necesitar

Necesitar is a Spanish verb meaning to need or require. It is a transitive verb of the first conjugation (-ar) and is regular in standard forms, taking a direct object to indicate what is required. It can be followed by a noun (Necesito tiempo), by an infinitive (Necesito estudiar), or by a dependent clause introduced by que in the subjunctive mood (Necesito que vengas).

Conjugation and forms: In the present indicative the forms are necesito, necesitas, necesita, necesitamos, necesitáis, necesitan. Other tenses follow regular -ar patterns: necesité, necesitaste, necesitó; necesitaba, necesitabas, necesitábamos, necesitabais, necesitaban; necesitaré, necesitarás, necesitará, necesitaremos, necesitaréis, necesitarán. The present subjunctive is necesite, necesites, necesite, necesitemos, necesitéis, necesiten; imperfect subjunctive can be necesitara or necesitase. The gerund is necesitando and the past participle is necesitado. These forms align with standard Spanish verb morphology.

Usage notes: Necesitar expresses a current or upcoming requirement. It commonly takes a direct object (Necesito dinero), but can also govern a subordinate clause with the subjunctive to express a demand or request (Necesito que me ayudes). Although in some dialects a construction with de appears (necesitar de), the direct-object usage is considered standard in modern Spanish. Synonyms include hacer falta and requerir, which can carry nuance differences.

Etymology: The verb derives from Latin necessitare, from necessitas (necessity), and entered Spanish through medieval forms meaning to make necessary or to need.

See also: hacer falta, requerir, conjugation of necesitar.