need
gb/nˈid/ us/nˈid/
A1
English
~ 300
szüksége van, kell, szükség, rászorultság, szükséglet, vágyik, szeretne
VERB
A1
1
szüksége van
A2
kell
A1
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs [something]
I need a new phone because mine broke.
Szükségem van egy új telefonra, mert az enyém elromlott.
You’ll need a passport to travel abroad.
Külföldi utazáshoz útlevélre lesz szükséged.
We need more time to finish the project.
She needs help carrying those boxes.
Learner examples
I need a pen.
Szükségem van egy tollra.
We need more chairs.
Több székre van szükségünk.
Do you need water?
They need a car.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'need' with 'want'; 'need' expresses necessity, not desire.
Meaning
Require something essential
Collocations
need help
|need money
|need time
|need attention
Synonyms
require (Slightly more formal; often used in official or technical contexts.)
Antonyms
not require (Indicates that something is unnecessary.)
Themes
daily life
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
To have to have or do something because it is important or you cannot be without it.
To have to have or do something because it is necessary or very important.
NOUN
A2
2
Usage pattern:
in need of [something]
There is a real need for better public transport.
Nagy szükség van jobb tömegközlekedésre.
Families in need will receive support.
A rászoruló családok támogatást kapnak.
The project addresses the needs of young people.
Learner examples
I am in need of help.
Segítségre van szükségem.
They have many needs.
Sokféle szükségletük van.
We help people in need.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes use 'needs' when talking about a general lack ('There is need for water'), where 'need' (singular) is correct.
Meaning
State of lacking something essential
Collocations
in need
|urgent need
|basic needs
Synonyms
necessity (Refers to something that must be had; often interchangeable but 'necessity' can sound more formal.)
Antonyms
abundance (Indicates having more than enough of something.)
Themes
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Definition
When you do not have something important for life or comfort.
A situation in which someone does not have something necessary for life, comfort, or success.
VERB
A2
3
kell
A1
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs to [verb]
You need to wear a helmet on this site.
Ezen a munkaterületen sisakot kell viselned.
We need to submit the report by Friday.
Péntekig le kell adnunk a jelentést.
They need to show ID at the entrance.
Learner examples
You need to stop here.
Itt meg kell állnod.
I need to go now.
Most mennem kell.
We need to be on time.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes replace 'need to' with 'must' in informal conversation, but 'need to' is more common and softer in tone.
Meaning
Be obliged to do something
Collocations
need to comply
|need to follow
|need to act
Synonyms
must ('Must' is stronger and more formal; often used for strict requirements.)
Antonyms
not have to (Indicates that there is no obligation.)
Themes
work
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To have to do something because of rules or the situation.
To be required to do something because of rules, laws, or a particular situation.
VERB
B1
4
Usage pattern:
[someone] needs [something] badly
I really need a vacation right now.
Most nagyon vágyom egy nyaralásra.
She needs some excitement in her life.
Egy kis izgalomra vágyik az életében.
We all need a break sometimes.
Learner examples
I need some fun.
Szeretnék egy kicsit szórakozni.
We need a rest now.
Most szeretnénk egy kicsit pihenni.
You need a holiday.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with the necessity sense; context usually makes it clear whether it's about desire or necessity.
Meaning
Strongly want something nonessential
Collocations
really need
|desperately need
Synonyms
crave ('Crave' often refers to food, experiences, or emotional needs and can sound more intense.)
Antonyms
not want (Indicates having no desire for something.)
Themes
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To want something very much, even if you can live without it.
To feel that you want something very much, even if it is not necessary.
Grammar
Dictionary form
need
IPA
GB/nˈid/
US/nˈid/
Syllables & stress
need (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (need)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: need
- Plural: need, needs
Verb
- Base: need
- 3rd Person Singular: needs
- Present Participle: needing
- Past: needed
Word family
Forms
needs
noun
needing
verb
needed
verb
Core family
necessary
adjective A2
Negative and opposite forms
unnecessary
adjective B1
needless
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
needlessly
adverb
neediness
noun
Expressions
if need be
1/ˈɪf nˈid bˈi/
fixed phrase
If it becomes necessary
If it is needed or important at some time.
Examples
- We can make changes later if need be.
- If need be, I can work all weekend.
in need of
1/ˈɪn nˈid əv/
fixed phrase
Lacking something necessary
Not having something important and wanting it.
Examples
- The house is in need of repairs.
- He’s in need of some rest.
need not
1/nˈid nˈɑt/
fixed phrase
Not obliged to do something now or later
You do not have to do something now or in the future.
Examples
- You need not attend if you are busy.
- They need not apply if they lack experience.
no need to
1/nˈoʊ nˈid tə/
fixed phrase
Not necessary to do something
It is not necessary to do something.
Examples
- There’s no need to worry about it.
- No need to call me back.