Translation and Meaning of: 必要 - hitsuyou

The Japanese word 「必要」 (hitsuyou) is a combination of two distinct kanji: 「必」 and 「要」. The etymology reveals that 「必」 (hitsu) means "inevitable" or "necessary", while 「要」 (you) means "precise" or "to require". Together, these words form a term that expresses the idea of something that is necessary or essential. The use of this word dates back to ancient eras, highlighting the importance of concepts of necessity and essentiality in various everyday situations in Japanese culture.

In the Japanese language, 「必要」 is widely used to express the need or importance of something. For example, it can refer to the importance of certain tasks at work, or the necessity of items on a daily shopping list. The word encompasses both tangible aspects, such as material objects, and intangible ones, such as skills or knowledge essential for personal and professional development.

Furthermore, variations of this word, such as the adjectives 「必要な」 (hitsuyou na) and the adverbial expressions 「必要以上に」 (hitsuyou ijou ni), are often used to describe situations or needs in specific contexts. The first refers to something that is necessary, while the second describes an action that goes beyond what is necessary. These nuances demonstrate the flexibility and relevance of the word within the Japanese language, revealing its importance not only in the language but also in how cultural values of practicality and efficiency are articulated in daily social interactions.

Vocabulary

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Synonyms and similar words

• 必要 (Hitsuyou) - Necessary; something that is essential.
• 必需 (Hitsuju) - Essential; something that cannot be dispensed with.
• 必要性 (Hitsuyousei) - Need; the quality of being necessary.
• 必要条件 (Hitsuyoujouken) - Necessary conditions; requirements that must be met.
• 必要とする (Hitsuyou to suru) - To need; to be in a condition of requiring something.
• 必要量 (Hitsuyouryou) - Necessary quantity; the measure that is essential.

必要

Romaji: hitsuyou
Kana: ひつよう
Type: Noun, adjective
L: jlpt-n4

Translation / Meaning: necessary; essential; indispensable

Meaning in English: necessary;essential;indispensable

Definition: Necessary - Something that must be, something that is essential.

Example Sentences - (必要) hitsuyou

See below some example sentences:

下地を整える必要があります。

Shimoji wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to prepare the base.

You need to adjust the base.

• 下地 (shitaji) - base, foundation
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 整える (tottaeru) - tidy up, prepare
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• が (ga) - subject particle
• あります (arimasu) - there is, there is

不意の攻撃には備えが必要だ。

Fui no kougeki ni wa sonae ga hitsuyou da

It is necessary to be prepared for a surprise attack.

An unexpected attack needs to be prepared.

• 不意の - unexpected, unforeseen
• 攻撃 - Attack
• には - particle that indicates the need for something
• 備え - preparation, precaution
• が - particle that indicates the subject of the sentence
• 必要 - necessary
• だ - Verb to be/estar in the present

休憩時間が必要です。

Kyūkei jikan ga hitsuyō desu

We need time to rest.

You need a breakout time.

• 休憩時間 - Rest time
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

体力が必要です。

Tairyoku ga hitsuyou desu

Physical energy is required.

I need physical strength.

• 体力 - means "physical strength" or "bodily energy".
• が - Grammatical particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - verb "to be" in the present tense, used to indicate a polite statement.

体制を整える必要がある。

Taisei wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to establish a system.

It is necessary to prepare the system.

• 体制 - means "system" or "structure" in Japanese.
• を - object particle in Japanese, indicating that "体制" is the object of the sentence.
• 整える - verb that means "adjust" or "organize" in Japanese.
• 必要 - Adjective meaning "necessary" or "essential" in Japanese.
• が - Subject particle in Japanese, indicating that "必要" is the subject of the sentence.
• ある - verb meaning "to exist" or "to have" in Japanese, indicating that the action of "整える" is necessary.

使用することは必要です。

Shiyō suru koto wa hitsuyō desu

It is necessary to use.

It is necessary to use it.

• 使用する - It means "to use" in Japanese.
• こと - means "thing" or "subject" in Japanese
• は - It is a grammatical particle that indicates the topic of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese
• です - is a polite way of saying "to be" or "to be" in Japanese
• . - indicates the end of the sentence

価格を下げる必要がある。

Kakaku wo sageru hitsuyou ga aru

The price needs to be reduced.

You need to lower the price.

• 価格 (kakaku) - price
• を (wo) - object particle
• 下げる (sageru) - reduce, lower
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - need
• が (ga) - subject particle
• ある (aru) - exist

便所にはトイレットペーパーが必要です。

Benjo ni wa toiretto peepaa ga hitsuyou desu

Toilet paper is needed for the bathroom.

• 便所 (benjo) - Restroom
• に (ni) - in
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• トイレットペーパー (toiretto peepaa) - toilet paper
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• です (desu) - verb ser/estar (polite form)

保健は健康を守るために必要なものです。

Hoken wa kenkou wo mamoru tame ni hitsuyou na mono desu

Health is necessary to protect your health.

• 保健 - Public health
• は - Topic particle
• 健康 - health
• を - direct object particle
• 守る - protect
• ために - for
• 必要な - necessary
• もの - thing
• です - be (linking verb)

修理が必要です。

Shuuri ga hitsuyou desu

I need repairs.

Repair is required.

• 修理 (shuuri) - repair, fix
• が (ga) - subject particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• です (desu) - Verb to be/estar in the present