bisogni

Bisogni is the plural of bisogno in Italian, meaning a need or necessity that motivates action. The term covers both tangible requirements and abstract needs related to well-being, security, and personal fulfillment. In everyday language, people speak of having or lacking needs in various aspects of life, including work, relationships, and health.

In Italian, the verb phrase avere bisogno di is used to express needing something or someone, with di introducing the object: Ho bisogno di una pausa; Hai bisogno di aiuto? The expression takes the subject’s perspective and governs the noun or pronoun that follows.

Common classifications distinguish bisogni fisiologici, or physiological needs such as food, water, shelter, and rest, from higher-order needs like sicurezza (safety), bisogni sociali (belonging and affection), stima (esteem), and autorealizzazione (self-actualization). These categories echo, in broad terms, theories of human motivation and development. In economics and development discourse, bisogni is used to discuss access to essential goods, services, and opportunities necessary for a satisfactory standard of living. Some scholars also refer to bisogni primari versus secondari, or fondamental then contingenti, depending on the framework.

Overall, bisogni is a versatile term in Italian that describes what individuals or groups require to function, feel secure, be included, be valued, and pursue goals. See also bisogno.