necesitar

Senses

1. 1.

   to need

   to require something as essential or important

2. 2.

   to have to

   to be obliged or compelled to do something

Examples

• "Necesito ayuda para terminar este proyecto."

  I need help to finish this project.

• "¿Qué necesitas para estar feliz?"

  What do you need to be happy?

• "Necesitamos hablar sobre lo que pasó."

  We need to talk about what happened.

Usage

Necesitar is one of the most common Spanish verbs. It takes a direct object (necesito agua) or an infinitive (necesito dormir). Do not confuse it with tener que, which expresses obligation more strongly.