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
