need
gb/nˈid/ us/nˈid/
A1
Inglés
~ 300
Acepciones
0 acepciones
Verbo
A1
action
1
Require something essential
To have to have or do something because it is important or you cannot be without it.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] needs [something]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes confuse 'need' with 'want'; 'need' expresses necessity, not desire.
Sinónimos
require (Slightly more formal; often used in official or technical contexts.)
Antónimos
not require (Indicates that something is unnecessary.)
Colocaciones
need help
|need money
|need time
|need attention
Temas
daily life
|work
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Ejemplos
- I need a new phone because mine broke.
- You’ll need a passport to travel abroad.
- We need more time to finish the project.
- She needs help carrying those boxes.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- I need a pen.
- We need more chairs.
- Do you need water?
- They need a car.
Sustantivo
A2
state
2
State of lacking something essential
When you do not have something important for life or comfort.
Patrón de uso:
in need of [something]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes use 'needs' when talking about a general lack ('There is need for water'), where 'need' (singular) is correct.
Sinónimos
necessity (Refers to something that must be had; often interchangeable but 'necessity' can sound more formal.)
Antónimos
abundance (Indicates having more than enough of something.)
Colocaciones
in need
|urgent need
|basic needs
Temas
daily life
|emotions
|core_vocabulary
|daily_life
Ejemplos
- There is a real need for better public transport.
- Families in need will receive support.
- The project addresses the needs of young people.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- I am in need of help.
- They have many needs.
- We help people in need.
Verbo
A2
action
3
Be obliged to do something
To have to do something because of rules or the situation.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] needs to [verb]
Error frecuente:
Learners sometimes replace 'need to' with 'must' in informal conversation, but 'need to' is more common and softer in tone.
Sinónimos
must ('Must' is stronger and more formal; often used for strict requirements.)
Antónimos
not have to (Indicates that there is no obligation.)
Colocaciones
need to comply
|need to follow
|need to act
Temas
work
|daily life
|law
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- You need to wear a helmet on this site.
- We need to submit the report by Friday.
- They need to show ID at the entrance.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- You need to stop here.
- I need to go now.
- We need to be on time.
Verbo
B1
action
4
Strongly want something nonessential
To want something very much, even if you can live without it.
Patrón de uso:
[someone] needs [something] badly
Error frecuente:
Learners may confuse this with the necessity sense; context usually makes it clear whether it's about desire or necessity.
Sinónimos
crave ('Crave' often refers to food, experiences, or emotional needs and can sound more intense.)
Antónimos
not want (Indicates having no desire for something.)
Colocaciones
really need
|desperately need
Temas
emotions
|core_vocabulary
Ejemplos
- I really need a vacation right now.
- She needs some excitement in her life.
- We all need a break sometimes.
Ejemplos para estudiantes
- I need some fun.
- We need a rest now.
- You need a holiday.
Gramática
Forma de diccionario
need
AFI
GB/nˈid/
US/nˈid/
Sílabas y acento
need (1 sílaba)
Stress on 1st syllable (need)
Formas de la palabra
Noun
- Base: need
- Plural: need, needs
Verb
- Base: need
- 3rd Person Singular: needs
- Present Participle: needing
- Past: needed
Familia de palabras
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
Expresiones
if need be
1/ˈɪf nˈid bˈi/
fixed phrase
If it becomes necessary
If it is needed or important at some time.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- 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.
Ejemplos
- There’s no need to worry about it.
- No need to call me back.