Spanish Conversation · Level 3
87 words
Spanish word
necesidad
Pronunciation
IPA/neθesiˈðað/
Meaning
- feminine nounneed
Example
Tengo necesidad de descansar.
I feel the need to rest.
More examples
No es una necesidad, es una opción.
It's not a necessity, it's an option.
Core concept
Pressing lack that drives action.
Common phrases
tener necesidad de
need to
sentir necesidad de
feel the need to
cubrir una necesidad
meet a need
Similar words
falta: Absence or shortage of something needed or expected in a situation.
carencia: Lack of essential resources causing everyday difficulties or deprivation.
urgencia: Immediate, pressing need that requires prompt action to avoid harm.
escasez: Short supply of goods or resources relative to need or demand.
Definition in Spanish
Sentimiento o condición que indica que algo es necesario para cubrir una carencia física o moral y que motiva a actuar.
Word origin
Comes from Latin necessitās 'necessity', ultimately from necesse 'necessary', and names what is required to fill a physical or moral lack.
Usage tips
- Tener necesidad de often sounds formal or emphatic, so speakers often use necesitar or the phrase me hace falta in everyday contexts.