必要(ひつよう)

必要(ひつよう) functions as both a na-adjective and a noun meaning 'necessary' or 'necessity.'

Usage

必要(ひつよう) works as both a na-adjective and a noun. As a na-adjective it predicates with だ/です (時間(じかん)が必要(ひつよう)です, "time is needed") and modifies a noun with な (必要(ひつよう)な物(もの), "necessary things"). As a noun it heads phrases like 必要(ひつよう)がある ("there is a need to"). Note the frame XがYに必要(ひつよう)だ = "X is necessary for Y."
When expressing personal need, the pattern XがYに必要(ひつよう)だ (X is necessary for Y) is common. For 'I need X,' Japanese often uses Xが要(い)る or Xが欲(ほ)しい instead.

Common patterns

• [noun]が必要(ひつよう)だ: [noun] is necessary
• 必要(ひつよう)な[noun]: necessary [noun]
• 必要(ひつよう)がある: there is a need (to)
• 必要(ひつよう)はない: there is no need (to)
• 必要(ひつよう)に応(おう)じて: as needed, according to necessity

Common expressions

• 必要(ひつよう)書類(しょるい): required documents
• 必要(ひつよう)最低限(さいていげん): bare minimum necessity
• 必要(ひつよう)経費(けいひ): necessary expenses

Similar words

不必要(ふひつよう) (unnecessary)