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:

罰することは必要な場合があります。

Bachi suru koto wa hitsuyou na baai ga arimasu

Sometimes it is necessary to punish.

Punishment may be necessary.

• 罰すること - action to punish
• は - Topic particle
• 必要な - necessary
• 場合 - case
• が - subject particle
• あります - exists

私たちはお互いを支え合って生きていく必要がある。

Watashitachi wa otagai o sasaete ikiteiku hitsuyou ga aru

We need to live supporting each other.

We need to support each other and live.

• 私たちは - We
• お互いを - each other
• 支え合って - supporting each other
• 生きていく - live
• 必要がある - Is required

私たちは時に他人に頼る必要があります。

Watashitachi wa toki ni tanin ni tayoru hitsuyō ga arimasu

Sometimes

Sometimes we need to trust others.

• 私たちは - We
• 時に - Sometimes
• 他人に - In other people
• 頼る - Trust
• 必要があります - Is required

私たちは階級制度を廃止する必要があると信じています。

Watashitachi wa kaikyū seido o haishi suru hitsuyō ga aru to shinjite imasu

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

We believe we need to abolish the class system.

• 私たちは - We
• 階級制度 - class system
• を - object particle
• 廃止する - abolish
• 必要がある - be necessary
• と - Quote particle
• 信じています - believe

私たちは前進する必要があります。

Watashitachi wa zenshin suru hitsuyō ga arimasu

We need to move forward.

We need to move on.

• 私たちは - 「私たち」
• 前進する - "avançar" in Japanese
• 必要があります - "It is necessary" in Japanese

相当な努力が必要です。

Sōtōna doryoku ga hitsuyōdesu

Considerable effort is required.

You need considerable effort.

• 相当な - means "considerable" or "quite a lot".
• 努力 - means "effort" or "dedication".
• が - Particle that indicates the subject of the sentence.
• 必要 - means "necessary" or "essential".
• です - polite way of "being" or "being".

測量を行う必要があります。

Sokuryō o okonau hitsuyō ga arimasu

It is necessary to carry out the measurement.

You need to carry out the survey.

• 測量 - measurement
• を - object particle
• 行う - accomplish
• 必要 - Necessary
• が - Subject particle
• あります - Exists

消耗品は定期的に補充する必要があります。

Shoumouhin wa teikiteki ni hokan suru hitsuyou ga arimasu

The consumable items need to be refilled regularly.

Consumables must be replenished regularly.

• 消耗品 (shoumouhin) - consumable products
• は (wa) - Topic particle
• 定期的に (teikiteki ni) - periodically
• 補充する (hojyuu suru) - refuel
• 必要があります (hitsuyou ga arimasu) - Is required

日用品は毎日必要なものです。

Nichiyōhin wa mainichi hitsuyōna mono desu

The daily needs are necessary things every day.

Daily needs are needed every day.

• 日用品 (にちようひん) - daily use items
• は - Topic particle
• 毎日 (まいにち) - every day
• 必要 (ひつよう) - necessary
• な - assignment particle
• もの - thing
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present

救済は必要なことです。

Kyūsai wa hitsuyōna koto desu

Assistance is something necessary.

Relief is required.

• 救済 - salvation, help
• は - Topic particle
• 必要 - necessary
• な - adjective particle
• こと - thing, subject
• です - Verb to be/estar in the present