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:

彼女は援助を必要としています。

Kanojo wa enjo o hitsuyou to shiteimasu

She needs help.

She needs assistance.

• 彼女 (kanojo) - she
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 援助 (enjo) - Ajuda, assistência
• を (wo) - direct object particle
• 必要 (hitsuyou) - necessary
• としています (toshiteimasu) - It is in need

微量の栄養素が体に必要です。

Biryou no eiyousu ga karada ni hitsuyou desu

A small amount of nutrients is required for the body.

• 微量 - It means "small amount" in Japanese.
• の - possession particle in Japanese.
• 栄養素 - It means "nutrient" in Japanese.
• が - subject particle in Japanese.
• 体 - means "body" in Japanese.
• に - destination particle in Japanese.
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese.
• です - verb to be in Japanese.

徹夜で勉強する必要がある。

Tetsuya de benkyou suru hitsuyou ga aru

I need to study all night.

You need to study all night long.

• 徹夜 - it means "to stay awake all night."
• で - It is a particle that indicates the means or the way in which something is done.
• 勉強する - means "to study".
• 必要がある - means "to be necessary".

必需品は旅行に行くときに必要です。

Hitsuyouhin wa ryokou ni iku toki ni hitsuyou desu

Essential items are needed when traveling.

Necessary items are needed when traveling.

• 必需品 - means "essential items" in Japanese
• は - Japanese topic particle
• 旅行 - means "journey" in Japanese
• に - destination particle in Japanese
• 行く - means "to go" in Japanese
• ときに - means "when" in Japanese
• 必要 - means "necessary" in Japanese
• です - polite way of "being" in Japanese

態勢を整える必要がある。

Taisei wo totonoeru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to adjust the posture.

You need to be ready.

• 態勢 - posture, position, attitude
• を - direct object particle
• 整える - arrange, adjust, prepare
• 必要 - necessity, essential
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist, have

手回しをする必要がある。

Te mawashi wo suru hitsuyou ga aru

It is necessary to make the preparations.

You need to deal with it.

• 手回し - manual movement
• をする - make
• 必要 - need
• が - subject particle
• ある - exist

手入れが必要です。

Teire ga hitsuyou desu

Maintenance is required.

It is necessary to take care.

• 手入れ - care, maintenance
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

手当てをする必要があります。

Teate wo suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

It is necessary to make a bandage.

You need to take care.

• 手当て - means "treatment" or "care", and can refer to medical treatments or personal care.
• を - particle that indicates the direct object of the sentence.
• する - verb "to do".
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• あります - he verb "to exist", in its polite form, indicates that something exists or is necessary.

手引きが必要です。

Tebiki ga hitsuyou desu

We need guidance/guide.

You need a guide.

• 手引き - guide, instruction
• が - subject particle
• 必要 - necessary
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

指揮をとる人はリーダーシップが必要です。

Shiki wo toru hito wa riidaashippu ga hitsuyou desu

The person who takes command needs leadership.

• 指揮をとる人 - person who leads
• は - Topic particle
• リーダーシップ - leadership
• が - subject particle
• 必要です - necessary